5Day -A Glance At Laos

Arrive Vientiane, welcome by your tour guide and driver and transfer to the down town of Vientiane. Check in your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Patuxay monument, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Next, your tour takes you to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shining upon its towering golden spire. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, start your day to visit the highlights of Vientiane as Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. Wat Phra Keo: used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby is the Presidential Palace (not allowed to visit inside). Continue to Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, as it is considred the guardian of the spirit of the city. Upon its grounds, you will find an Angkorian-era pillar and it is a popular belief that if you circle it three times and make a wish, then that wish will come true. After your lunch in a local restaurant, get transfered to airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang. Arrive in Luang Prabang, after a short rests, climb the 328 steps that lead to the top of Mount Phousi where you will be rewarded with marvelous views of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Evening free for your own leisure and overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, your city tour begins with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you will explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm. End this morning’s tour is our visit to Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos’ most beautiful temples. Lunch will be served in local restaurant. This afternoon, visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city. Continue to Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. Traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts are on display alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories. It is a great opportunity to gain insight of the Lao people (note: closed on Monday). Later afternoon, cross the Mekong for a short walk on the opposite side and climb to Wat Chompet for a different view of the city at sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Optional: For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast you will embark on a cruise up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves which locally referred to as Tam Ting. These two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. Lunch is on your own. Afternoon, you will be driven through Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls (32km southwest of the city). Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfalls, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Visit the bear sanctuary which is next to the falls, run by Free the Bears Fund Inc. Return to your hotel and overnight in Luang Prabang.

Free for your own leisure until transferring to the airport for your next destination. End of services.