LAOS MYSTERIES REVEALED

Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, transfer to your hotel in town (early check-in upon availability).

There is no activity planned for today, so you can stroll around the town for your own exploration.

Meal: No Meal

Overnight at hotel in Vientiane

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.

Returning to town, visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides indepth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them.

Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire. Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxay, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”. Continue down Lane Xang Avenue the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.

End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Vientiane

After breakfast, we take the flight to Xieng Khuang.

On arrival at the Xieng Khuang, visit to the fair-trade “Mulberries Organic Silk Farm” where visitors can observe the silk-weaving process from cocoons to colorful scarves.

From there visit MAG UXO Center and Official Tourist Information Center to deepen our understanding of history.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Xieng Khuang

In the morning, enjoy a half day trip to Muang Khoun, the old provincial capital that was not been destroyed by the American bombings during the secret war.

Muang Khoun is home to unique sitting giant Buddha as well of some old pagodas that lies in ruins. The foundation and columns of Wat Pia Wat are still standing and close to this site, there is also an old 30m stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period.

After that, we drive back to tow and visit the “Plain of Jars”, which is an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over a plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists still question their purpose. We have time today to explore the Plain of Jars site 1 and some nearby villages, populated by the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people; they are very poor but possess a vibrant local culture and an interesting history.

We then transfer out to the airport to take the flight to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Vientiane

Early in the morning, we depart from the capital for our journey northbound to Vang Vieng. En route, we'll witness breathtaking scenery, passing through spectacular countryside as we approach the mountainous region. Our arrival in Vang Vieng is expected around noon.

During the afternoon, we embark on a tour through paddy field areas, making our way to Tham Nangfa, also known as Angel Cave. This cave is adorned with massive limestone formations and boasts spectacular stalactites in various unique configurations. Along the route, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultures by greeting villagers and learning about their daily lifestyle.

Following our exploration of Tham Nangfa, we visit the renowned Blue Lagoon, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water or leisurely stroll around to explore the nearby surroundings. On our way back to town, we'll delve into Sae Lao, an initiative dedicated to sustainable development, aiming to manage natural resources efficiently, effectively, and equitably. This initiative includes a modest organic farm, a community center providing daily English classes, and a volunteer program tailored for international visitors. We then transfer back to your hotel in town.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Vang Vieng

We will take the morning train to Luang Prabang, which takes about 1 hour.

After a rest sort, our guide will take you on an in-depth walking tour of the city. The walk is oriented towards the lesser-known parts of the town including charming lanes showing the more traditional atmosphere of the heritage town.

Along the way, we will see the four different types of buildings categorized by UNESCO. The first one is the traditional Lao house which is made from tropical hardwood or bamboo and built on stilts. The second is a half wood and half cement house built after the arrival of the French. The third is the traditional French colonial building that are similar to those found in Vietnam and Cambodia. The last form of architecture you will see is the old Chinese shop houses that were built to be used for both commercial and residential purposes.

We then continue with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. From there, we walk to the nearby Wat Mai, which is one of Luang Prabang’s largest and most richly decorated temples.

Late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.

Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.

On arrival back in the city, we will visit some famous attractions inside city center including the oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.

Next, we will visit Heuan Chan, a 19th-century aristocratic mansion that offers a glimpse into Lao culture through traditional ceremonies, textiles, and family life. This restored mansion stands as a testament to Lao heritage, featuring enriching exhibitions and a documentary on Laos' customs. After the visit, we'll have the opportunity to taste authentic Lao coffee or tea, providing a true taste of Laos.

If time permits, we will drive out of the city to visit Ban Xangkhong, the Thai Lue village, which is famous for its arts and crafts. We also visit the nearby village of Ban Xienglek specializing in making the traditional Saa paper. You can either get to the nearby village and join a petanque game with the local team.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday, and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos.

Then transfer to the Buffalo Dairy Farm on the way to Kuang Si waterfalls, which offer the fun and interesting experience. From there, continue further to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals

There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists. If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight

Meal: Breakfast