Itinerary
Lao’s isolation from foreign influence offers travelers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the hidden gem of Southeast Asia. The architectural contrasts between the North and the South allow visitors to learn about the history and foreign influences on the country. Luang Prabang deserves a special mention as it is an excellent place to find locally produced handicrafts and hand-woven textiles.
Day 1 Arrival Vientiane
Welcome up on arrival by local tour guide and driver, we then transfer to hotel. After a short rest, we will take a walking tour, strolling around some of the city’s most historical sites and seeing some of the French colonial architecture. We observe the sunset by the Mekong Riverside until the late evening. Tonight we will enjoy our welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant in town. Overnight in Vientiane
Day 2 Vientiane – Luang Prabang (B, L)
After breakfast at hotel, we visit the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues; the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo; the imposing Patuxay Monument; the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa; the central or ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place for browsing antiques, handmade textiles and gifts. In the afternoon discover the National Museum (closed Tuesday) formerly known as the Revolutionary Museum. Then we transfer to the airport to take our flight to Luang Prabang.
Welcome up on arrival in Luang Prabang by local tour guide and driver, we head to the top of the Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful and panoramic sunset over Luang Prabang city and the Mekong River.
Tonight, we are free to explore the Night Market where you can fine lovely selection of textiles made by the local hilltribe people surroundings. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 3 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves (B, L)
After breakfast, we enjoy a short- guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.
We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai to see how they make the local rice wine. On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun and Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 4 Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfall (B, L)
Today we visit the morning Phousi Market where we can see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings; the local villages of the Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Ban Ou, and Ban Thapene villages.
In the afternoon, we drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls where we may to wish cool in the inviting pools or walk along the forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang, relax. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 5 Luang Prabang Departure (B)
An optional early start gives us the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents.
After breakfast, our awaiting vehicle will transfer us back to the airport for our flight to home. End of services!
