Highlight of Laos

On arrival in Vientiane – the country’s charming capital, a local guide greets the guests at the airport and transfers them to the hotel in the city center. In the afternoon, free to relax and enjoy an orientation walk around the hotel area. The guide may lead them to the riverbank, where locals watch the sun set across the Mekong.

Meals: N/A
Accommodations: Hotel in Vientiane

Today, guests have a full day to explore Vientiane – the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo-Chinese cities that conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American, and Soviet influences.

After breakfast, the group explores the highlights of Vientiane: the National Museum, Wat Sisaket, and Haw Phra Kaeo. 

*Wat Sisaket, the city‘s oldest surviving temple, with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past.

Haw Phra Kaeo, the large temple, was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani trees.*

In the afternoon, they stroll through the old section of the Morning Market, where stalls are filled with textiles, jewelry, and spices. Later, they visit Pha That Luang, a golden stupa that glows brightly against the clear sky. Next, guests will go to climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai. The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling, and once at the top, they can see for miles around Vientiane.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

After breakfast at the hotel, the guide will transfer guests to the airport for the short flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, they are welcomed and transferred to the hotel in town for check-in.

In the afternoon, they visit the Royal Palace, known as Haw Kham, built in 1904 during the French colonial period for King Sisavang Vong. The building combines French and Lao architecture and houses royal artifacts, religious objects, and traditional art. Before sunset, ascend the 328 steps to the top of Phou Si Mountain, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding rivers and cityscape. 

After descending, they walk through the Hilltribe Market, where stalls are filled with traditional textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts made by local communities around Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, the guests board a boat for a cruise along the Mekong River. The slow journey passes green hills and riverside villages. They arrive at the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred site where thousands of Buddha images, ranging from small wooden carvings to larger statues, are placed in the limestone caverns. 

In the afternoon, the tour continues with visits to Luang Prabang’s main temples. At Wat Mai, they will see its richly decorated golden façade. Wat Sensoukarahm, with its vivid red walls and gold details, reflects the elegance of local religious architecture. The final stop is Wat Xieng Thong, considered one of the most beautiful temples in Laos, with sweeping roofs and intricate mosaics that highlight centuries of craftsmanship.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel in Luang Prabang

The day begins early with the experience of watching or joining the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. 

After breakfast, the journey continues with visits to Wat Visoun with its iconic Watermelon Stupa and Wat Aham with the altar of Luang Prabang’s two respected geniuses. Later, they drive into the countryside to reach Kuang Si Waterfall. Here, water flows over tiers of limestone into turquoise pools surrounded by tropical forest. Paths lead to viewpoints along the falls, and guests can swim in the lower pools or simply enjoy the cool air and natural beauty of the site.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Have breakfast in the hotel and enjoy your free time, then transfer to Luang Prabang airport for their onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast