PI MAI LAO: Buddhist New Year, the spiritual heart of Laos.

A sensory itinerary of scents, sounds, and ancestral traditions that comes to life in the beating heart of Southeast Asia. The journey begins in the south, exploring the authentic life of villages and communities living by following the millennial rhythms of the Mekong River and the bountiful gifts it offers. The itinerary winds its way to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can discover the authentic essence of the Laotian New Year: an explosion of colors, rituals and traditions unique in the world.

STIMA DELLE EMISSIONI TOTALI CO2 DEL VIAGGIO

1.856 kg

TRASPORTI

1.640 kg

ALLOGGI

174 kg

attività

42 kg
11 giorni  |  
a partire da 2.750€ * a persona

(voli esclusi)

Descrizione

Discover southern Laos with us and immerse yourself in the breathtaking nature of the Bolaven Plateau. You will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the daily life of local communities, staying overnight in a homestay in Ban Houi Hun village. Here you will enjoy traditional cuisine and participate in local activities, meeting the different ethnic groups that inhabit the region. Then continue to the remote island of Don Som, in the 4,000-island river archipelago on the Mekong, to discover the authentic life of the fishermen who live there.

Conclude your trip to Vientiane by exploring the city on board a typical Tuk Tuk. Visit the night market near That Luang and immerse yourself in the rhythms and contradictions of the capital. Learn about the social work of two important NGOs: the C.O.P.E., which supports victims of unexploded ordnance, a tragic legacy of war, and the Lao Disabled Women Centre, which provides vocational training and employment opportunities for women with disabilities.

From Vientiane, board the direct train to Luang Prabang. Experience the spiritual heart of Laos by participating in ancient rituals such as Kissing and Tak Bat, and share with the locals the traditions and joy of Buddhist New Year celebrations , PI MAI LAO. This is an authentic event, where every moment should be savored slowly in the sacred and enchanting sites of the UNESCO World Heritage city.

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Le esperienze più significative

Alla compensazione ci pensiamo noi!

Ogni viaggio lascia un’impronta, ma la tua può essere più leggera: con i nostri itinerari, la compensazione della CO2 è sempre inclusa!

Al rientro, riceverai il certificato
della tua scelta sostenibile.

Itinerario

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Prezzi & Info

11 giorni  |  
a partire da 2.750€ * a persona

(voli esclusi)

La quota include

  • Domestic flight in Laos: Pakse – Vientiane in economy class
  • Transfers arriving/departing from airports by private car a/c with driver
  • 10 nights in double room including breakfast
  • Inputs, visits and excursions as scheduled
  • Local Italian-speaking guides during visits
  • Meals as scheduled
  • Government taxes
  • Travel insurance: medical-baggage and cancellation
  • Sustainable travel kit
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La quota NON include

  • Entry visa fees 40 USD per person + one passport photo
  • Airfare for international round-trip flights and airport taxes
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Alcohol and soft drinks, personal expenses
  • Tips and porterage
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under “The fee includes”
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INFO aggiuntive

Because celebrations can vary from year to year, it is essential to have a flexible schedule, ready to be adjusted according to the directions of the local guide. Clothing appropriate for the tropical climate is recommended. During the celebrations, it is important to keep in mind that the main custom is to get wet; therefore, it is suggested to opt for clothing that dries quickly and pay special attention to electronic devices, perhaps waterproof cases for cell phones.

Required passport with residual validity of at least 6 (six) months, from the date of entry into the country.

Tourist visas are also required and must be applied for at Laotian diplomatic-consular missions.

It is recommended as a precautionary measure to cross the border already equipped with a visa duly issued by the Lao consular authority, and to check in advance with the relevant Lao diplomatic-consular authorities about the possibility of obtaining a visa upon arrival at the land gate in question.

The visa costs US$40 and a passport-sized photo is required; it is valid for 30 days. As of July 9, 2019, it is possible to apply for a visa online by accessing www.laoevisa.gov.la. Currently, however, this mode of application is only possible for those entering from Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, and other airport and land ports of entry listed on the aforementioned website.

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Il fiore all’occhiello del viaggio

L’esperienza che più di tutte racconta il carattere di questo itinerario e lo rende davvero speciale.

Experience the true essence of the Laotian New Year, an explosion of colors and traditions marked by the construction of the Sand Stupa along the Mekong River. An immersion into the spiritual heart of Laos, allowing you to savor every moment of the journey without rush or stress.

Desideri aggiungere qualche giorno extra al mare?

Prima di tornare a casa puoi aggiungere qualche giorno di relax al mare (nelle mete che ti suggeriamo sotto) per concludere l’esperienza nel modo più rigenerante.

→ Potrai segnalarci l’estensione mare direttamente nel form di richiesta.

Domande frequenti

Itinerary

DAY 1 - April 07, 2025 Pakse Upon arrival in Ubon Ratchathani, welcome and transfer by car across the Lao border to Pakse. After check-in, free time to explore this bustling city. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 2 - April 08, 2025 Bolaven Plateau Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Bolaven Plateau, a plateau of volcanic origin. En route, visits will be made to tea and coffee plantations, observing the processing of the products. Stop at Tad Fan waterfall and visit Alak and Katu ethnic minority villages. In the evening, dinner and overnight stay at a homestay in Ban Houi Hun village.
DAY 3 - April 09, 2025 Khone Island After a simple breakfast, walk around the village. Continue to Si Phan Don, the "4000 Islands" archipelago. Visit Khone Phapheng Waterfalls, the largest in Southeast Asia, and sail to Khone Island to explore colonial relics and Liphi Waterfall. Overnight stay at an island resort.
DAY 4 - April 10, 2025 Champassak Breakfast and cruise with a local boat to Don Som Island to learn about the daily life of fishermen and visit a Buddhist temple. Afterwards, cruise to Don Loppa Di Island for a home-cooked lunch with a local family. After the cruise, transfer to Champassak for overnight stay.
DAY 5 - April 11, 2025 Vientiane Early in the morning, transfer to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Phu, an ancient Buddhist worship center. After breakfast, transfer to Pakse airport for the domestic flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, check into hotel and free time to explore the city with a guide. In the evening, visit the night market and have dinner at a traditional "Sin Dat" restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 6 - April 12, 2025 Vientiane Breakfast and start of the tour with a visit to the main temples in Vientiane: Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument. Next, stop at the C.O.P.E. center and the Lao Disabled Women Centre, with a chance to participate in a handicrafts class. In the afternoon, visit Buddha Park outside the city, with return to the city to enjoy the sunset over the Mekong. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 7 - April 13, 2025 Luang Prabang Breakfast and transfer to the station for the train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, welcome and accommodation at the hotel. In the afternoon, participate in the Kissing ceremony, a traditional ritual, and climb Mount Phousi to admire the panoramic view at sunset. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 8 - April 14, 2025 Luang Prabang Breakfast and visit to the Royal Palace Museum and the main temples, such as Wat Xiengthong and Wat Visoun. In the afternoon, participation in Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) celebrations with immersion in local traditions, such as building sand stupas along the Mekong River. Boat crossing to Ban Xieng Maen and return to town in the afternoon. Overnight stay.
DAY 9 - April 15, 2025 Luang Prabang Breakfast and cruise on the Mekong River with a stop at Ban Chan craft village. Continue to Ban Xieng Men for a walk and visit to the temples of Wat Chom Phet and Wat Long Khoum. In the afternoon, visit Pak Ou caves, famous for thousands of Buddha figurines. Return to the hotel and participate in the second-day Buddhist New Year celebrations. Overnight stay.
DAY 10 - April 16, 2025 Luang Prabang At dawn, participation in the Tak Bat ritual, followed by a visit to a local market. After breakfast, excursion to Kuang Si Falls to walk and swim in the natural pools. Visit the Bear Rescue Centre and return to town for the third-day Buddhist New Year celebrations. Overnight stay.
DAY 11 - April 17, 2025 Return to Italy Breakfast and free time in town before transferring to the airport for the return flight.