THE BEAUTY OF LAOS - 8 DAYS

On arrival at in the capital, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating place, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we start visiting the major city sights; including Wat Sisaket, the country’s oldest temple, with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. En route, we visit the famous That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. You will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the fine restaurants.

Accommodation: Included

Meal: Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer out to see Buddha Park, a scattered and enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images here. We visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong before catching an express train to Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Today ends with a superb sunset panorama reflecting over the Nam Song River. Overnight in Vang Vieng

Accommodation: Included

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After check into your hotel, we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. Next, we take a drive through paddy fields to the Tham Phoukham caves, the country’s beautiful and famous limestone caverns surrounded by forest. Along the way, you will meet local villagers and learn about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can swim and refresh yourself from the heat. Overnight in Vang Vieng

Accommodation: Included

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we take an express train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. After a short rest, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. Next, we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Note: as per local regulations, vehicles over 16seater are not allowed in the city of Luang Prabang

Accommodation: Included

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we 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. We also have a chance to climb up to Wat Chomphet. Here you will have one of the best views of Luang Prabang from across the river. 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

Accommodation: Included

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we leave this charming town and drive to Xieng Khouang, an area once devastated by American bombings. These back roads are a great way to have an authentic Laos experience. We’ll see very few other travelers, just mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in us as we are about them! Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau. Overnight in Xiengkhouang.

Accommodation: Included

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, depart for a trip to Mouang Khoune, former capital of the province, which was almost completely destroyed by American bombing during the Vietnam War. En route, visit the H'mong ethnic minority villages, Thai Dam (Black Thai) and Phuan. Orientation tour of Mouang Khoune and visit the remains of the temples of Wat Phia Wat and Wat Tha Foune. After visit the sites, we will catch the flight to Vientiane capital. After a short rest, we begin our orientation with a short walking-tour of the Lao capital, strolling around the city sights and observing the evening sunset along the Mekong Riverside. Overnight in Vientiane

Accommodation: Included

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, (If time permits) we visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.

Accommodation: N/A

Meal: Breakfast