For many, a journey through Laos consists of a whistle-stop tour through the two main towns of Vientiane and Louang Phabang, with perhaps a brief detour to the mysterious Plain of Jars or ancient Wat Phou. However, those willing to explore further and brave difficult roads and basic, candlelit accommodation will be rewarded with sights of a rugged natural landscape and ethnically diverse people not much changed from those that greeted French explorers more than a century ago. 

 

On arrival Wattay airport, you will be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. After refreshment, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat PraKeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe. Overnight in Vientiane 

A short morning flight to Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with is splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. On arrival, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Hill for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Overnight at Luang Prabang

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Today, we enjoy a short guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roof sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang

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Visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the day of the early kings right through the last sovereign and the central market are not to be missed. We visit these sights this morning before we take a flight back to Vientiane. Upon arrival, we visit the major temples including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha Image. On the way to the famous, sacred structure of That Luang stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe. Overnight in Vientiane

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After breakfast, free for last minute shopping until time transfer to Wattay airport for departure, End of services.