Essential Laos Adventure

Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel for check-in (early check-in subject to availability). Positioned in the heart of northern Laos, Luang Prabang holds UNESCO World Heritage status, recognized for its exceptional cultural, historical, and architectural significance, as well as its seamless integration with the natural surroundings.

Today’s itinerary is free of scheduled activities, allowing you to leisurely explore the charm of this ancient city on your own. Take a stroll to gain your initial impressions of the surroundings.

Accommodation: In Luang Prabang

Meals: None

Your full day city tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.

From there, continue our visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures (closed on Monday). 

In the afternoon, we will visit Heuan Chan, a 19th-century aristocratic mansion that offers a glimpse into Lao culture through traditional ceremonies, textiles, and family life. This restored mansion stands as a testament to Lao heritage, featuring enriching exhibitions and a documentary on Laos’ customs. After the visit, we’ll have the opportunity to taste authentic Lao coffee or tea, providing a true taste of Laos.

We make the next stop at the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. This museum, formerly the residence of the royal family, offers a unique glimpse into the glorious past of Luang Prabang.

Late afternoon, we’ll climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. 

The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang

Accommodation: In Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, set sail on a serene Mekong River cruise, offering enchanting countryside vistas. Your journey leads to the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves, where you’ll discover thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues, left by devoted pilgrims, within two interconnected caves.

Along the way, make a delightful stop in the village of Ban Xang Hai, renowned for crafting local rice wine.

In the afternoon, your cruise continues to the charming pottery village of Ban Chan. Here, skilled artisans transform clay into exquisite pottery. Watch a young artisan shape clay into small bowls and explore the subterranean kilns where hundreds of jars are cooked simultaneously, preserving age-old techniques passed down through generations, demanding patience and skill.

If you desire, try your hand at pottery creation with the guidance of Laotian experts (additional fee applies). Support the local artisans by purchasing a handcrafted figurine (at your own expense).

As the sun dips behind distant mountains, board the boat for the return journey to Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: In Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temples to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace which offers a glimpse into daily life, with vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and textiles. These experiences provide a unique and authentic cultural immersion.

Embark on an immersive exploration of daily life in Laos today, starting with a morning visit to a community-based living rice farm nestled in the picturesque countryside outside Luang Prabang. Surrounded by serene mountains and lush rice paddies, you’ll have the chance to engage in rural activities, trying your hand at various farming tasks or observing them from the vantage point of a traditional Lao rice house balcony, surrounded by rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm.

Explore nearby workshops where local artisans practice their crafts, from bamboo weaving to blacksmithing and sugar cane processing. Afterwards, delve into the secrets of traditional medicine as you tour the organic garden, discovering the natural herbs used in Laotian healing practices.

In the afternoon, journey directly to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls, the largest in the Luang Prabang region, with three tiers cascading into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. These pools, a favorite among both tourists and locals, provide excellent swimming opportunities. A brief visit to the Bear Rescue Center follows, offering a glimpse of animals rescued from poachers and traffickers.

Returning to town, we make a brief stop at the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, nestled peacefully by the Mekong River. Here, artisans craft high-quality fabrics using traditional techniques. You’re encouraged to enhance your experience with a complimentary audio guide detailing the center’s significance in Lao culture and history.

Conclude your day with a return transfer to your hotel in Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: In Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure train.

Then, our driver transfers you out to the train station to take the speed train to Vientiane (ABOUT 2 HOUR). (14:49 – 16:34)

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town. Overnight in Vientiane.

Accommodation: Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power.
After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
Returning to town, visit 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.
Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire.
Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.
Continue down Lane Xang Avenue the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828.
Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo.  Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.
End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.
Overnight in Vientiane.

Tips: You can also visit Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to discover the Lao coffee, stroll around the mini coffee gallery, view the in-house coffee roaster and try a cup of delicious and unique coffee or tea. Discuss with our guide about this. Entrance fee and extra coffee/drinks are payable on spot

Accommodation: Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you are free to discover Vientiane. Overnight in Vientiane

Accommodation: Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, free at own leisure until assemble time transfer to Airport your flight back

Accommodation: Checkout time is at 12:00

Meals: Breakfast