Day 01
Vientiane Arrival (D)
Upon arrival, you start visiting the major city sights: Wat Sisaket, the country’s oldest temple and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. En route, visit the famous That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos and the imposing Patuxay Monument. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 02
Vientiane – Vang Vieng (B, L)
Transfer to see Buddha Park, a scattered and enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures near the Friendship Bridge then catching an express train to Vang Vieng, a tranquil town nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Today ends with a superb sunset panorama reflecting over the Nam Song River.
Day 03
Vang Vieng – Tham Jang Caves (B, L)
Visit the 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, the 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.
Day 04
Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang (B, L)
Take an express train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, visit the National Museum at the Royal Palace and the city’s oldest temples: Wat Sene & Wat Xieng Thong. Continue to visit the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre then climb up to Mount Phousi for an exploration of the sacred stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. From there, visit the Night Market then transfer back to the hotel.
Day 05
Luang Prabang – Pakou Caves (B, L)
Take a boat trip to get a panoramic view of the countryside along the Mekong river then stop at Pak Ou Caves where there are thousands of Buddha images. You will also stop at two villages including Ban Muangkeo and Ban Xieng Mene then climb up to Wat Chomphet for the best view of Luang Prabang. Once back in the town, take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban XiengLek, small villages well known for silk weaving and Saa paper making.
Day 06
Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang (B, L)
Leave this charming town and take 7 hours driving to Xieng Khouang, an area once devastated by American bombings. These back roads are a great way to have an authentic Laos experience. On 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.
Day 07
Xieng Khouang – Flight to Vientiane (B, L)
Depart for a trip to Mouang Khoune which was almost completely destroyed by American bombing during the Vietnam War. En route, visit the H’mong ethnic minority villages, Thai Dam and Phuan. Orientation tour of Mouang Khoune and visit the remains of the temples of Wat Phia Wat and Wat Tha Foune. After that, you will catch the flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, strolling around the city sights and observing the evening sunset along the Mekong Riverside.
Day 08
Vientiane Departure (B)
Free to visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong then transfer to the airport for your own departure flight.
