Laos Highlights

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia's best-kept traditional cities. Its tranquillity, charm, and rich landscape and culture make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.

Take a walking tour of the city to find your way around. Highlights include Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs, and the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun. Ascend over 300 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to see the sacred, gilded stupa and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and surrounding hills at sunset. Later, head to the night market, where you'll find a beautiful collection of hand-woven textiles and other handicrafts created by the hill tribes and local artisans of Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang
Meal: No

Continue to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang with your local guide. Visit the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roof sweeping low to the ground. This exquisite 500-year-old temple is the best example of the classic Luang Prabang style. Then visit the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, with personal objects from Laos’s royal past.

Drive through the scenic countryside to Pak Ou village, with a stop at Ban Xang Khong village, known for hand-woven silk and traditional Saa papermaking. A private boat takes you across the river to the sacred Pak Ou caves, a mystical pilgrimage site containing a thousand Buddha images of various shapes and sizes. After exploring the Pak Ou caves, your boat will take you back to Luang Prabang, offering scenic views of rural life along the riverbanks. You will have the option to visit Ban Xang Hai, renowned for its Lao Lao rice spirit production.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang
Meal: Breakfast

Begin the day at the morning market, where goods include dried buffalo skin, local tea, saltpeter, chickens, vegetables, and hill-tribe weavings. Travel to the impressive Kuang Si Waterfalls, stopping at a village of Lao ethnic minority groups - Ban Quay, Ban Ou, and Ban Thapene - and get an impression of the rural lifestyle. Relax by the waterfall's tiered limestone pools and take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters.

On your return journey, make a stop at Ock Pop Tock, the Living Crafts Centre, where you can learn about textile traditions and practices and meet the artisans who keep these traditions alive. Spend the rest of your day exploring your surroundings at your leisure.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang
Meal: Breakfast

Option: Early-risers can attend the morning Buddhist Alms Giving and watch hundreds of orange-robed monks walk through the streets of Luang Prabang receiving offerings of food from residents and businesses. Laos is one of the few Buddhist nations that still preserve this tradition.

Fly to Vientiane, Laos's laid-back capital. Upon arrival at Wattay Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your guide who will then escort you to your hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, boasting an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences.

Take a tour of the Patuxay Monument for a panoramic view of the city. Visit Carol Cassidy’s workshop to see the textile masterpieces and then enjoy a relaxing afternoon drink along the Mekong riverside. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: Vientiane
Meal: Breakfast

Option: Early-risers can attend the morning Buddhist Alms Giving and watch hundreds of orange-robed monks walk through the streets of Luang Prabang receiving offerings of food from residents and businesses. Laos is one of the few Buddhist nations that still preserve this tradition.

Experience a guided sightseeing tour of Vientiane. Explore the National Museum to learn about Laos's rich history and cultural heritage. Visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, adorned with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and Wat Prakeo, previously housing the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Afterward, discover Laos' national symbol, the sacred Pha That Luang, and enjoy lunch at Makphet restaurant, a vocational project for Laos's disadvantaged children.

Following lunch, continue your exploration by visiting Xieng Khuan, known as Buddha Park, situated 27km along the bank of the Mekong River outside of Vientiane. This remarkable park showcases a vast collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, creating a unique and enchanting experience. Return to Vientiane and spend the evening discovering Laos cuisine at your leisure in local restaurants.

Accommodation: Vientiane
Meal: Breakfast

Depending on your departure time, you will have some free time to explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings at your leisure. Later, you will be transferred to Wattay International Airport in a private vehicle for your onward flight.

Accommodation: Check-out time is 12:00
Meals: Breakfast