VIENTIANE

Arrive at Vientiane airport and be welcomed by a tour guide. Transfer to the hotel for check in.

In the afternoon, visit That Luang, the holiest site in Laos, constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16^th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines on its towering golden spire.

Overnight in Vientiane

VIENTIANE (B-L)

After breakfast, depart for a visit to the Buddha Park, located outside Vientiane Capital. The Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan is filled up filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues built in 1958 by Laos Shaman. The concrete sculptures are bizarre but intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful park. Drive back to Vientiane. En route, stop at Mai Savanh to explore the traditional textiles of the Lao people. This shop specializes in high quality silk products produced by several families from the northern province of Luang Nam Tha Province and the southern provinces of Attapeu and Sekong.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, which is also a museum displaying a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art and the Presidential Palace (outside)).Stop at Wat Simuang, considered to be the guardian of the city’s spirit. End the day with a visit to Pangkham Street, with its plethora of tailor shops, and the Nam Phou Fountain. Here you can see how traditional areas of the city are embracing modernity.

VIENTIANE - VANG VIENG (B-L)

After breakfast, depart to Vang Vieng from Vientiane by train. En route visit a minority market where you will be able to see Hmong and other ethnic communities selling their products. Continue on to Vang Xang and the ancient Vang Xang Buddha images and sculptures that are carved into the side of a sandstone escarpment on the way.

In the afternoon, tour Van Vieng, visit monasteries was built in the 16th and 17th centuries, see amazing views of limestone cliffs, mountains near the river river and explore Hmong villages.

VANG VIENG - LUANG PRABANG (B-L)

After breakfast, depart for Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng by train. En route, pass through dramatic landscapes of limestone karst formations. Stop on the way to visit a local market and some Hmong villages where you can discover more about the life of this ethnic minority. Arrive at Luang Prabang in the afternoon and check in to the hotel.

LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU - LUANG PRABANG (B-L)

After breakfast, transfer to the pier to board a traditional long boat for a cruise on the Mekong river. On the way, visit villages located on the riverbank including Ban Xang Hai and learn how local rice whisky is made. Continue on to Pak Ou, visit Tham Ting and Tham Theung caves with their Lao style Buddhist sculptures assembled over the centuries by local people. On the way back, visit the village of Ban Xang Khong, the village of homemade Saa Paper.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Mai and walk along the streets to Wat Xieng Thong, located on the bank of the Mekong River. It is one of the most elegant and best-preserved examples of 16th century Luang Prabang temple architecture.

LUANG PRABANG - KHOUANG SY WATERFALL - LUANG PRABANG (B-L)

After breakfast, drive through beautiful rice fields, hills and villages to Kuang Si Waterfalls (1 hour drive). On the way, stop to visit a small ethnic minority village to learn more about their culture and daily life. Arrive at Kuang Si Waterfalls, relax or possibily walk up to the top of the water fall for a nice view and enjoy the beautiful landscape and fresh water in which you can swim during the summer. Visit the bear sanctuary next to the falls, run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. Return to Luang Prabang in the mid afternoon. Explore the Night Bazaar in the evening, where you can find lovely collections of handmade textiles produced by local communities from the region surrounding Luang Prabang

LUANG PRABANG (B)

Depart in the early morning (05h30) and observe monks leaving their pagodas and walking barefoot along the streets in the long lines collecting alms. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spirituality of the Lao people. Return to the hotel for breakfast after which tour the National Museum which used to be the Royal Palace (official name "Haw Kham"), built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. Various statues of Buddha, monarchs, as well as wonderful murals of traditional Lao scenes still remain.

Transfer to the airport for a departing flight.