8 DAYS – THE BEST OF LAOS

Day 1: Arrival – Vientiane

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel. The rest of the day is your own time at leisure.

Overnight at hotel in Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane – City tour (B,L)

After breakfast, your tour start with the visit to Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. We visit we explore the town; with Wat Sisaket which is the oldest temple still
standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha images.

We continue sightseeing by visiting Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple of Laos monarchy, which
previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Statue. We then visit the imposing Patuxay
Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa.

In the afternoon, we continue visiting the rest of Vientiane by foot, including Wat Ong Tue, Wat
Inpeng and Wat Haisok.

We pass by the major shopping area continuing to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao and
Talad Kouadin where various goods are displayed for sale; including fresh food, household goods,
souvenirs, textiles, gold, silver and antiques. Back to hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Vientiane.

Day 3: Vientiane – Vang Vieng (B,L)

In the morning, we will first stroll around the town to visit the local market to catch a gimpse of
everyday life in a typical Lao rural area. We then visit Organic Farm Vang Vieng.

After that, we visit the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense
against the Chinese invaders. We also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngae, a very pleasant village
where we can explore the different local lifestyles.

Afternoon, start cycling to Blue Lagoon (7Km from the town center), of which the waters are an
aqua-blue, and are always cool. Visit the nearby Tham Phoukham Cave.

We go back to the city and board on a leisurely long-tail boat along the Nam Song River to admire
the sunset.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 4: Vang Vieng – Xieng Khuoang (B,L)

Morning, we make a visit to the 3 “Plain of Jars” sites and also discover some local villages where
you can observe local village life.

Afternoon, we drive to Muang Khoun, one 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. Return to Phonsavan.

Overnight in Phonsavan

Day 5: Xieng Khuoang – Luang Prabang (B,L)

After breakfast, we have time today to explore the site and some nearby villages, populated by
the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. Even though living a poor life, they possess a vibrant
local culture and an interesting history.

We leave Xieng Khuang and drive to Luang Prabang. Arrive at Luang Prabang by late afternoon.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 6: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves (B,L)

Today, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We
then 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 magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to
the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional
Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday) to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. From
there, we will transfer to visit Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to
catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you
can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding
Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 7: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall (B,L)

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 14 century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from
various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.
From there, we will 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. This is the best chance to experience the 2lavour of local life

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view
of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of
King Wisunarat (Visoun), this is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the
Prabang Buddhas.

We then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest 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

We will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals
rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed from
15 APR – 30 JUN; 01-14 SEP, & 01 JAN every year), whose mission is to create a research centre
studying and publishing about Laos butterflies, host plants and preservation.

Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, 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.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 8: Luang Prabang – Departure (B)

Breakfast at hotel.

Your free time for relax until transfer to Luang Prabang airport for flight back home.

End of tour!

PRICE: 1199 USD/pax

• Price is based on double share and applied for 2 person onwards.
• Surcharge is applied for single traveler
• Price is based on 3 star hotels and private tours. Contact for upgrading to higher hotel.