Vientiane – Luang Prabang Essentials

We’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. You’re free to explore this capital city before we head for a local restaurant to admire Laos cultural show while enjoying delicious local cuisine.

After breakfast, starting at 09:00am we explore Vientiane capital by visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image.

En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. We then transfer to the airport for your late afternoon flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, explore the city at leisure before settling to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, on 08:30 am we enjoy a short-guided tour visiting The National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. The Central Market is also not to be missed, and the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We also visited the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun.

After lunch, embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to explore 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. Upon return to the city, climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

This morning, we rise early to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings from the devotees. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there, we visit the morning market where you will find diverse offerings such as dried buffalo skin, local tea, hill-tribe weavings and other local poultry, vegetables, and produce. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will have the opportunity to visit the local villages of the Lao ethnic minority groups. We carry onto the spectacular Kuangsi waterfalls where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths.

After breakfast, visit the local Luang Prabang market for last minute shopping or just relax before we transfer you to the airport for departure to the next destination.

• Prices are nett per person in United States Dollars (USD) and subject to change without prior notice
• Prices are based on twin-share basis and subject to room availability upon tour booking
• No refund for any un-utilized tour
• Airport transfer surcharge of USD 10 maximum per person per way for pick-up or send-off during 2100 hrs to 0600 hrs (adjust based on group size)
• Surcharge for peak season and public holidays may apply and variable by hotel (we will advise at time of booking)
• Terms and conditions apply

• Child under 6 years old sharing room with two adults without extra bed: maximum of 1 free-of-charge child/booking (breakfast paid directly to hotel)
• Child 6-under 12 years old sharing room with two adults without extra bed: 50% of package cost
• Child 6-under 12 years old sharing room with two adults with extra bed: 80% of package cost
• Child under 12 years old sharing room with one adult: 95% of package cost
• Child 12 years old and above: 100% of adult cost