Day 1:  ARRIVAL  – VIENTIANE

On arrival in Vientiane, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After a short rest, we 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 watch the sunset by the Mekong Riverside and spend the evening absorbing the city nightlife. Overnight in Vientiane

Day 2:  VIENTIANE – XIENG KHOUANG (B)   

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 the old capital in Muang Khoun Province as well as some the nearby Hmong and Tai Dai ethnic minority villages.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang

Day 3: XIENG KHOUANG  – LUANG PRABANG (B)

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 Hmong and hill tribe minority villages. After a tea and coffee break at Sala Phoukhoun, we continue the drive through mountainous scenery and fresh air 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

Day 4:  LUANG PRABANG  – PAK OU CAVE  (B)

Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour of the city’s oldest temple, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Along the way we stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. During the day, we will also visit a few local villages, including one that makes rice wine. Once back in the city, we finish the day by driving to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek – small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 5:  LUANG PRABANG  – DEPARTURE

After breakfast we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout its history. Afterwards we bid farewell to this charming, ancient city as you continue your independent journeys.