BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival – Luang Prabang
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou cave – Khouangsi Waterfall
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Xiengkhouang
Day 4: Xieng Khouang – Vientiane
Day 5: Vientiane – City Tour
Day 6: Vientiane – Departure
Day 1: Arrival – Luang Prabang
Upon arrival at the airport, wewill be met and transferred to our hotel. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham andWat 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 watch the setting sun as it is reflected on the Mekong River.
In the evening, we are free to explore the Night Market, where we can browse a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou cave – Khouangsi Waterfall (B)
In the morning, we will take a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, on the way we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village well known for its hand weaving.
In the afternoon, we continue towards Khouangsi Waterfall, en route, we visit the local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Ban Ou, Laoloum and Ban Thapene, and then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for silk handweaving and for traditional Saa Paper making. We return to the city by late evening to watch the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Xiengkhouang (B)
After breakfast we will be picked up from our hotel and begin our days drive through beautiful mountain scenery to Xieng Khouang, a province of Laos famous for its ‘Plain of Jars’. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop off and visit the numerous villages along the way. On arrival we check in to the hotel, the evening is free at our leisure. Overnight in Xieng Khouang.
Day 4: Xiengkhouang – Vientiane (B)
Following breakfast at Hotel, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site encompassing hundreds of large stone jars scattered throughout the plateau.
In the afternoon there will be time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and its’ nearby villages which are home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people who possess an interesting local culture and a vibrant history. We then board our short flight to Vientiane. On arrival we check in to the hotel. Relax in the rest of the day. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 5: Vientiane – City Tour (B)
Today, we see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national icon, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop en-route to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
In the afternoon we transfer out to see Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. A spectacular view of over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 6: Vientiane – Departure (B)
Today our awaiting vehicle will transfer us to the hotel for our flight to home. Trip ends.
