Begin the tour by arriving in Vientiane, the city dominated by the serene Buddhist Monasteries. Take a flight to to Luang Prabang, the formal capital of Laos and an UNESCO World Heritage City. The city has been considered as one of Southeast Asia's must sees located on a long thin spit of land set at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers.
- Day 01 Arrive Vientiane, transfer to hotel
- Day 02 Tour Vientiane
- Day 03 Fly Vientiane - Luang Prabang
- Day 04 Tour Luang Prabang
- Day 05 Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Day 06 Luang Prabang - U.S. or an extension
Day 01 Arrive Vientiane, transfer to hotel
Upon arrival in Vientiane, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Today visit an open-air museums, WAT XIENG KHUAN (BUDDHA PARK). This is a collection of whimsical but compelling statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods.
Overnight Vientiane.
Day 02 Tour Vientiane
Sightseeing in Vientiane. The capital city of Laos, Vientiane still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colorful markets.
Tour the different highlights of the city, including PHA THAT LUANG, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps most important national monument in Laos; HO PHA KEO, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; WAT SI SAKET, PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs and WAT SI MUANG. End your day at the TALAAT SAO, or the "morning market" (actually open all day), the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics.
Overnight Vientiane.
Day 03 Fly Vientiane - Luang Prabang
Flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Transfer to hotel.
Sightseeing in Luang Prabang. Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Begin your tour with WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals.
From here, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. Time permitting, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE.
Visit Mount Phousi for sunset. Climb 328 steps starting from entrance on the opposite side of National Museum or 410 steps on the other side of Khan River to the small temples atop PHOU SI, the 150m high hill which sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river.
Overnight Luang Prabang.
Day 04 Tour Luang Prabang
Tour you have a full day tour of Luang Prabang which includes Talat local market and the National Museum (former Royal Palace) and Wat Mai
Visit the NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos.
Then, visit HOR PHRABANG. In the right front corner room of the Palace which opens to the outside, is a collection of the palace's most prized art, including the Phrabang, cast of a gold, silver and bronze alloy. This Buddha stands at 83 cm tall and weighs around 50 kg. Continue to WAT MAI, constructed in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, it was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy).
Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves. Travel up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the THAM PAK OU CAVES. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the way to Pak Ou Cave, stop at BAN XANG HAI VILLAGE (If time permitted, open 6.00 am - 3.00 pm and closed on every Buddha day), a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky.
Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong, a village near Luang Prabang well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper.
Overnight Luang Prabang.
Day 05 Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls
Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls. From Luang Prabang to KUANG SI WATERFALL, travel by vehicle to Kuang Si Waterfall. This waterfall is located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relaxing in the natural environment. Visit local village on the way, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle.
Overnight Luang Prabang.
Day 06 Luang Prabang - U.S. or an extension
Tranfer to airport and fly back home, or extend your trip to Vietnam, Cambodia or Myanmar.