The most scenic road of Laos

Laos is a mountainous and landlocked country in South-East Asia that has long been isolated from the outside world. A visit to Laos is, in many ways, a trip back in time. Travelers are drawn here by a laid-back lifestyle that has disappeared elsewhere in the region. Even the capital Vientiane feels like a relaxed riverfront town. As the country opens up, with an increasing number of roads and bridges being built the amazing tourist attractions in Laos are becoming more and more accessible.

• Day 1: Arrival into Vientiane (D)

  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and tour briefing. If time permits we’ll take an orientation walk around the colonial quarter, then to the riverside area. Enjoy welcome dinner at a Laotian restaurant. 

   

• Day 2: Vientiane (B)

  This morning we visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest standing temple in Vientiane. The temple is renowned for its remarkable fresco and many hundreds of Buddha statuette. Continue to Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple which ever housed the famous Emerald Buddha statue being worshipped in Thailand now. Pose in front of Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph called Patuxay for pictures before touring That Luang Stupa – the symbol of Laos. Afterwards there’s an opportunity to delve into the daily life of the locals at the Central Market. Afternoon we tour the Buddha Park to see hundreds of Buddha statues on a riverside meadow. 

   

• Day 3: Vientiane – Vang Vieng (B)

  We depart Vientiane and journey northbound, taking the national road No. 13 through spectacular countryside. En route we stop by at Vang Xang, a famous archeological site dating back to the 11th century. In Vang Vieng, a small quiet town on a bend of the Nam Song River, settle into hotel and relax.

   

• Day 4: Vang Vieng (B)

  Enjoy a morning cruise along the Nam Song River and immerse in the mesmerizing tranquility from the pristine setting. Continue to Tham Jang, the most famous out of various caves in Vang Vieng. Tham Jang was a refuge for the locals from a war 200 years ago. Proceed to the villages of the tribal Tai Deang and Souay and study their distinctive cultures. The remainder of the day will be at your own leisure. 

   

• Day 5: Vang Vieng (B)

  Board a local tractor heading through paddy fields to Tham Phoukham to tour the beautiful limestone caverns surrounded by natural forests. Afterwards, we return to the Vang Vieng to visit more villages of the ethnic minorities of Hmong, Souay and Tai Dam. 

   

• Day 6: Vang Vieng – Xieng Khouang (B)

  Today we proceed overland to Xieng Khouang, 240 km away. Six hours of driving with many stops en route to visit tribal villages. Arriving in Xieng Khouang we’ll visit the local market and a special wood carving shop before settling into the hotel. 

   

• Day 7: Xieng Khouang –Luang Prabang (B)

  We tour the mysterious Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over a plateau. We also visit some nearby villages, populated by the Hmong and Tai Dam before transferring to Luang Prabang. After 240 km through scenic landscape of steep terraced fields and hill villages, we’ll reach the best preserved city in Southeast Asia.

   

• Day 8: Luang Prabang (B)

  This morning we tour the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping down to the ground. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We also visit Ban Phanom village of skilled hand-weaving women and Ban Xangkhong, the village well known for jute paper, before returning to town. Drive back to town to conquer Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupas as well as a beautiful sunset view. Later we explore the iridescent Night Market and admire a lovely selection of handicrafts. 

   

• Day 9: Luang Prabang (B)

  Early rise to take the fantastic opportunity to watch or participate in the unique daily morning ritual, where hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk in procession collecting offerings of sticky rice from devout residents along the roadside. We will then visit some villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Ban Ou and Ban Thapene. Continue to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where there’s a chance to cool off in the turquoise pools or to walk along the forest trails. 

   

• Day 10: Departure (B)

  Free until transfer to the airport for departure flight.