The Hidden World of Laos

Welcome to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Upon arrival, your local private guide and driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the well selected downtown hotel for check in. For the rest of the day, you may have a good rest at the hotel or explore the city freely on your own.

Accommodation: Lao Poet Hotel

Today, we will head to Wat Si Muang first. Locals believe the patron saint of this temple will bring them good luck, therefore, this temple has become one of the most popular temples in Vientiane. Then we will proceed to the Buddha Park, where hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu statues are enshrined. 

In the afternoon, we will drive to Wat Si Saket to admire over 2,000 tiny Buddha statues enshrined in niches carved on the wall of a corridor. Then, you will be guided to visit Haw Phra Kaew, which is filled with historical artifacts of Laos, including golden throne, Buddha statues, Khmer-style sculptures and wooden carvings, and then Pha That Luang, which is famed for a stupa entirely covered by gold. After learning about the local religious culture, we will head to Patuxai, which was built in honor of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lao Poet Hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will see you off at the airport for your flight to Phonsavan, which is the capital city of Xieng Khouang. Upon arrival, your tour in Xieng Khouang will start with a trip to Phonsavan's bustling central market. Then under the company of your guide, you will visit the MAG exhibition. Afterwards, we will head to the ancient and mysterious Plain of Jars, which was added to United Nations World Heritage list in 2019. Upon arrival, we will first explore Site 1, which is an enchanting archeological site, where hundreds of large stone jars lie scattered on the plateau. Then we will continue to discover Site 2 and 3 to get a glimpse of some typical local villages along the way.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jars

Today, we'll drive 64 km (40 miles) to Muong Kham, a natural hot spring. On the way, we will have a stop at the minority village, Thajok, to see their everyday life and Tham Piu Cave, where many local people hid during the wartime. After finishing the visit, we will return to Phonsavanh in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jars

In the morning, we will first head to visit a local market in Phonsavanh, where you will experience the local traditional lifestyle. Then we will drive northwards to Luang Prabang, which Laos' ancient capital and Buddhist center. Along the way, you could immerse yourself in the local conditions and customs. Today's lunch will be served at a local famous restaurant. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel. After settled down, you will be guided to visit Phousi Mountain and discover the hustle and bustle of the night market.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace

Early this morning, you will have an excellent opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of Alms Giving, where saffron-clad monks collect offerings from the faithful residents. Laos is the only Buddhist nation that still maintains this tradition, thus it is very special. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the pier to embark on a traditional boat along the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves. En route, we will have a stop at Ban Xang Hai, where a distillery of the sticky rice wine will be visited. In the sacred Buddha Cave, you will see thousands of Buddha statues. After that, we will return to Luang Prabang and continue to visit Ban Phanom, the nearby Henri Mouhot's Tomb, and the weaving villages of Lao Lu textiles. Wat Visoun and Wat Aham will be the last stops of your today's journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Royal Palace Museum, which is the former king's palace (closed on Tuesdays). Many fine items are displayed inside, including rare furniture, traditional costumes and arts, jewelry, ornaments as well as working tools and utensils from the early 20th century. Then explore Phousi Market to get a feel of the local life. Afterwards, we will drive to the beautiful Kwang Si Falls where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. After that, we will return to the city to visit Wat Xieng Thong, the grandest temple in Luang Prabang and Wat Mai, which is the most exquisitely decorated temple.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace

Enjoy your last morning in Luang Prabang before your guide see you off at the airport for your departure flight. Bon Voyage.

Meals: Breakfast