Highlights of Laos

This morning, we will embark on a city tour to discover the highlights of the charming capital. Vientiane, with its low-rise, red-roofed buildings and a relaxed, French-inspired ambiance, offers a delightful atmosphere. We'll visit some of its most notable landmarks, including the Victory Gate, a triumphal arch that provides excellent views of the city, and the That Luang stupa, which is reputed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha. Additionally, we will explore Wat Sisaket, a stunning temple renowned for its extensive collection of Buddha statues.

The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace. You might choose to visit Buddha Park, a sprawling green space just 30 minutes from the city that features an intriguing array of Buddhist and Hindu statues. Alternatively, consider a visit to the COPE Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing prosthetic limbs to victims of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Vietnam War. The museum offers valuable insights into the history of the bombing campaign and highlights the important work of the COPE Foundation. Many find it to be a profound and moving experience that deepens their understanding of Laos.

This morning, we’ll embark on a scenic three to four-hour drive to Vang Vieng, making a few intriguing stops along the way. One of our highlights includes a visit to the Sa paper project, where traditional paper is crafted from Mulberry tree bark.

Upon reaching Vang Vieng, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore and get acquainted with the area. For a memorable experience, we suggest a leisurely walk to the riverbank in the evening to enjoy the sunset. There are several spots to relax and take in the breathtaking views. As the sun sets behind the mountains and the sky transforms into vibrant shades of burnt orange, you’ll see people floating down the river—a perfect moment to capture with your camera.

Vang Vieng is beautifully situated on the banks of the Nam Song River, surrounded by lush rice paddies and framed by dramatic, jagged limestone cliffs. Once famous as a backpacker party hub, Vang Vieng has since transformed into a prime destination for adventure travel in Laos. Its stunning landscape offers a wide range of activities suitable for everyone, from casual walkers to thrill-seekers.

With numerous options to explore, today is left open for you to choose from various exciting excursions. Options include a guided trek through rice paddies to visit nearby minority villages, exploring the extensive 2km underground cave system, zip-lining through the forest canopy, or kayaking along the serene Nam Song River.

Today, we embark on a full-day journey heading north to Luang Prabang. The route ascends through the mountainous region of central Laos, offering breathtaking views of the rugged landscape. As we drive, we'll pass through quaint villages perched precariously along the mountainside and traverse several high passes with spectacular 360-degree vistas. We will make several stops along the way to refresh in a Hmong village and capture photographs from the scenic passes. We aim to reach Luang Prabang by late afternoon.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is situated in a verdant valley where the Khan and Mekong rivers converge. The city's charm is enhanced by its French colonial influence, evident in the grand white-washed Indochinese villas that line the tree-shaded streets, which harmonize beautifully with the golden-tipped wats (temples) scattered throughout the city. Here, time seems to slow down, making it the perfect place to enjoy a Lao coffee at one of the many outdoor cafes and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. In the evening, there's an opportunity to ascend Mount Phousi, climbing its 328 steps to witness a stunning sunset, providing panoramic views over the serene city and its surroundings.

Today, we’ll delve deeper into the wonders of Luang Prabang. The city's main attractions are conveniently clustered together, allowing us to explore several impressive wats (temples) on foot. We’ll visit the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, known as the Golden Temple, constructed in 1559. This temple is renowned for its vivid red and gold decor, grand tiled roof, and intricate mosaic dragon designs. Our tour also includes stops at Wat Sen and the Royal Palace Museum.

Following these visits, we’ll embark on a traditional long-tail boat for a brief trip up the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. Here, we’ll climb several steps up the limestone cliffs to reach the revered Buddhist shrine. Although no longer inhabited by monks, the caves house an altar for incense and flower offerings, along with countless Buddha statues of various sizes and forms arranged on rock shelves. After returning to Luang Prabang, the remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

This morning, we'll take a bus ride to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, located about 45 minutes from Luang Prabang. As we travel through lush forested hills and pass several ethnic minority villages, we'll reach the impressive limestone cascades that flow into a series of crystal-clear turquoise pools. After returning to Luang Prabang, you'll have the option to join an afternoon bicycle excursion to the Lao Loum village of Ban Phanom. Situated around 6 km from the city, the route meanders through picturesque, cultivated landscapes and leads to a charming village by the Nam Khan River. Here, we’ll spend some time interacting with the locals and gaining insight into their rural lifestyle before heading back to Luang Prabang for a refreshing Beer Lao.

Our journey concludes following breakfast at our accommodation in Luang Prabang. The day ahead is unstructured, granting you the freedom to depart from Luang Prabang at your convenience. For those with later flights, our hotel offers luggage storage facilities. If you require a complimentary airport transfer today, please ensure your departure is from Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ), conveniently located just 10 minutes away from our hotel.