Begin your adventure in Vientiane with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to survive the Siamese war of 1828. Explore its cloister, which contains more than 8,000 Buddha statues. Continue to Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue, now housing a collection of Buddha statues, antiques, and artefacts found around Vientiane.
Next, visit That Luang Stupa, the most important monument in Laos, built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha. Then, see Patouxay (Arch de Triumph), built in commemoration of those who died during past wars and now a landmark of Vientiane.
Drive to Vang Vieng and take a small boat on the Nam Song River, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Visit Tham Lom and the Vang Vieng Blue Lagoon (Phou Kham Caves). After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Tham Chang Cave for stunning views over the valley.
Transfer to Luang Prabang and climb Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. Enjoy shopping at the Night Market or Hmong Market. Watch Tagbat, the monks’ rounds, early in the morning, a ritual that is truly part of Lao people’s life. Your guide will explain how to follow the strict customs and rules involved.
Visit the Royal Palace Museum, housing the most important treasures of Laos’ recent past. Transfer to the local pier on the Mekong and embark on a traditional boat upstream to visit the sacred Buddha caves. On the way, stop at Thin Hong, a picturesque village, and get a glimpse of rural daily life. Visit Tham Ting and Tham Phoum, the revered cave temples housing hundreds of Buddha statues.
Return to Luang Prabang by boat, stopping at Ban Xang Khong, a handmade paper village. Drop in the old city for a walk or shop at a Hmong market. Visit Vat Mai, one of the biggest and most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang, and Vat Sene, a temple with a rich history and two long boats used in the annual Boat Racing Festival.
After lunch at a local restaurant, take an excursion by car to Kuang Si Waterfall, 32 km west of Luang Prabang. Take a short walk through the forest to the waterfall. After enjoying the scenery, take a swim in one of the nearby clear pools. Return to Luang Prabang and transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination.
