Classic Laos Tours with Vientiane and Luang Prabang 5D4N

Upon arrival at Wattay Airport, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After a short rest, we begin our orientation with a short walking-tour of the Lao capital, strolling around the city sights and observing the evening sunset along the Mekong Riverside. Overnight in Vientiane

Meal: Lunch

AM: Today we see the major sights of the capital, including Wat Sisaket, which contains more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue and That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. We also see the Patuxay (Lao Arc de Triomphe), which was built in commemoration of those who died during past wars and today it is the city’s main landmark. From there, we visit the ‘Morning Market’, where one can find an array of antiquities, handmade textiles and gifts.

PM: We continue visiting the COPE centre. Take time to wander through the large free exhibit where you will learn about the UXO problem in Lao PDR and the work undertaken by COPE and the PMRC to provide disability services for people affected by UXOs.  As part of the exhibition you can watch a number of excellent documentary films about UXOs and COPE. We then board our short flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. 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 Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour of the city’s oldest temple, Wat Visoun and the shrines Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panorama of the tranquil countryside. We’ll stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. On our return, we stop at the villages of Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan then continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek – small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking.  Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily alms giving ritual to saffron-clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession.

After Breakfast, you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will find dried buffalo skins, local teas and saltpeter among the many foodstuffs and hill-tribe textiles. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will have the opportunity to visit ethnic minority groups in the Ban Ouay, Hmong, Ban Ou, Laoloum and Khmu Villages. After visiting the villages, we then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls where you have the chance to swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. Next we move to Ock Pop Tok shop – The Living Crafts Centre which has to be one of the most beautiful spots in Luang Prabang, you can sit and enjoy the views out across the Mekong at sunset whilst enjoying some incredible traditional Laos dishes, all to the background click-clacking of the looms at work at the hands of Ock Pop Tok’s incredibly talented craftspeople. We return to Luang Prabang in the late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Phabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you will experience The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture. Silver Smith’s, the Fine Arts School and the Central Market will also be visited before bidding farewell.

Meal: Breakfast