Laos - Festival Photography Tour - itinerary

Our tour of Laos offers a wealth of photographic opportunities, from lush landscapes to rich cultural heritage. In Vientiane, we can capture the grandeur of Pha That Luang, the country's most important monument, its golden stupa glowing at sunset. Meanwhile, the karst landscapes of Vang Vieng provide dramatic backdrops for landscape photography.

The ancient city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, presents a captivating blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture. Early morning alms-giving ceremonies provide intimate glimpses of Buddhist traditions, while the nearby Kuang Si Falls offer stunning scenes of turquoise pools cascading through lush jungle.

Champasak, in southern Laos, showcases the Khmer ruins of Wat Phu, an ancient temple complex set against a backdrop of mountains. Further south, Khone Island presents opportunities to capture the raw beauty of the Mekong River, including the powerful Khone Phapheng Falls and possible sightings of rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

Throughout the country, vibrant markets, serene temples, and the gentle pace of rural life offer endless photographic possibilities. Annual festivals provide colourful scenes of local celebrations, while Laos' unspoiled natural beauty and warm, photogenic people make it a paradise for photographers seeking authentic and diverse subjects.

Day 1:
Arrival in Vientiane
We will arrange for you to be picked up from the airport and taken to our boutique hotel in the city. Nathan runs an optional pre-tour technical workshop from around 3-5pm for those new to travel photography or who feel they would benefit from a refresher course (please confirm your interest). There’s a meet ‘n’ greet with Nathan at the hotel starting at around 6pm, followed by drinks and dinner with the group.

Day 2:
Vientiane
Vientiane offers a diverse range of photographic subjects that blend traditional Lao culture with French colonial influences. The iconic Pha That Luang, a gold-covered Buddhist stupa, stands as the city's most recognisable landmark. Its intricate architecture and golden hues provide stunning photo opportunities.

We have an early (5.30am) start this morning, to witness and partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’ (giving alms to the monks), a traditional ritual still followed by the locals in Vientiane among other parts of Laos. We then have breakfast, after which we visit the local fresh market. 

We have timed the tour to coincide with the That Luang festival, Vientiane's most important Buddhist festival, which is held during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. In the afternoon, we head out to witness the That Luang festivities, a key part of which is the traditional game of ‘tikhy’ which somewhat resembles hockey. In the evening there will be a candlelit procession and firework displays to mark the end of the festival, after which we’ll enjoy dinner with the group.

Day 3:
Vientiane — Vang Vieng
After breakfast, we visit the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket, with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a museum of arts and antiques. The play of light and shadow and the unique architecture offer compelling compositions for both wide-angle and detail shots.

Nearby is the Presidential Palace and, while we are not allowed to visit inside, we still get a good glimpse into the city’s colonial past. Next, we visit Wat Si Muang, one of the most popular and sacred temples in Vientiane, followed by That Dam or the ‘Black Stupa’ which is located in the heart of the city.

Street photography enthusiasts will also enjoy the bustling Morning Market (Talat Sao) and the vibrant night markets. These locations provide excellent opportunities to capture the daily life of Vientiane's residents, from colorful produce displays to lively street food scenes. The mix of traditional and modern elements in these markets creates an intriguing visual narrative.

In the afternoon, we leave Vientiane behind via the new expressway, and transfer in around ninety minutes to the riverside town of Vang Vieng, where we enjoy multiple photographic opportunities, with a stunning array of natural landscapes and cultural experiences.

Day 4:
Vang Vieng
Early this morning we set off in search of the limestone karsts and balloons. The karst mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, their jagged silhouettes particularly striking during sunrise and sunset. The Nam Song River reflects these limestone formations, creating mirror-like compositions and opportunities for long-exposure shots.

Adventure photographers will find ample subjects in the area's outdoor activities. Capture the excitement of tubing down the Nam Song, rock climbing on limestone cliffs, or exploring the numerous caves that dot the landscape. The Blue Lagoon, with its vibrant turquoise waters, offers a picturesque setting for both landscape and action shots.

We have free time until after lunch, when we head north out of town to an ethnic Khmu village called Ban Viengsamai.  Here we are welcomed into a local home to meet the friendly family and to learn about Khmu customs and traditions, including animism. We are welcome to take photos of the family, home and village. Next, we take an exploratory walk around the village, visiting the local knifesmith who uses traditional techniques to create knives.

We continue our explorations and trek through the picturesque rice paddies to a cave on the other side of the Nam Song River, passing by farmers working on the fields. On the way, we take a rest in one of the local rice huts while learning more about the importance of agriculture in Laos. We then trek back to the family’s home, where the lady of the house will show us how she prepares local rice wine, known as Lao Hai. We enjoy a traditional dinner of Khmu specialities together with the family and try the local rice wine if we like.

Afterwards, we say goodbye to the family and transfer back to Vang Vieng. As day turns to night, the town's vibrant scene comes alive, offering chances to capture the energy of the riverside bars and restaurants.

Day 5:
Vang Vieng — Oudomxay
This morning we have an option to take a sunrise hot air balloon ride, providing breathtaking aerial views of the landscape. The patchwork of rice paddies, meandering river, and mist-shrouded mountains create an unforgettable panorama. Those who prefer not to join the balloon ride can accompany our local guide on a short trek to a view point with some stunning vistas. After breakfast, Nathan will run a post-processing session before we enjoy lunch and check out of the hotel.

After lunch, our guide and driver collect us and take us to the station for the train journey to Oudomxay in the northern part of the country. The rail service began operations in December 2021 and we expect a comfortable journey in the first class carriage. En route, we can take in the village life and views as the train cuts straight through spectacular mountain scenery, crossing numerous bridges and tunnels along the way. Upon arrival at Oudomxay train station, our guide and driver meet us and transfer us to our accommodation, located in an idyllic natural setting.

Day 6:
Oudomxay and Ethnic Villages
Oudomxay province offers a wealth of opportunities to capture the essence of rural Laos and its ethnic diversity. The provincial capital, Muang Xay, serves as a gateway to explore the region's natural beauty and cultural richness. Morning visits to the bustling markets reveal vibrant scenes of daily life, where ethnic minorities in traditional dress sell colourful produce and handcrafted goods.

This morning, we set off by 4WD to visit a few villages of the Ikho, Hmong and Khamu people, who represent three of the many ethnic groups in Laos. We first transfer to Muang La, then we continue up into the hills. The route climbs to 1300 metres above sea level and offers some magnificent views of the stunning mountain scenery.

The first visit is at a Khamu village, where we meet some of the local people before continuing further into the mountains to an isolated Hmong village. This ethnic group originates from the high steppes of Tibet and you can learn about the way of life and the importance of their livestock.

The surrounding landscapes present stunning vistas throughout the changing seasons. Rolling hills covered in lush forests create a patchwork of greens year-round, while terraced rice fields shift from mirror-like waters in planting season to golden waves at harvest time. Dawn mists clinging to valley floors and storm clouds provide endless compositional possibilities.

From the Hmong village, we continue by car to the Ikho village, inhabited by an ethnic group originating from Tibet and Yunnan Province in China. We can walk around and learn how the villagers still follow customs that have been passed down through centuries. We then take a picnic lunch, enjoying the beautiful surroundings before continuing to visit the next Ikho Village along the way. We then head back down to the lodge, arriving there by late afternoon.

Day 7:
Oudomxay — Nam Kat — Luang Prabang
This morning, after breakfast we take a trip to Nam Kat with its scenic forest landscapes and the picturesque Nam Kat Yorla Pa Waterfall. We can also visit some nearby ethnic Khmu tribal villages, where we can witness some traditional agricultural practices and capture scenes of local rural life.

We return to our hotel to check out then, after lunch in a local restaurant, we head to Oudomxay train station for our one-hour train journey to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang train station, our guide and driver meet us and transfer us to our boutique hotel. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a treasure trove of visual delights. The architecture blends traditional Lao and French colonial styles, creating stunning streetscapes.

Later this afternoon, we transfer to the peninsula boat landing, where we board a private boat for a cruise up the mighty Mekong river, enjoying the tranquil countryside and hopefully an array of interesting subjects to photograph. We then return downstream, stopping en route at Wat Done Khoun, a unique temple set on an island in the Mekong, before continuing by boat to Luang Prabang where we arrive in the early evening, with the sun setting behind the mountains.

Day 8:
Luang Prabang
We have an early (5.30 am) start today, once again to witness and partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’. Dawn brings the opportunity to capture the daily alms-giving ceremony, where saffron-robed monks receive offerings from locals, creating a serene spectacle. We return to the hotel for breakfast, after which we visit the local fresh market to see how the locals shop.

In the afternoon, we enjoy an extensive tour of the city, starting with a walk down the peninsula to the historical Heuan Chan Heritage House, taking in its architectural charms. The Royal Palace Museum and numerous temples provide rich subjects for architectural and cultural photography. Their intricate details, golden facades, and peaceful courtyards offer endless compositions.

We visit the unique Wat Mai, with its five-tiered roof, and then head to Wat Xieng Thong. With its roof sweeping low towards the ground, this temple’s architecture represents the classical Luang Prabang style. We wander the temple grounds before heading to Wat Khili where the charming traditional library building houses a historic photo exhibition of Buddhist heritage.

Next, we visit Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Later in the afternoon, we climb Mount Phousi, offering a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong river. We complete our day with an exploration of the famous Night Market, which transforms the main street into a vibrant tapestry of local crafts and bustling activity, perfect for capturing the energy of local life

Day 9:
Luang Prabang — Kuang Si — Pak Ou — Luang Prabang
This morning, we make a return visit to watch the almsgiving, and Nathan will pick out a secluded spot that few tourists get to see. We then take a picnic breakfast and transfer to Kuang Si Waterfall, one of Asia’s most photogenic waterfalls, where we can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool or walk along the forest trails. The multi-tiered falls, with turquoise pools set against lush jungle, offer breathtaking landscape opportunities.

On the way back we will have time to stop at a hilltribe village that is a bit touristy but we will make it work for some good portraits. We return to Luang Prabang by midday, then in the afternoon we take another cruise on the river, this time to the mysterious Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong. Crammed with thousands of Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, they provide unique low-light photography challenges and a spiritual atmosphere.

We return to the hotel for drinks and dinner with the group.

Day 10:
Luang Prabang — Don Kho — Champasak
Early this morning, we head to the airport for our flight to Pakse. On arrival at Pakse airport, we meet our guide and take a short trip to Wat Chompet where the surprisingly large buddha statue and temple complex will give us great photo opportunities.

We then drive to Pakse, stopping en route at a local market that specialises in grilled chicken and arriving in the city around lunchtime. In town, the bustling Vietnamese and Chinese quarters provide vibrant street photography opportunities, especially around the morning market. The Champasak Historical Heritage Museum and Wat Luang temple complex offer architectural subjects, while the riverfront comes alive at dusk as food vendors set up their stalls beneath coloured lights.

From there we continue south to Champasak, arriving mid-afternoon, and have time to explore this small, charming town’s fading colonial architecture. Located alongside the Mekong River, the historic town reveals a fascinating blend of traditional life and colonial heritage. Fading French villas stand alongside ornate Buddhist temples, while wooden houses on stilts line the riverbank.

Photographers can document the gentle rhythm of riverside life, from monks collecting alms at dawn to elderly residents gossiping on their weathered wooden verandas. The town's quiet streets offer atmospheric shots of peeling colonial shutters, temple roofs glinting in the sunlight, and traditional wooden boats moored along the shore.

Day 11:
Champasak — Khone Island
We wake up early this morning and leave the hotel at 5.30am for a unique visit to Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site which is ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th century. This dramatically sited temple, with its weathered stone structures, intricate carvings, and dramatic hilltop setting provides wonderful compositions and offers a stunning sunrise view, and at this time of the morning it will be deserted. 

We return to our hotel by around 8am for breakfast. Later in the morning, we drive directly to Ban Nakasang, from where we take a 45-minute boat ride to Khone Island and check into our hotel. The island offers photographers a unique blend of natural beauty and rural charm, where the mighty Mekong River shapes daily life and landscapes. Its peaceful atmosphere provides endless opportunities for capturing authentic scenes: wooden houses on weathered stilts, fishermen casting nets at dawn, and water buffalo creating silhouettes against fiery sunsets.

Later in the afternoon we explore the island by bicycle (or tuk tuk), tracing the route of an old abandoned railway and admiring some of the old French colonial buildings, as well as the beautiful Liphi Waterfall. The historic railway bridge and retired locomotives, slowly surrendering to tropical vegetation, offer compelling compositions that bridge past and present, while crumbling colonial buildings stand as atmospheric remnants of a bygone era.

Day 12:
Khone Island — Pakse — Vientiane
We have another early morning (5am) start, with a boat trip on the Mekong river to explore the lesser visited islands of the 4000 Islands just north of Khone Island, before returning back to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, we head back to the mainland by boat, visiting the spectacular Khone Phapheng Falls, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Southeast Asia.

The cascades present stunning possibilities for landscape photography, from wide-angle shots capturing the immense scale to intimate compositions of swirling waters and spray. Dense vegetation frames the falls, adding layers of lush green to every composition. Local life unfolds against this natural backdrop, with villagers tending riverside gardens and children playing in gentle river pools away from the main rapids. Boats of all sizes navigate the quieter channels, while riverside markets buzz with activity, offering vibrant scenes of traditional commerce.

We then transfer back to Pakse and, after an early lunch, we head to the airport for our afternoon flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, we are met by our local driver and guide for the transfer to our hotel. Hopefully we have time for a last sunset shoot over the Mekong before drinks and our farewell dinner.

Day 13:
Depart from Vientiane
Today you have free time until we arrange a transfer to the airport for your flight from Vientiane.

We hope you will have had an enjoyable and memorable experience, and look forward to seeing you again on another photographic adventure!