ARRIVE IN VIENTIANE

 

Arrive in Vientiane where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

 

Overnight in Vientiane

VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG

You will be transferred to Vientiane Airport in time for your onward flight. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

 

In the late afternoon, learn more about traditional Lao culture at the Stay Another Day exhibit. You will get a chance to see and purchase locally made products, as well as enjoy a Lao tea tasting ceremony.

 

As night falls, make your way up the stairs of Mount Phousi to catch the spectacular sunset over the city and surrounding hills.

 

Enroute back to the hotel, stop by the hill tribe evening market for some shopping.

 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Breakfast included 

LUANG PRABANG

 

After breakfast, start with a morning visit to the most photographed temple, Wat Xieng Thong. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat. The library was added in 1828.

 

Mid-morning, board the Nava Mekong traditional river boat with its unique configuration that will enable you to enjoy a leisurely paced cruise on the mystical Mekong River. As you leave the peninsula of Luang Prabang behind you, you witness rural life and peaceful sceneries on the banks of the river as you cruise upstream. After just over an hour, you will reach Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou River, giving rise to the name. In these two caves, you will find hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities.

 

The boat then continues cruising around the vicinity of the caves and will moor during lunch time at the foot of beautiful limestone cliffs. A selection of typical Lao dishes will be served onboard. Cruise back to Luang Prabang and return in the early afternoon.

 

The city tour begins in the afternoon with your guide who will enable you to learn more about the enchanting World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang.

 

The tour starts at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum (closed on Tuesday). Your walk continues to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple. Continue walking to Wat Sensoukarahm, build in 1718 with its beautiful dazzling golden façade.

 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Breakfast and lunch included

 

LUANG PRABANG

 

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people.   Return to the hotel for breakfast.

 

After breakfast visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, entirely rebuilt after being destroyed in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit it takes its name from. You will continue to Wat Aham and then go to Wat That where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large central stupa.

 

In the afternoon, visit the refreshing waters of the Kuang Si Waterfalls, located at 32 km from Luang Prabang. These waterfalls cascade down a multilevel limestone formation creating a series of turquoise blue pools perfect for swimming in on a hot day.

 

The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls are filled with wildlife and pleasant walks can be taken along the natural footpaths. (Note: when bathing, please wear a sarong, no bare bodies). Kuang Si waterfalls also hosts a rescue center for sun bears which aims to raise awareness for the protection of this endangered species.

 

On the return to Luang Prabang, stop to visit two ethnic villages where you can observe the unique traditional lifestyle of the people. If time permits, you will also visit Ock Pop Tock, a shop which works closely with local weavers to preserve traditional techniques and styles of Lao weaving (Optional at US$10).

 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Breakfast included

LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG

 

After breakfast, depart for a drive down the spectacular Route 13 towards Vang Vieng (approx. 7 to 8 hours). Stop by Kasi, a fruit growing area along the way. 

 

At Vang Vieng, you will find nestled along the Nam Song River and framed by spectacular formations, one of the most beautiful places in the country. Visit Tham Jam Cave in the afternoon and take a leisurely stroll through town.

 

If time permits, visit an organic farm, located 3 km northwards of Vang Vieng. Here you will find traditional gardening methods still in existence, producing fresh vegetable and fruits.

 

To wind off a long day, enjoy the sun set over the Nam Song River.

 

Overnight in Vang Vieng

Breakfast included

VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE

 

After breakfast, drive to Nam Ngum lake (about 2 hours). Nam Ngum Lake is the largest lake in Laos and boasts beautiful scenery. This artificial lake was built to produce electricity and was the first hydroelectric dam ever built in Laos. The dam generates 160 megawatts of electric power.

 

Enjoy a lunch of fresh grilled fish by the lake (not included), before embarking on a boat cruise accompanied by the serene backdrop of mountains, hills, beautiful forests and islands. You will see local fishermen at work as you soak in the fresh air.

 

After your cruise, transfer to Vientiane where you will visit the salt mine at Ban Kheune. There will also be time for some shopping and sightseeing at the local market, Don Mak Kai.

 

Overnight in Vientiane

Breakfast included

VIENTIANE

 

After breakfast your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a tour to discover the hidden charms of Vientiane.

 

The tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

 

Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Nearby, is the statuesque Presidential Palace; although access is restricted, you will still get a good glimpse of the town’s colonial past. This building formerly served as the French governor’s palace.

 

Stop by Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, and considered the guardian of the spirit of the city. On its grounds, you will find an Angkorian-era pillar; it is a popular belief that if you circle it three times and make a wish, your wish will come true. Your tour then continues on to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, admire the resplendent temple as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire. Your tour ends at the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city.

                                                   

Finally discover one of Laos’ specialties: coffee. Laos’ renowned coffee is grown in the Boloven Plateau in Southern Laos. You will get to observe the coffee as it goes through the roasting and blending process.

 

Overnight in Vientiane

Breakfast included

DEPART VIENTIANE

 

After breakfast, free at leisure. Your guide will meet you at the hotel and escort you to the airport to catch your onward flight.

 

Breakfast included