Step into one of Asia's best kept secrets - magical Cambodia and Laos - and walk into a world that time seems to have forgotten. From the glitz of Wat Po in Bangkok to the sleepy city of Luang Prabang, with temples of Angkor as far as the eye can see, the Land of the Golden Buddha is waiting for you with arms wide open.

Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Khouangsi Waterfalls - - Pak Ou Cave - Pakbeng - Houei Say - Thailand boder

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.

Transferred out to see the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and to reveal his ideas about the universe.

You will take a sightseeing of the capital's temples, including Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha. On the way to the sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane 's own Arc de Triumph.

Embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims.

Upon arrival in Vientiane, we see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image

Visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign

Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences.