HIGHLIGHTS

• Wander the sleepy Laotian capital and gap its most iconic keys.
• Discover the enigmatic Plain of Jars, Laos latest UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Soak up Luang Prabang's charming mix of French colonial architecture and golden Buddhist temples.
• Witness monks collecting alms at sunrise.
• Boat trip to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves.
• Enjoy a swim and a picnic lunch by the cascades of Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Day by Day itineraries

Day 1: Vientiane Arrival.

"Sabaidee" - Welcome to magical Laos! On arrival, meet Laos Travel's tour guide and driver then begin your discoveries with the essential landmarks and iconic sights that the small and charismatic city of Vientiane has to offer (if time permits).

Laos' biggest city remains a tranquil laid-back character, a world away from the frantic capitals in Asia, and most attractions can be reached on foot. Start at Wat Sisaket, believed to be Vientiane's oldest surviving temple, left intact after the Siamese invasion of 1828. The interior walls of the cloister are covered in niches containing over 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. Next is a visit to Wat Phra Keo, built originally to house the famed Emerald Buddha and now a religious museum that displays a collection of art representing Lao and Khmer artefacts. Continue to Patuxai Victory Monument, Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe and its most prominent monument. Climb the stairs to the roof for some sweeping, panoramic views over the city. Next, you'll be introduced to see Pha That Luang, the most revered shrine, constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century.

End your day tour 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, if you like, before being transferred back to your hotel.



Meals: N/A.

Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane Fly to Xieng Khouang.

After breakfast, depart Vientiane and take the short flight to Xieng Khouang. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transfer to Phonsavan, meaning the "hills of paradise", the capital of the Xieng Khouang Province. Check in to your hotel and relax.

In the afternoon, take an orientation tour around the town and have the option to visit the thought-provoking UXO Information Centre, run by British organisation MAG (Mines Advisory Group), which has been helping to clear Laos' unexploded ordnance since 1994.

The evening is free to enjoy as you please.



Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Xieng Khouang.

Day 3: Explore the mystical Plain of Jars.

Today you will explore the 3 sites that make up the Plain Of Jars. Despite being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, very few visitors travel to this mysterious megalithic area - so once you make it, you're treated to arguably one of Southeast Asia's quietest UNESCO sites.

Nobody knows how long the jars have actually been here or what they were used for; some speculate they are funeral urns dating back some 2,000 years. Another theory says that they were probably made to contain and transport "Lao Lao", a glutinous wet rice which is boiled with yeast and left to ferment in large jars. It is believed that they were prepared for a huge celebration, which, for some reason was disrupted whilst the jars were being transported, as other jars in smaller quantities can be found on two other sites close by. Despite being one of the most strategic battlegrounds of the Indochina War, most jars were unharmed and remain a complete mystery even today.

Spend time discovering the plain of undulating green fields where the 300 giant stones jars are scattered, the largest of them weighing six tons and measuring 4-metres high. You will also have opportunities to observe Xieng Khouang's local village life, visit a small monastery in Ban Xieng Di and pass areas that were important battlefields during the American war. Later in the afternoon, drive back to your hotel in Phonsavan, where the rest of the afternoon at leisure.



Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Xieng Khouang.

Day 4: Xieng Khouang Luang Prabang.

Farewell Xieng Khouang and it is set aside for the long drive west to Luang Prabang - the enchanting World Heritage town and former royal capital. Make your way along winding mountainous roads reaching an altitude of 1,500 m at the highest point. Break up the journey with a few short stops along the way at local villages. The total journey time will be approximately seven-to-eight hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

On arrival, enjoy free time to explore Luang Prabang for the remainder of the day. Luang Prabang has many great cafés, restaurants and night food stalls which emerge at dusk, ask the guide for personal recommendations to enjoy your dinner.



Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Luang Prabang Pak Ou Caves.

Following breakfast at the hotel, visit the former King's Palace, now the National Museum. The many items nicely displayed include rare furniture, traditional costumes, arts, jewelry, ornaments as well as working tools and utensils of the early part of the 20th century. Then visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang. Board a private boat for the Mekong River cruise to the sacred Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues, coming in a wide range of sizes. During the boat ride, take note of the fishermen and villagers going about their daily life on the river. For many, the Mekong plays an integral role in daily life and represents one of the only means of transportation and commerce.

From the caves, the boat continues to Ban Muang Keo Village where you can see local weavers and whisky distillers honoring their ancient traditional crafts. Before returning to your hotel, climb the steps of Mount Phousi for a gorgeous view of the town.



Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 6: Luang Prabang Alms Giving Kuang Si Waterfall.

An early start provides the fantastic opportunity to witness the captivating centuries old daily tradition of the alms giving ceremony, Tak Bat. Before sunrise, hundreds of saffron-clad monks file out from the old town's 35 temples to collect their daily alms from faithful local residents.

Back to the hotel for breakfast, then spend the morning exploring the area around one of Luang Prabang's most impressive and picturesque waterfalls, Kuang Si. Trek through jungle parklands to Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, located nearby. Established in 2003, the center has rescued numerous bears from wildlife traffickers and traditional medicine traders. Here, you will help-out with the bears' midday scatter feed. Next, walk through the national park to the Kuang Si Waterfall, where a 60m cascade feeds into multi-tiered turquoise pools; and if you feel energetic, climb to their source and go for a swim.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the tranquil park.

Afterwards, return to the town to relax or explore more of the local area independently.



Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 7: Luang Prabang Departure.

Today you can do some last-minute exploring or shopping until it is time to transfer to the airport for your flight home or on to the next destination. Farewell peaceful Laos!



Meals: Breakfast.