Laos In Focus 6 Days, 5 Nights

Upon arrival to Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you in private car to the hotel for check in. After checking in to the hotel, time to relax.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

(Check in time is 14.00 – Early check in is upon availability)

Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat, when the monks of Luang Prabang’s monastic communities collect alms from locals. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad monks will be an enduring image of your trip. See Wat Sene and the National Museum:

Wat Sene: A Buddhist temple (wat), located in Luang Prabang, Laos. It was built in 1718 by King Kitsarath with 100 000 stones from the Mekong River. It literally means ‘Temple of a 100,000 treasures’. It was restored in 1957 commemorating the Buddha’s birth 2,500 years earlier. National Museum – Built in 1904 in the French colonial era, the original building was the Royal Palace but was later converted into a museum.

National Museum: Built in 1904 in the French colonial era, the original building was the Royal Palace but was later converted into a museum.

Visit the traditional H’mong village of Ban Na Ounae, before walking to the cascading turquoise waters of delightful Kuang Si Waterfalls for a picnic lunch. Kuang Si is a breathtaking waterfall you shouldn’t miss. A three tier waterfall about 29 kilometres south of Luang Prabang. The falls begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside. These lead to the main fall with a 60 metres cascade. The falls are accessed via a trail to a left of the falls. Water collects in numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows downstream. The many cascades that result are typical of travertine waterfalls. There are walkways and bridges for your enjoyment. Most of the pools are open to swimming please remember to bring along your swimsuit and a towel. Changing rooms are available on site. Enjoy your time in Kuang Si then return to Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, start the morning with a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, the most photographed temple in the city. Afterwards, board a traditional wooden boat for a relaxing cruise along the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy the beautiful passing scenery before reaching the Pak Ou Caves.

Sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers, these twin caves are carved into the surrounding limestone cliffs, filled with hundreds of ancient Buddha images and statues. After visiting the caves, moor near the cliffs for a local-style lunch, featuring a range of traditional Lao dishes. After lunch, cruise back to Luang Prabang.

Returning in the afternoon, climb to the top of Phousi Hill and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Wat Mai, with its beautiful gilded facade. Later visit Wat Visoun, one of the oldest temples in the city, followed by Wat Aham.

As the day comes to a close, participate in a traditional Baci ceremony. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in Lao culture, and are used to celebrate a special occasion- whether a wedding, an annual festival, or as a welcome.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Breakfast at hotel then your private driver will come and pick you up to go to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival in Vientiane’s airport, your local driver will wait for you outside to take you to your hotel for checking in. The rest of the day is free.

Overnight in Vientiane

After breakfast, take the 45-minute drive to Buddha Park. On the way, stop and take photos of the Friendship Bridge linking Thailand and Laos.

Arrive at Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll around the park. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures which were built in 1958 by a Lao shaman.

After visiting Buddha Park, start the drive back to Vientiane. En route, stop at the Lao Disabled Women Development Center. This center aims to bring practical skills to disabled women so that they can become self-sufficient, confident members of the community.

Lunch is at local restaurant.After lunch, start with a tour to the 16th century That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Then enjoy a panoramic view over the city after climbing the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.

Continue to Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, followed by a visit to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.

Overnight in Vientiane

After check-out this morning you will be transferred to Vientiane airport where your arrangements end.