A Glance At Laos

Arrive Vientiane. Be warmly welcomed by your tour guide and driver. Transfer to the down town of Vientiane. Check in your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Patuxay monument, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Next, go to visit Pha That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. It was constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century. The temple becomes resplendent as the sun is shining upon its towering golden spire. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, start your day to visit the highlights of Vientiane such as Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. The next stop is Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo houses an impressive collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby is the Presidential Palace, however, travelers are not allowed to visit inside.

Continue to Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane. It is considered the guardian of the spirit of the city. Upon its grounds, you will find an Angkorian-era pillar and it is a popular belief that if you circle it three times and make a wish, then that wish will come true. After your lunch in a local restaurant, get on the private transfer to the airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang.

Arrive in Luang Prabang, after a short rest, take the 328 steps that lead to the top of Mount Phousi where you will be rewarded with a marvelous view of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Evening time is at your own leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, your city tour begins with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you will explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm. This morning tour ends with a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos’ most beautiful temples. Lunch will be served in local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city.

Continue to Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. Traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts are on display alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories. It is a great opportunity to gain insights of the Lao people (note: it is closed on Monday). Later in the afternoon, cross the Mekong for a short walk on the opposite side and climb to Wat Chompet for a bird-eye view of the city at sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Optional: For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast you will embark on a cruise up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves which is locally referred to as Tam Ting. These two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and house thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. Lunch is up to you.

Afternoon, you will be driven through Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls (32km southwest of the city). Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfalls, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Visit the bear sanctuary which is next to the falls, run by Free the Bears Fund Inc. Return to your hotel and overnight in Luang Prabang.

ree time for your own before transferring to the airport for your next destination. End of services.