Laos Experience - 7 days

Today is devoted to explore the peaceful city of Vientiane, highlights included:

Vat Phra Keo - which was built in 1565 is one of the most impressive and interesting temples in Vientiane. It previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha image.
Vat Sisaket - which is famous for not only its cloister wall storing thousands of tiny Buddha images but also its beautiful architecture and layout with history dated back to 1818.
Pha That Louang (built 1566, reconstructed 1930). It is the most important Laotian religious and national monument. The temple has an unique architecture reflecting Lao culture and identity, becoming a symbol of Lao nationalism.
Patuxay - The memorial monument - was built in 1957 and is the most prominent landmark in the city. The architecture of the monument was inspired by the architecture of Triomphe in Paris and combined with typical Lao motifs. From the top of the monument, you can see an excellent panoramic view of the city.
Talat Sao market where you can do some shopping.

In the afternoon we take a short flight to Xieng Khuang. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in and relax.

Factsheet for this day
Route: by private car & Flight
Vientiane - Xieng Khuang: Flight: 40 minutes
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: Private local English Speaking Guide

After breakfast, we will take a short trek to explore the mysterious Plain of Jars and the surrounding area. The jars are thought to be 2000 years old, although there is little proof to date them very accurately. Archaeologist still struggle to confirm the specific purpose of the jars. Were they used for funerary urns or to store rice wine? It remains a mystery until now. Observe local village life; visit a small monastery in Ban Xiengdi and pass areas that were important battlefields during the American war.

We continue on to Muang Khoun, the one place in the old provincial capital that was not been destroyed by American bombings.

Factsheet for this day
Route: by private car
Xieng Khuang - Muang Khoun: 50km, 1 hours driving
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: English Speaking Guide

Following breakfast, drive to Luang Prabang (approx 6 hours) with a stopover for lunch at Sala Phoukhou. After lunch we continue on our way to Luang Prabang via Road 13 whilst enjoying the beautiful landscape.
Upon arrival, climb up to Phousi hill to see the panorama view of Luang Prabang town.

At night, discover the night market by you own.

Factsheet for this day
Route: by private car
Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang: 280km, 6 hours driving
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: English Speaking Guide

This morning, you continue to explore LuangPrabang with the city’s oldest temples of WatSene and WatXieng Thong. WatSene Souk Haram or literally "Temple of a 100 000 treasures" is one of the most beautiful temples in LuangPrabang, singular by its restored painting of a deep ochre colour, flamboyant and glittering with gold. WatXieng Thong is a magnificent piece of architecture, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River.

The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes as well as doorways and the main sim has a marvelous 'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall.
Then board a traditional riverboat for a trip upstream the Mekong River to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou housing thousands of statues representing Lord Buddha. And then, visit Ban XangHai; the village is famous for distillation of traditional rice alcohol. It used to be more famous for the big jars it is stored in, which they've been making there for over 2000 years.

Afterwards, walk around Ban Pak Ou Village, a small Laotian fishermen’s village on the Mekong River, and continue to Ban MuangKeo village, where you will see the production of coloured fabric, which is woven on simple weaving looms. Return to Luang Prabang by boat.

Factsheet for this day
Route: by private car & Boat
Luang Prabang Pak Ou Cave: 45 minute on Boat
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: English Speaking Guide

Breakfast at your hotel and visit the National Museum, once a king’s palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries, including the impressive stupa of WatVisoun, the shrine of WatAham and Wat Mai with five tiered roofs.

After that, leave the city for an one hour drive to Kuang Si waterfall. The waterfalls tumble over multi - tiered limestone formations into cool, clear pools ideal for swimming and relaxing. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. You can climb the stairs and look down from various high viewpoints on the way to the top! Return to LuangPrabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for silk handweaving and for traditional Saa Paper making.

Factsheet for this day
Route: by private car
Luang Prabang Khuang Si Waterfall : 25 km - 30 minute drive
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: English Speaking Guide

You are free at leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
End of services.

Factsheet for this day
Route: by private car
Hotel - Luang Prabang  Airport: : 7 km - 10-15 minute drive
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Local Guide: No guide, only driver