On arrival at the Vientiane capital, you will be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. After a short rest, we commence our tour of the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. We will then proceed to watch the sunset over the Mekong Riverside in the evening.

Overnight in Vientiane

We board a short afternoon flight to Xiengkhouang, an area once devastated by American bombings between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site encompassing hundreds of large stone jars scattered throughout the plateau. In the afternoon there will be time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and its' nearby villages which are home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people who possess an interesting local culture and a vibrant history.

Overnight in Xiengkhuang

Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribe people barter and exchange merchandises. We then head out this small town towards Luang Prabang, en route we stop off to see the Buddha images in Thampra, a site more than 200 years old, and various Hmong and hill tribe minority villages along the way. Really nice and friendly people welcome you to their villages. After a photo stop, we continue driving uphill, enjoying the splendid natural scenery of the mountains, the forest and landscape. After a tea or coffee break at Sala Phoukhoun, where the borders of Vientiane-Xiengkhouang-Luang Prabang meet as a T-Junction. The journey will take us over mountainous regions until we approach Luang Prabang.

The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After checking into hotel, if time permits, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse a lovely selection of handmade textiles, made by the local people and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight at Luang Prabang

Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour of the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its sweeping low roofs, which represents the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then embark on a boat journey upstream along the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local specialty of rice wine is produced. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. You will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will find dried buffalo skins, local teas and saltpeter among the many chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will have the opportunity to visit the local village of the Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village, Ban Thapene and Khmu Village. After visiting the villages, we then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls where you may wish cool off by splashing around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths. We continue to Ban Phanom, another well-known weaving village and return to Luang Prabang by the late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Phabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we visit the National Museum (close Tuesday), which was once a king's palace. Displayed inside this museum is a collection of personal artifacts from the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Transfer you to the airport.

Supplement meal surcharge for Christmas & New Year eve:

- 4 star/4 star plus category:               USD 40.00/pax

- 5 star category:                 USD 150.00/pax

INCLUSIVE OF ABOVE PRICES:

v    Private transportation in private air-conditioned

v    Accommodation in twin shared 

v    Domestic air ticket with airport tax

v    Private boat trip as stated in above sights

v    English speaking guide (some escort & some station guide)

v    Admission fee to indicated sights

v    Meals: daily breakfast at hotel

v    Government tax and service charge

v    Luggage handling

v    2 bottles of drinking water per day during the tour

v    2 cold tower per day during the tour

EXCLUSIVE OF ABOVE PRICES:

v    Visa stamping fee

v    Int’l air tickets to / from Laos

v    Travel Insurance in all kinds

v    Meals: lunch or dinner where not stated

v    Single room (quoted separately)

v    Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others

ACCOMMODATION