Day 1 : Arrival – Vientiane – half day city tour

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your half day city tour, begin with 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. Enroute 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. Wat Si Muang, site of the lak meuang (pillar-stone) of Vientiane, Si Muang temple is home to the guardian spirit of the statues. You have the option to visit the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War era. A spectacular view of the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane. (-/-/D)

Day 2: Vientiane – Luang Prabang – half day city tour

After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the airport for your short flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. We visit the Royal Palace Museum which hosts a range of interesting artefacts (closed on Tuesday). We begin our walking tour, taking in some of Luang Prabangs hidden secrets, walking down the quiet back lanes leading to Wat Xiengthong. Along the way we stop at Wat Chomkhong, which is known for its decorative carvings. This area contains a mix of beautiful old French Colonial buildings, and traditional old Lao houses, which you will have time to admire, we also pass by the Fine Arts School, where we can see some of the quality artwork on display. We will also visit Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Then we visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives us a further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos (closed on Monday). Late this afternoon stretching your legs climb Mount Phousi, which offers a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. Afterwards, strolling through the night market (open between 5pm-10pm) setting in downtown selling a large variety of local textiles and ethnic handicrafts. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (-/-/D)

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning ritual of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This procession is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the tradition. Afterwards, we have the option of visiting the local morning market, before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Our first stop is the village of Ban Xanghai where the local specialty of rice wine is produced after that continue cruise up the stream for pay respect to the Buddha at the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. We then across the Mekong to the local restaurant for lunch, return to Luang Prabang en route visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek. We then drive back to Luang Prabang by late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (-/-/D)

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Hmong Experience and Kuang Si Waterfall

After breakfast, we visit the local Phosi Market, this is the place where all the locals shop and your guide will show you the diverse offerings on display. We also stop at Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving centre. Here you will be given a guided tour and the silk weaving process will be explained. Next we drive to Ban Thinkeo, a Hmong minority .to learning their culture and traditional, We then continue to Kuang Si Waterfall, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the beautiful multi tiered falls. You also have the opportunity to cool off in the turquoise blue pools. Afterwards you return to Luang Prabang in time to catch the sun setting over the Mekong. Overnight in Luang Prabang.(-/-/D)

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Departure

Depending on your departing flight you may have time at leisure before your transfer to the airport for departure.(-/-/D)