Laos Discovery – 8 Days

Explore the enchanting capital of Laos, Vientiane, situated along the Mekong River.

Highlights of the tour include:

• The Wat Si Saket, a religious museum renowned for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

• Wat Ho Phra Keo, a distinctive temple that once housed the revered Emerald Buddha.

• Pha That Luang, a grand Buddhist stupa covered in gold, located at the heart of the city.

• Patuxai, an imposing war monument and triumphal arch dominating central Vientiane.

We will embark on a drive to Vang Vieng, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Along the way, we'll make a stop at Nam Ngum Dam, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a one-hour boat ride exploring the scenic islands of this vast reservoir.

Following this, you'll have lunch at a local restaurant (please note that lunch is at your own expense) before continuing the journey to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and have some free time to explore the town. Nestled on the banks of the Song River and surrounded by lush rice fields and towering limestone peaks, Vang Vieng is celebrated as one of Southeast Asia's most stunning adventure spots.

Today, we will embark on a brief guided exploration of Luang Prabang’s oldest temple, Wat Sene, and the stunning Wat Xiengthong, renowned for its gracefully sloping roofs that epitomize classical Luang Prabang temple architecture. Following this, we’ll set off on a boat trip upstream along the Mekong River, which offers picturesque views of the serene countryside and includes a fascinating visit to the Pak Ou Caves. These two interconnected caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of varying sizes, left by devoted pilgrims. During the journey, we'll make a stop at Ban Xanghai, known for its local rice wine production. Upon returning to Luang Prabang, we’ll take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its traditional hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

We will embark on a journey to the Plain of Jars, a fascinating archaeological site where numerous large stone jars are scattered across the plateau.

Our visit will include the major sites I and II, which are the largest and most notable locations within the Plain of Jars. This enigmatic site, steeped in mystery and legend, features an astonishing array of ancient stone jars strewn across the war-torn landscape of Xiengkhuang province in northern Laos.

If time permits, we will also travel to Muang Khoun, the former royal capital of Xieng Khouang province. Here, we will explore Wat Phia Wat temple, as well as the That Foun and That Chomphet stupas.

We will embark on our journey to Luang Prabang, a drive of approximately 260 kilometers taking around 6 to 7 hours. As we traverse this route, we'll be treated to stunning views of the mountainous landscape and have the opportunity to visit various Hmong and other hill tribe villages along the way. The drive will take us through picturesque forested areas and scenic terrain, offering a glimpse of the region’s natural beauty.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore this charming town. Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers in northern Laos, Luang Prabang boasts one of Southeast Asia's most picturesque settings. This historic French colonial town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty and romantic ambiance.

We begin our day with a visit to the local Morning Market, renowned for its fresh produce, including vegetables, Mekong River fish, medicinal herbs, and other intriguing items.

Following the market visit, we will take a brief stroll to explore:

• Wat Mai Suwannaphumaram Monastery: Established in the late 18th century by King Anurat (reign 1795-1817) and later restored in 1821 by King Manthatourat.

• Royal Palace Museum (Haw Kham): Constructed between 1904 and 1909, this building showcases a fusion of Laotian and French Beaux Arts styles. It served as the official residence for the Luang Prabang monarchs before becoming a museum in 1976.

Next, we drive along the Mekong River to Wat Wisunalat, a temple built during the reign of King Wisunarat (1501-1520), representing one of the earliest examples of Luang Prabang-style Lao temple architecture. It was reconstructed between 1896 and 1898 under King Sakkarin Kamsuk.

We will then head to Heuan Chan Heritage Luang Prabang for a hands-on activity where you can learn to make items from banana leaves and flowers.

Our journey continues along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong, a significant Lao monastery known for its importance in religious, royal, and traditional art contexts.

Our final stop is Mount Phousi, which rises 100 meters above the peninsula where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers converge. As the highest point in Luang Prabang, it offers panoramic views of the city. The tour will conclude upon our return to the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast and some free time before heading to the airport for your departure. We will transfer you to Luang Prabang Airport in accordance with your flight schedule.