Meet your guide on arrival, transfer and check-in to your hotel. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Vientiane, answer any questions you have, and make arrangements for the following day. Enjoy free time for the remainder of the first day.

Set on a sweeping bend of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the tranquil and timeless capital of Laos with a kaleidoscope of architectural styles and influences ranging from traditional Lao to Thai, Chinese, French, Soviet and American. Discover crumbling French mansions, the golden spires of Pha That Luang, ancient atmospheric temples, bizarre sculptures and the Patuxai Monument, the Arc de Triomphe of Laos. From steaming noodle bars to riverside cafes, Vientiane will surprise and delight you with its quaint placid charm.

Vientiane has many great restaurants with Lao, Thai, French, Italian, Mexican and Chinese cuisines available. Ask your guide for personal recommendations.

Included meals: None
Accommodation in VIENTIANE

With your guide, discover the essential landmarks and iconic sights that the small and charismatic city of Vientiane has to offer. Vientiane remains a tranquil laid-back town, a world away from the frantic capitals in Asia, and most attractions can be reached on foot.

Your half day city tour begins with the oldest temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a museum of arts and antiques. We then travel up Lanexang Avenue you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument, which resembles its Parisian inspiration, the Arc de Triomphe. The climb to the top offers great views over Vientiane. We continue onwards down Rue Singha 23 to Laos’ National icon, and most important religious building, the golden stupa of That Luang. The final visit of the day will be the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War area.

We then return to your hotel with the afternoon free at leisure.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in VIENTIANE

After breakfast at your hotel, we drive to visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the banks of the Mekong River. By no means historic – Buddha Park was built in the 1950’s by a self styled ‘holy man’ – the park features some very photogenic and unusual sculptures, including a huge reclining Buddha, and a giant pumpkin. Upon returning to Vientiane we have the option of stopping at the Lao Disabled Womens Centre, which provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos. The women here are friendly, and its interesting to have a chat with them to find out about their lives.

In the afternoon we visit the Talat Sao, or morning market, which has an impressive range of Lao textiles on offer. Later we visit the weaving home-studio of Mrs Carol Cassidy, an American textiles expert who arrived in Vientiane in 1989 as part of a United Nations project to promote traditional weaving. Carol was so impressed by the quality and diversity of weaving throughout Laos that she set up the Lao Textiles Studio in Vientiane. Today the studio employs over forty local weavers who create naturally dyed and woven silk pieces reflecting traditional Lao designs. Learn about the weaving techniques or make a purchase at the gift shop to help support the cause/

Note: Carol Cassidy is closed on Saturday-afternoon and on Sunday

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in VIENTIANE

This morning fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and meet your guide on arrival. Your guide will provide an introduction to Luang Prabang.

Laos Airlines: Vientiane – Luang Prabang (Schedule TBA)

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your guide and driver. The afternoon, we first visit the excellent ‘Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre’, which gives a great insight into the rich and diverse ethnic and cultural blend of Laos. We then transfer out of town and visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek. Back in town, we continue to Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape.

There are 3 options for the final stop of the day;
- Transfer to Mt Phousi for a climb up the sacred hill that offers spectacular sunset vista and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and across the Mekong River.
- If you prefer to beat the steps (or the crowds on busy days) transfer to Wat Prabath Tai for a more accessible sunset experience.
- If you prefer to witness the evening Monk Chants, visit Wat Aham, where monks and novices come together in the colourful prayer hall for their daily rituals. Greet the eager novices returning from monk school and take in the meditative chants.

Note: The T.A.E.C. is closed on Mondays

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG

You can discuss with your guide for an early morning start (5.30am) to witness and partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’ or giving alms to the monks. This is a unique ritual still followed by the locals in Luang Prabang. We can also visit the local fresh market to see how the locals shop, before returning to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we visit the quaint Royal Palace Museum that provides a fine overview of the culture and history of this ancient city. We follow the quiet back lanes to the beautiful historical Huan Chuan Heritage House, taking in its historical items and architectural charms while learning about the connection it has with the Royal Palace. After a refreshing Iced Tea in the gardens, we continue our walk up the peninsula to the country’s most historic and enchanting temple, Wat Xiengthong. With its roof that sweeps low towards the ground, this temple's architecture best represents the classical Luang Prabang style. We wander the temple grounds before crossing the road to Wat Khili where this temple’s charming traditional library building houses an historic photo exhibition of Buddhist heritage.

For the remainder of the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Luang Prabang.

Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG

After breakfast, we transfer to the peninsula boat landing, where we board a private boat for a cruise up the Mighty Mekong River. Enjoy the tranquil countryside passing by, until we reach the village of Ban Muangkeo where we start a short trek to reach the mysterious Pak Ou caves, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. We then return downstream, making a stop at Wat Done Khoun temple, a unique temple situated on an island in the Mekong, before continuing to Luang Prabang where we arrive around noon.

In the afternoon, we drive out of the town where you have the option of stopping to visit Khmu, Hmong and Lao Loum villages, representing the main ethnic groups of Laos. This then takes us to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool or walk along the forest trails. Next to the falls is a Bear Rescue Centre, which does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear. We then return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation in LUANG PRABANG

Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure.

Your guide and private car will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Please note that hotel check-out time is by noon 1200. Luggage can be deposited at hotel after check-out. Hotel late check-out is subject to hotel availability and with extra fee.

Included meals: Breakfast