Day1.    Arrival – Luang Prabang

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. 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 a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day2.    Luang Prabang – Pak Ou cave (B/…/…)

Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. On return, we take a short drive to another small village Ban Phanom, which is well known for its hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day3.    Luang Prabang – Departure (B/…/…)

Breakfast, we visit the National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. The National Museum and the Central Market are not to be missed. After visiting these sights in the morning, there will be free time to venture into town and stroll around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure

                          

Day1.    Arrival –Vientiane

On arrival at the Vientiane Capital, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, 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.

Overnight in Vientiane

Day2.    Vientiane – Nam Ngum Lake (B/…/…)

After breakfast, we take our excursion out of the city. We make our way to Nam Ngum, a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, stopping over at Ban Keun, which is famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine whiskey distillation. On arrival at the lake, we embark on a long tail boat visiting fisherman villages in varied islets. We visit some beautiful islets and take a short walk to explore the lifestyle of the local fishermen. On return, [if time permits], perhaps you might experience gambling at legal Lao casino located in the valley where you can enjoy an ideal landscape for anyone seeking for an overview of lake when the heat becomes unbearable in city. We return to Vientiane by late evening.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day3.    Vientiane – Departure (B/…/…)

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

                          

Among the many temples or vats to be found in Vientiane is the country’s holiest site, That Luang. The striking gold painted That Luang, or Great Stupa, is a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. The site has been one of religious significance for many centuries with the building of the present structure beginning in the year 1566. Each November one of the most important festivals of the year takes place at That Luang during the week of the full moon when hundreds of monks gather within the temple compound to receive alms from the people of Vientiane.

One of the oldest vats surviving in Vientiane is the beautiful Vat Sisaket, set amongst gardens of coconut palms, mango trees and bougainvillaea. The remarkable thing about Vat Sisaket however is its cloisters containing thousands of miniature Buddha statues sitting on long shelves that line the walls.

Just down the road from Vat Sisaket is Vat Phra Kaeo, now converted into a museum, but formerly the temple of the Lao Royal family. Vat Phra Kaeo is worth visiting for its fine collection of Laotian Buddhist sculpture. Other interesting Vientiane temples include Vat Ong Teu with its huge 16th century bronze Buddha and Vat Simoung, where a magical Buddha is believed to have the power to grant wishes.

Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe, is known by various names including the Patuxai and the Anousavari Monument. Visitors can climb the stairway to the top for good views over Vientiane.

For souvenir shopping the place to head for is Talaat Sao, known in English as the Morning Market. You can find the best range of local handicrafts here including sin, the Lao silk sarong, woodcarvings and jewellery.

Night time entertainment is quite a low-key affair in Vientiane but there are a variety of restaurants serving both asian and western cuisine. The restaurants and bars along the riverside offer great sunset views over the Mekong.