Highlights of Laos

On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. After a soft rest, we will first visit the major sights of the capital, including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national icon, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay, Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. The welcome dinner will be served at the local restaurant with the traditional dance and folk song, the best chance to experience the local culture. Overnight in Vientiane.

We leave early for our journey on highway direct to Vang Vieng for 1h 30mn. Upon arrival, check in the hotel and have lunch at the lovely town with small restaurant and Lao cuisine. After lunch, we visit the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. Then we will drive to Khmu Village, 10km north of Vang Vieng. You will receive training from experienced guides and we will start to paddle down the Nam Song river. You will navigate some small but fun rapids and float past beautiful scenery back to Vang Vieng.

(Kayaking = 1 hour approximate time)

After breakfast, we start our expedition on the new road to Luang Prabang, that is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. 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. Each hill tribe village in Laos has a different feel, some are more prosperous than others but all have plenty of life. We also have chance to admire the panoramic view over the surrounding area at the peak of more than 2000m. Before reaching Luang Prabang, we will make a short stop to visit the local school at Ban Huay Sala. Overnight in Luang Prabang

(185 km – 3 hours drive on mountain road)

After breakfast, we will first visit Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center (TAEC), the collection of diverse Lao ethnic groups. After that, we will join the seminars of “Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Change in Laos”. 

In the afternoon, we will visit Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where we will walk around to have a short visit before joining one of the below class: Dyeing Class, Weaving Class, Batik Class, Bamboo Weaving Class, Village Weaver Class. We will spend the rest of the afternoon to enjoy a cold drink at Silk Road Café overlooking Mekong river whilst admiring the sun setting behind the mountain. After that, return to our hotel and relax.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the meeting point in town and journey across the Mekong River to reach the 40 hectares of Pha Tad Ke. Embark on a self-guided stroll around the unique collection of the flora of Laos. Free workshops are available on tea-tasting, bamboo handicraft, a conservation talk and an orchid talk. After that, relax at the quiet cafe overlooking the lotus pond. Enjoy sipping tea and savouring the Lao dishes at lunch.

We continue the cruise downstream the Mekong river and transfer by local tuk tuk to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall. You can also see Asiatic bears at the Bear Rescue Centre. We then take the boat back to Luang Prabang.

Wake up early to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving. Then we will visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace and experience the flavor of local life. After breakfast, we ascend to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, you will visit Royal Palace Museum. Continues to visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, a superb piece of Lao temple architecture. If we have enough time, we visit UXO Visitor Center where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos. After that, driver will take you to the airport for your departure flight.