Classic Laos - 5 days

Today we will explore Vientiane- the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Our visit will take you to the key sites: Wat Sisaket the city ‘s oldest surviving temple with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past, the next stop is Haw Phra Kaeo. This large temple is beautiful both interior and exterior, it was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani trees. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon a stop at the older part of Morning market is recommended before the visit Pha That Luang. The giant golden stupa is a sight to see as the bright gold holds a sharp contrast to the pure blue sky. Next you will go to climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai. The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling and once at the top you can see for miles around Vientiane.
In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for flight to Luang Prabang. Welcome on arrival and transfer to hotel for check in. Meals on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Factsheet for this day
Route: by private car and plane
Vientiane City tour: around the city with short distance
Vientiane - Luang Prabang: 50 minute flying
Luang Prabang Airport - Hotel: 8 km - 20 minute drive
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide

We visit the vegetable market and the former King's Palace in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang learning about today's life and history.
Enjoy a short drive to visit Vat Xieng Thong or Temple of the Royal City- one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. Then continue to Wat Visoun - an unusual structure which represents the earliest Lao style. Afterwards, pay a visit to Wat Mai, a beautiful temple located nearby Royal Palace and built in the 18th century. It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang.

Take a cruise along the Mekong about two hours upstream from the centre of Luang Prabang, and discover the numerous Buddha images at Pak Ou Caves. Pak Ou (mouth of the Ou river) the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the founder name Mekong River. They are a group of caves on the right side of the Mekong river, It is then only a short distance from the caves to the village of Ban Xang Hai. Stop here to learn about LauLao (Lao whisky) and LauHai (Lao wine), before continuing down the Mekong to Luang Prabang. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xienglek, well known for its hand- made of Jute Sar paper.

In the evening go to Phousi Mount where you also can have a nice panorama of the city.
The balance of day is free at leisure. Meals on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Factsheet for this day
Route: transfer by private car
Luang Prabang City tour: around the city with short distance
Luang Prabang hotel - pier: 3 mins
Pier - Pak Ou cave: 1.5 hour/way
Meals: Breakfast at hotel

For early risers, alms giving ceremony is good chance to learn about local culture. We suggest you enjoy the sunrise at the crossroads in town around 05.00 when you will also see monks in saffron robes from Luang Prabang’s many temples walking in long silent processions searching for offerings left to them by the faithful.

After breakfast, our tour guide and driver will come to your hotel, you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit the Ban Ouay, Hmong Hill tribe, Ban Ou, Lowland Lao and Ban Thapene of Khmu village. Continue driving to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to Luang Prabang and we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xienglek, well known for its hand- made of Jute Sar paper. Rest of the time at leisure.

Factsheet for this day
Route: by private boat
Luang Prabang - Kuang Sy waterfall: 45 mins/way
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: English Speaking Guide

Free until transfer to the airport without guide for your departure flight. Room is at your disposal until noon only. Meals on your own. End of service.

Factsheet for this day
Route: by private car
Hotel - Luang Prabang Airport: 8 km - 20 minute drive
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: No guide, only driver