Day 1: Arrival Vientiane
You will be met upon your arrival and taken to your hotel in the centre of the busy capital city of Vientiane. The city is modernising rapidly but it still retains many features of the sleepy, little town it was once. Take a short rest, and refreshed you will be given a short orientation tour. Stroll around the city taking a look at the mix of architectural styles, sit to watch the sun set over the Mekong River and later in the evening enjoy just watching the Lao people relaxing. Overnight in Vientiane. (B)
Hotel: Please refer to the dates and rates table
Day 2: Vientiane Luang Prabang
After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, your day begins with our visit to the major sights of the capital. First we visit the oldest wat – Wat Sisaket – with its thousands of miniature statues and then just across the road is our next stop – the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which previously was home to the famous Emerald Buddha. Then on our way to the sacred That Luang Stupa – a renowned place of Buddhist pilgrimage – we will stop for you to take some photographs of the imposing Patuxay Monument – the “Victory Gate” standing proud at the end of the broad Lane Xang Avenue. This is Vientiane’s answer to the Parisian Arc de Triomphe. We will also have time to visit Talat Sao – the Morning Market – Vientiane’s main market. Here is your opportunity to shop till you drop. The market is full of a rich variety of Lao handicrafts and souvenirs. Then it’s off to the airport for the plane to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Tonight you can explore the Night Market on your own, where you will find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)
Hotel: Please refer to the dates and rates table
Day 3: Luang Prabang and Pak Ou Cave
After breakfast, you can enjoy a short-guided tour around the city’s oldest temple – the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine at Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground. This is typical of the architectural style of Luang Prabang temples. We then board a boat for our upstream journey on the Mekong River. This will give us beautiful views of the tranquil countryside as well carrying us effortlessly to our destination – the mysterious Pak Ou cave, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. On the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai – a village famous for making the traditional Lao drink of rice alcohol. You can see the distillation process and sample the product. Then we cross to the city and take a short drive to Ban Phanom well known for its hand weaving. Then come back Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)
Hotel: Please refer to the dates and rates table
Day 4: Departure Luang Prabang
In the morning you may want to wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual when groups of saffron-clad monks carrying bowls are given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. After breakfast we then visit the former royal palace, now the National Museum, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao history dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. Then before your transfer for your departure at either the airport or the boat pier there is time for a visit to the central market which should not be missed. (B)
***End of Tour*** | 
