On arrival in the capital, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After a short rest, we go out to see the major city sights including Wat Sisaket, which contains more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue and That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. We also see the Patuxay (Lao Arc de Triomphe), which was built in commemoration of those who died during past wars and today it is the city’s main landmark. We finish the day watching the sunset over the Mekong Riverside. Overnight in Vientiane
Meal: Dinner
Accomodation: Lao Orchid hotel (Superior room) www.lao-orchid.com or similar
Day2. Vientiane – Xieng Khouang
We board a short afternoon flight to Xieng Khouang, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered throughout the plateau. We also have time in the afternoon to see some the nearby Hmong and Tai Dai ethnic minority villages. Overnight in Xiengkhuang
In the early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribe people barter and exchange merchandise. We then head out this small town towards Luang Prabang and en route stop to see the 200yr old Buddha images at Thampra as well as some various minority villages. The mountainous scenery and fresh air makes for a perfect drive into Luang Prabang.
The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After checking into hotel, if time permits, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse through a lovely selection of handmade textiles. Overnight at Luang Prabang
Note: as per local regulations, only vehicles of 16seaters are allowed in the city of Luang Prabang
Day4. Luang Prabang – Pakou Caves
After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its low sweeping rooves. We then board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Muangkeo where the local rice wine is produced and Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek – small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking. Overnight in Luang Prabang
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession.
Later in the morning we go to Phosi Market, which has an eclectic selection of foodstuffs and souvenirs. Afterwards, we head out to visit some ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live. We then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. Next we move to Ock Pop Tok shop – The Living Crafts Centre which has to be one of the most beautiful spots in Luang Prabang, you can sit and enjoy the views out across the Mekong at sunset whilst enjoying some incredible traditional Laos dishes, all to the background click-clacking of the looms at work at the hands of Ock Pop Tok’s incredibly talented craftspeople, and return to Luang Prabang by the late afternoon to observe the sunset at Wat Phabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we visit the National Museum, which was once the Royal Palace. The museum has a great collection of personal artifacts from the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and the many gifts they received from foreign dignitaries. Tour ends.
