Day 01
Vientiane Arrival (D)
Upon arrival, you start visiting the major city sights: Wat Sisaket, the country’s oldest temple and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. En route, visit the famous That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos and the imposing Patuxay Monument. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 02
Vientiane – Express Train to Vang Vieng (B, L)
Transfer to see Buddha Park, a scattered and enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures near the Friendship Bridge. If time permits, you will visit the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong before catching a train to Vang Vieng, a tranquil town nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Today ends with a superb sunset panorama reflecting over the Nam Song River.
Day 03
Vang Vieng – Tham Jang Caves (B, L)
Visit the 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, the 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.
Day 04
Vang Vieng – Express Train to Luang Prabang (B, L)
Free to relax until transfer to the train station to take a train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, pick up and transfer to visit the stupa of Wat Visoun, Wat Aham & Wat Mai and the National Museum at the Royal Palace.
Day 05
Luang Prabang – Pakou Caves (B, L)
Visit the city’s oldest temples: Wat Sene & Wat Xieng Thong then take a boat trip along the Mekong river to the Pak Ou Caves where there are thousands of Buddha images. Stop to visit the two small villages then climb up to Wat Chomphet for the best view of Luang Prabang. Later, take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban XiengLek, small villages well known for silk weaving and Saa paper making, then return to the city and observe the sunset at Wat Phabath.
Day 06
Luang Prabang – Ban Long Lao – Kuang Si Waterfalls (B, L)
Transfer to the Khmu village of Ban Long Lao Nong & the Hmong village of Ban Long Lao Song. Here, you will observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups. Afterward, visit other ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live. Next, stop at the Kuang Si Waterfalls where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths then climb up to Mount Phousi for an exploration of the sacred stupa and a panoramic view of the city at sunset.
Day 07
Luang Prabang Departure (B)
Depending on your departure time, you will have some free time to relax or further explore the town on your own before a transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
