Highlights of Laos: Luang Prabang, Vientiane & Vang Vieng

Welcome to the beauty of Laos! Upon arrival to the airport, grab your bags and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for the next few nights. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.

Accommodation: Lao Poet Hotel 

This morning, meet your local guide and start your day of exploring the highlights of the capital. Begin by exploring Wat Si Saket, adorned with exquisite Lao-style Buddha images. Next, delve into the historical significance of Haw Phra Kaew, once a royal temple, now transformed into a museum, before continuing on with a stop at Phra That Luang, known as the "Great Sacred Stupa," the most important national monument in Laos.

Conclude your morning exploration by visiting Patousay, famously known as Anousavari or the victory gate, which stands as one of Vientiane's most photographed sites. Constructed in 1958, its architectural design draws inspiration from the Arc of Triumph in Paris.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Talaat Sao, known as Vientiane's morning market despite its all-day operation. Wander through the stalls showcasing an array of Laotian woven textiles, souvenirs, fresh produce, daily household essentials, and imported goods from neighboring China and Thailand. Don't miss the chance to savor delicious local coffee and snacks as you peruse the offerings.
If you are interested in textiles and their production then there is the opportunity to visit the weaving district of Ban Nong Buathong or pay a visit to Carol Cassidy and her Textile Gallery and Weaving workshop which is set in a traditional Lao home. Visitors can observe the silk weaving process and view the unique textiles produced. Transfer back to your hotel at the end of the tour.

Enjoy a morning breakfast and then meet a local driver at your hotel and be transferred to Vientiane train station for your Lao High Speed Train journey.  Upon arrival in Vang Vieng you will be met by a local driver and transferred to your hotel. After check in, you'll be able to spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.

Accommodation: Amari Vang Vieng

This morning, meet your local guide and start the day with cycling through picturesque Laotian landscapes with stunning mountains and countryside to Ban Patang, a small iconic riverside fishing village.

Spend half an hour exploring the village, meeting, and greeting local people and getting a glimpse of traditional daily life. Continue on with a leisurely kayak or long-tail boat ride, drifting along the beautiful karst formations. Journey down the Nam Song River through lush jungles and panoramic mountain landscapes as you make your way to Vang Vieng.

Stop on route to visit the amazing Tham Chang (Frozen Cave), renowned for its intricate rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, offering visitors an immersive underground experience. The cave is quite deep and offers excellent opportunities for exploration, with a natural spring at its base fed by the refreshing cave water, believed to possess special medicinal qualities.

Upon returning to Vang Vieng, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and free time to explore town before transferring back to your hotel.

Enjoy a morning breakfast and then meet a local driver at your hotel and be transferred to Vang Vieng train station for your Lao High Speed Train journey Upon arrival, relax on your private transport to the hotel for the next few nights. Check into your room and spend the rest of the day exploring your new stop.

Accommodation: Maison Souvannaphoum by Angsana

Early this morning, meet your local guide and discover one of Luang Prabang's most unforgettable experiences - The ''Tak Bat''. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food).Your guide will explain the background behind this daily ritual which is a significant part of Laotian culture and Buddhism, allowing locals and visitors to participate by offering food to the monks as a form of merit-making and spiritual practice. It's an early rise but well worth the wake-up call.

After a 2 hour break at your hotel for breakfast and freshen up, meet back up with your guide and explore some of the highlights of incredible Luang Prabang. Begin by visiting Wat Xieng Thong, frequently hailed as the most exquisite temple in Luang Prabang. Recognizable for its multiple low-sweeping roofs and the striking mosaic of the "tree of life."

Next, explore the National Museum of Luang Prabang, once the Royal Palace, showcasing an array of personal items belonging to the former Laotian Royal Family before a visit to the local market. Continue your journey to Phou Sii hill, positioned at the heart of this compact city. For the energetic, ascend its 350 steps to relish panoramic vistas stretching for miles in every direction. Transfer back to your hotel.

Today is yours to explore! Walk the streets, sample the cuisine, and find the hidden gems that Luang Prabang has to offer.

This morning, meet your local guide and start the drive to Kuang Sii Waterfalls. The drive is approx. 1 hour, winding through incredibly picturesque landscapes of Laos. Take a short walk to explore the Butterfly Park and the "Bear Rescue Centre," dedicated to preserving the northern Laos' black bear population. Enjoy a traditional Lao picnic near the waterfalls and indulge in a refreshing swim. These stunning falls gracefully descend over numerous calcified levels, creating a mesmerizing series of cool, turquoise pools hundreds of feet below.
Transfer back to your hotel.

It's time to pack up and bid Laos a fond farewell. Grab your bags and sit back on your private transfer to the airport, checking in to start your journey home.