Day 1: Houiey Say - Pakbeng ( L , D )

Leave Houiey Say on the Thai border for a leisurely cruise on a local boat down the Mekong to Pakbeng. Several stops along the way offer the opportunity to sample rural life in the villages scattered along the riverbank and enjoy a riverside picnic. Arrive in Pakbeng in the afternoon. Overnight in Pakbeng.

Day 2: Pakbeng - Pak Ou Cave - Luang Prabang ( B , L )

As you sail downriver as a second leg, you will pass areas of un-spoilt forest with little villages along the riverbanks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. You will also visit a fishing village and a rice winemaking village and perhaps even taste some of the infamous beverage known as Lao Rice wine. You also visit the Pak-Ou caves, where thousands of Buddha statues are stored. You arrive in Luang Prabang around sunset and transfer to your hotel. We then have time to visit Wat Xiang Thong, the most important Buddhist monastery in the country. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 3: Luang Prabang - City Tours- Khouangsi Waterfall ( B )

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.

AM: We explore, Wat Visoun, Wat Khili and Wat Mai. Later, visit the former Royal Palace, now a National

Museum (closed Tuesdays) where you will find ornate, gilded and brocaded reception rooms, as well as artefacts including the Prabang, a large holy image, which was given in the 14th century by the Khmers to King Fa Ngum. At sunset we climb the nearby temple-topped hill of Mount Phousi where you'll catch a lovely view over the town and the Mekong River.

PM: We travel out of the town this afternoon and visit the most beautiful waterfall in Luang Prabang. On the way, we visit Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional handicrafts, and today we will visit the villages of Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene and the weaving village of Ban Phanom which are populated by Lao ethnic minority groups. We spend time at the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you Take a dip in the inviting pools or walk along the forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang city by late afternoon and visit the Night Market, where you can find the lovely selection of handmade textiles from local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 4: Luang Prabang - Vientiane ( B )

A prominent Luang Prabang silver smith's, the Fine Arts School and the Central Market are of interest to many people and we can visit these sights prior to bidding farewell to Luang Prabang and catching the your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, we see the major temples including the oldest Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit Laos national icon, That Luang Stupa, and we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. We enjoy our final evening by watching sunset by the Mekong Riverside and taking in the city atmosphere at night. Overnight in Vientiane

Day 5: Vientiane - Departure ( B )

After breakfast, free at leisure till transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Trip ended

( Seasonal prices apply and will be confirmed when booking! All rates are quoted in USD/person )

Note: Airfare and schedule are subject to modification without prior notice from the airline

Hotel list:

Inclusive:

• Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Domestic airticket with airport tax: LPQ-VTE (US$91/pax)
• Accommodation in twin shared room
• Boat trip as stated in above sights
• English speaking guide (each city)
• Admission fee to indicated sights
• Meals: as stated in above sights
• Gov't tax and service charge
• Luggage handling and drinking water

Exclusive:

• Visa stamping fee on arrival
• Int'l airport departure tax
• Int'l air tickets to / from Laos
• Travel Insurance in all kinds
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others