Classic Laos

Today we will explore Vientiane- the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Our visit will take you to the key sites: WatSisaket the city ‘s oldest surviving temple with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past, the next stop is Haw PhraKaeo. This large temple is beautiful both interior and exterior, it was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani trees.

Lunch at a local restaurant (on your own)

In the afternoon a stop at the older part of Morning market is recommended before the visit Pha That Luang. The giant golden stupa is a sight to see as the bright gold holds a sharp contrast to the pure blue sky. Next you will go to climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai. The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling and once at the top you can see for miles around Vientiane.

In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for flight to LuangPrabang. Welcome on arrival and transfer to hotel for check in. Meals on your own. Overnight at hotel.

We visit the vegetable market and the former King’s Palace in the UNESCO World Heritage town of LuangPrabang learning about today’s life and history.

Enjoy a short drive to visit Vat Xieng Thong or Temple of the Royal City- one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art.

Then continue toWatVisoun – an unusual structure which represents the earliest Lao style.

Afterwards, pay a visit to Wat Mai, a beautiful temple located nearby Royal Palace and built in the 18th century. It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in LuangPrabang.

Take a cruise along the Mekong about two hours upstream from the centre of LuangPrabang, and discover the numerous Buddha images at Pak Ou Caves.
Pak Ou (mouth of the Ouriver) the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the ThamTheung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the founder name Mekong River. They are a group of caves on the right side of the Mekong river, It is then only a short distance from the caves to the village of Ban XangHai. Stop here to learn about LauLao (Lao whisky) and LauHai (Lao wine), before continuing down the Mekong to LuangPrabang. On return, we take a short drive to Ban XangKhong and Ban Xienglek, well known for its hand- made of Jute Sar paper.

In the evening go to Phousi Mount where you also can have a nice panorama of the city.

The balance of day is free at leisure. Meals on your own. Overnight at hotel.

For early risers, alms giving ceremony is good chance to learn about local culture. We suggest you enjoy the sunrise at the crossroads in town around 05.00 when you will also see monks in saffron robes from LuangPrabang’s many temples walking in long silent processions searching for offerings left to them by the faithful.

After breakfast, our tour guide and driver will come to your hotel, you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit the Ban Ouay, Hmong Hill tribe, Ban Ou, Lowland Lao and Ban Thapene of Khmu village.

Continue driving to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to LuangPrabang and we take a short drive to Ban XangKhong and Ban Xienglek, well known for its hand- made of Jute Sar paper. Rest of the time at leisure.

Free until transfer to the airport without guide for your departure flight. Room is at your disposal until noon only. Meals on your own. END OF SERVICES.