Day 1

Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, transfer to your hotel in town (early check-in upon availability). From its sleepy tuk-tuk drivers to its location on the right bank of the lumbering, lazy Mekong, this former French trading post is languid to say the least.

Indeed, despite being the capital and largest city of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, there’s not a whole lot to do in Vientiane. But that is also, quite honestly, its selling point. There is no activity planned for today, so you can stroll around the town for your own exploration. Overnight in Vientiane.

Meal: None
Tour guide: English Speaking guide

Day 2

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. We then visit Lao Disable Women Development Center, which assist disable women to cope with their disability and advocate for their rights. Spend time watching the video and learn about the effort to earn their daily living. You can support them by buying some small handicrafts at the shop.

Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire. Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”. Continue down Lane Xang Avenue to the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828.

Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls. Overnight in Vientiane.

Tips:

• You can also visit Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to discover the Lao coffee, stroll around the mini coffee gallery, view the in-house coffee roaster and try a cup of delicious and unique coffee or tea. Discuss with our guide about this. Entrance fee and extra coffee/drinks are payable on spot.
• There is also the chance to visit Ban Hom, where you can visit the farmers working on the field and learn about the rural local life.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English Speaking guide

Day 3

Distance: 160KM | 4-hour transfer

We leave the capital early for our journey northbound to Ban Thaheua. We will see some breathtaking scenery enroute as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region. Along the way, we visit the busy and colorful market of KM52 where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions. We may also make a short photo stop at Hin Heup bridge, and the fish market in Ban Tha Heua. From there, we will transfer to the nearby resort in Ban Thaheua locating at the north side of Nam Ngum lake, the “sea of Laos”.

In the afternoon, our guide will escort you to the nearby village, passing through the local primary school, which is livelier during the school time. We will also visit the local market with plenty of fish stall displays.

Back to the resort, relax by the pool and admire the sun setting behind the mountains. Overnight at Sanctuary Nam Ngum Beach Resort.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking guide

Day 4

In the morning, we start our expedition to Xieng Khuang. The roads are well paved along the way for a smooth journey.

We pass some stunning landscape scenery with a mixture of steep terraced fields and hill villages. We have chance to take a few photo stops at some small hill tribe village enroute. Each hill tribe village in Laos has a different feel, some are more prosperous than others but all have plenty of life.

Our most impressive stop is at the peak of Phou Phiengpha offerring the panoramic view over the mountainous area. From there, we will drive a bit further to the T-Junction in Phoukhoun, and take the right turn onto Xieng Khuang province.

After that, the road is getting a bit harder which includes some zigzagging mountain paths; and we will make some stop along the way to visit the local hill tribe villages, or to stretch your legs. We will make a short stop at Tham Pra, which served as the hospital during the Indochina Wars before arriving in Phonsavanh. Overnight in Phonsavanh.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking guide

Day 5

Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribe people barter and exchange merchandises.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a half day trip to Muang Khoune, the old provincial capital that was not been destroyed by the American bombings during the secret war. Muang Khoun is home to unique sitting giant Buddha as well of some old pagodas that lies in ruins. The foundation and columns of Wat Pia Wat are still standing and close to this site, there is also an old 30m stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period.

In the afternoon, visit the thought-provoking UXO Information Centre, run by British organisation MAG (Mines Advisory Group) that’s been helping to clear Laos’ unexploded ordnance since 1994.

Xieng Khuang is famous for its mysterious Plain of Jars, a huge archaeological complex littered with mysterious 2000 years old stone jars sized from 70cm up to 3 or 4 meters. You have time today to visit the plain of jars Site 1, the biggest and closest to town that opened for tourists.

Attention: The Plain of Jars has been heavily bombed during the war and you have to respect all the signs and stay along the defined trails due to bombs, UXO and landmines.

Spend the rest of the day wander around the small town of Xieng Khuang to admire the life of local people. Then return to Xieng Khouang and overnight.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking guide

Day 6

Distance: 265KM | 7-8 hour transfer

Early morning, depart for Luang Prabang via the windy zigzagging mountain paths, enjoying the splendid natural scenery of the mountains, the forest and landscape.

We will make a short stop at Ban Phoudam village, where we can see the two hill tribe minorities of H’Mong and Khamu living in harmony, before driving to the photo stop at Ban Kiew Nya for the panoramic view prior to reaching Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking guide

Day 7

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving…

After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family.

We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues.

Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.

On arrival back in the city, we will visit the old Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong. If time permits, we will drive out of the city to visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek.

Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Tip: If you are fond of various ethnic cultures, you can visit Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday).

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking guide

Day 8

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River.

On the way to Kuang Si waterfall, we will stop at Buffalo Dairy Farm to join a scheduled tour of the farm. Learn how to milk a buffalo and interact with animals before continuing.

Then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools. There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene and visit the Bear Rescue Center.

On the way back, visit Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Tips:

• Visit the nearby Butterflies Park for afternoon tea.

• Enjoy a traditional Lao massage at Lao Red Cross (not included – payable on spot).

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English Speaking guide