Luang Prabang & Vientaine Along Mekong River 6 Days

After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.  Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.

On arrival back in the city, we will visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall.  Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday) to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: A local hotel in Luang Prabang

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

From there, we will visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. This is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River.

If time permits, we will visit UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday, and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos.

We then visit the Buffalo Dairy Farm, which is the first of its kind in Laos. The farm helps Lao farmer have benefits from the dairy products from their buffaloes, that they cannot imagine before.

This then takes us to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals.

You have the rest of the afternoon to refresh with the cool clear water, or hiking to the top of the waterfalls.
There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists

If you wish, we will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang

Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: A local hotel in Luang Prabang

In the morning, we travel by road south to Vang Vieng. Our intrepid journey will be strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic region of Laos. The road is now good enough for our drive. Along the way, we will make some stop to visit a local school at Ban Huay Sala, and local villages of H’Mong ethnic groups. After about one-hour drive, we will have chance to enjoy the panoramic view at the highest peak of the area, which is more than 2000 meter high. From there, we will drive to visit Pha Hom market, where we can find various offer of wild animals. We will also stop at Ban Phouhin Lekphay to see the life of Khmu hill-tribe. Our next photo stop is at Phatang Mountain view point to admire the beautiful scenery.

Before reaching Vang Vieng, we will visit the H’Mong village of Ban Phathau, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different local lifestyles.

Upon arrival, we still have time to visit the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. From the cave, we can admire the panoramic view over the town of Vang Vieng and the nearby area whilst the sun is setting. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: A local hotel in Vang Vieng

Early morning, we drive out of town to the capital, Vientiane. Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos. This city conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. En route, we will make a short stop at the H’Mong market at Km52.

This afternoon we explore the town; with Wat Sisaket which is the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha images. We continue sightseeing by visiting Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple of Laos monarchy, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Statue. We then visit the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa. Overnight in Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: A local hotel in Vientiane

After breakfast, we are strolling around. Then transfer to airport for flight departure

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: N/A