Highlights of Laos

📍 Vientiane Airport – Vientiane (4 km): 15 min

Upon arrival to Vientiane, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After relaxing in the hotel, head out for a quick afternoon orientation tour. 

Begin with a visit to the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe. Climbing to the top of the monument, some amazing panoramic views await over the city. Afterwards, pay a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. 

Overnight in Vientiane
 

Inclusions:

📍 Vientiane – Vientiane Airport (4 km): 15 min Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 min or Vientiane - Vientiane Train Station (17 km): 30 min Luang Prabang Train Station – Luang Prabang (12 km): 25 min

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided tour through the hidden charms of Vientiane. The city tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, which is today used as a religious museum displaying a collection of both Khmer and Lao artworks. Also nearby is the Presidential Palace, a unique glimpse into the colonial history of Vientiane (viewed from the outside).

Next pay a visit to Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane. Enjoy a delicious lao-style lunch at Lao Kitchen.

After lunch, pay a visit to COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them. 

Our guide and driver will then provide a transfer to the airport (or train station) for the flight ( or train) to the capital. 

Suggested flight:
Depart Vientiane at 1210 on QV101 (Lao Airlines), landing in Luang Prabang at 1255.

Suggested train: 
Depart Vientiane at 16.05 on train C84, arriving in Luang Prabang at 18.00.

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will provide transport to the hotel for check in. Enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast, the city tour begins with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, offering an in-depth history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. End this morning’s tour a Wat Xieng Thong, Laos’ most photographed temple. 

Break for lunch (not included).

This afternoon, visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. The museum’s display features traditional costumes, tools and artifacts alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories. (Note: closed on Monday).

In the evening, take part in one of Laos’ oldest traditions: The Baci. The purpose of the Baci, which is a mix of Animist and Buddhist beliefs, is to call back escaped spirits to the body. This is an important ceremony held before major events such as weddings, births, travel, welcoming friends and farewells.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Luang Prabang – Kuang Si (32 km): 1 hour

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Luang Prabang for the Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls are perfect for exploring on foot. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views await. The pools at the base of the waterfalls are also great for swimming (please dress modestly). 

On the way back, there is an optional visit to the Free the Bears sanctuary, housing 23 Asiatic Bears that were rescued from poachers. An additional visit can be made at the unique Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that produces sustainable and delicious cheese while giving back to the community and environment. While the buffalo may be the stars here, there are also playful pigs, cheeky chickens and rollicking rabbits that are just as fun to interact with for the young and young at heart. Enjoy a homemade ice cream at the cafe before saying goodbye to the Buffaloes and the team. (Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Monday - Sunday) 

Return to the hotel and enjoy time at leisure until 16:00 pm. 
Head to the centrally located Mount Phousi (transport provided) to climb the hills 328 steps. At the top of the hill, stunning panoramic views await, which are accentuated by the beautiful sunset. Upon descent, make a stop at the nearby Night Market before heading back to the hotel. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy a beautiful day exploring the northern region on this Luang Prabang Mekong River cruise. A short transfer will be provided to the city’s sleepy jetty, where palm trees shade the river banks.

Board the Nava Mekong, a traditional wooden river boat oozing with charm. The wide, open-air seating area offers the perfect vantage point for viewing scenes of riverine life. Cast off and cruise upstream traveling at a leisurely pace. Limestone mountains and lush foliage set the backdrop as fishing boats pass by. The occasional riverside village punctuates the landscape. 

After 2 hours, the Nava Mekong will dock at the Pak Ou caves. Take a short walk up the stairs to the cavernous entrance and stare in wonder at the centuries-old Buddha images. More than 4,000 images have been tucked into every nook and cranny over the years, providing a truly magical atmosphere. It is no surprise that the Lao people consider Pak Ou to be one of their most important spiritual sites. 

Return to the ship and resume the Luang Prabang Mekong River cruise, drifting downstream back towards the city. Although following the same path, the ever-changing waterway always offers something new to see. The crew will serve a delicious lunch of freshly-prepared Lao specialties. Sourced from local ingredients and following traditional recipes, the meal is outstanding and made even more memorable thanks to the setting. 

Around 14:00 the Nava Mekong will dock in Luang Prabang where a private car awaits. Return to the hotel for a rest or continue to explore the UNESCO Heritage city. 

Rest of the day at leisure in Luang Prabang 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min

After breakfast, enjoy free leisure time until transferring to the airport for the onward flight. 

Depending on the flight schedule, there may be a chance to visit the Heritage Information Center to learn more about the programs and projects underway to preserve the historic buildings in Luang Prabang. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast