Amazing Laos

Upon arrival, you start visiting the major city sights; including Wat Sisaket, the country’s oldest temple, with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. En route, you will visit the famous That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos and the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

We transfer to see Buddha Park, a scattered and enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images here and if time permits, you will visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong before catching an express train to Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Today ends with a superb sunset panorama reflecting over the Nam Song River.

You will explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. Next, we take a drive through paddy fields to the Tham Phoukham caves, the country’s beautiful and famous limestone caverns surrounded by forest. Along the way, you will meet local villagers and learn about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can swim and refresh yourself from the heat.

We take an express train to Luang Prabang. On arrival, you will visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. You then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

You will board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We will stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. You will also stop at two villages including Ban Muangkeo where the local rice wine is produced and Ban Xieng Mene. After that, climb up to Wat Chomphet where you can get the best views of Luang Prabang from across the river. Once back in the town, take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban XiengLek – small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking.

Today we leave this charming town and drive to Xieng Khouang (6 hours on the car/van), an area once devastated by American bombings. These back roads are a great way to have an authentic Laos experience. On arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau.

Depart for a trip to Mouang Khoune, former capital of the province, which was almost completely destroyed by American bombing during the Vietnam War. En route, visit the H’mong ethnic minority villages, Thai Dam (Black Thai) and Phuan. Orientation tour of Mouang Khoune and visit the remains of the temples of Wat Phia Wat and Wat Tha Foune. After visiting the sites, you will catch the flight to Vientiane. After a short rest, we begin our orientation with a short walking-tour of the Lao capital, strolling around the city sights and observing the evening sunset along the Mekong Riverside.

After breakfast and if time permits, you will visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.