Highlights of Laos

THROUGH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS TOUR, YOU WILL DISCOVER

Day 1: Arrive Vientiane

Welcome to Vientiane, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Check in and have short refreshment before we continue to explore the city.

From the hotel, drive to Patuxay monument, built in 1967 and considered as Laos’ Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top of the arch for some great shots of the city view before visiting That Luang one of the holiest sites in Laos.

Spend the first night in Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane – Fly to Luang Prabang (B)

After a good night sleep, begin to discover Vientiane’s hidden charms. Start at Wat Sisaket, the capital’s most beautiful religious sites. Head to enjoy a great collection of Laos and Khmer artifacts at Wat Phra Keo. By the way, take note of the Presidential Palace which offers an insightful colonial history of Vientiane.

Before heading for lunch, visit Wat Simuang, another sacred temple in Vientiane. After lunch, visit COPE – an NGO association aiming to assist landmine victims in Laos. After a short brief about the America and Vietnam War, transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Luang Prabang.

From the airport in Luang Prabang, your guide will arrange transportation to the hotel to check in. enjoy the remainder of the day for free time.

Overnight in hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang city tour (B)

Depart from the hotel then the tour begins at Royal Palace which now serves as the National Museum of Laos history. Stroll to Wat Mai and Wat Sensoukarahm, both places are renowned for their gold bas – relief and dazzling golden spires and façades. The final visit for the morning is at Wat Xieng Thong, one the most photographed temples in Laos.

For the afternoon, enjoy the beauty of Wat Visoun, the city’s holiest temple. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Museum of Traditional Arts & Ethnology dedicated to the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. (Note: Museum is closed every Monday).

Participate in one of Laos’ oldest ceremony: The Baci which is a mixed belief between Buddhism and Animism. This sacred ceremony is held during welcoming friends, farewells, wedding…

Overnight in in hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Almsgiving – Kuang Si waterfall (B, L)

Take an early morning to observe the yellow robe monks walking bare feet along the street collecting alms offered by residents of Luang Prabang. Observing this sacred ceremony is one of the highlights that shed a light on the spiritualism life of people in Laos. After that, get back to the hotel for a tasty breakfast.

Leave Luang Prabang for the peaceful countryside to Kuang Si. On the way, make some stops to have close look at the local minority’s lifestyle which has not changed much during the last centuries. Reach Kuang Si waterfalls to soak in the green natural forest and emerald the water. In the hot days, the naturally created pools will be ideal places for a dip.

After the waterfalls, take opportunities to visit to the Bears sanctuary where Asiatic Bears are rescued from poaching and being looked after before being reintroduced back to their natural habitats. If time permits, a visit to Kuang Si Butterfly Park can also be made.

Return to Luang Prabang before climbing up the Mount Phousi. After 328 steps uphill, be rewarded with panoramic views of the city and the Mekong River. After that, spend some time wandering through the traditional night market.

Spend the night in Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Shangri Lao (B, L)

After breakfast, embark on an exploratory excursion along the Nam Khan River, following in the footsteps of the nineteenth-century French explorer Dr. Neis.

The guide welcomes you at the hotel around 8:30 AM and accompanies you to Camp Explorer, located about 15 km outside Luang Prabang. While here, introduce elephants, speak with the resident veterinarian, have the chance to feed elephants, or just relax by the river.

Continue the expedition with an elephant ride for 1.5 hours through the forests and hills in the hidden Huay Sae protected valley. Leave the elephant here for the night and continue for lunch.

Take a traditional Lao food lunch beside an isolated waterfall. Depending on the water level, it is possible to enjoy a swim in the natural pools.

After lunch, continue the trip by the 1h30 hike. The adventurous path crosses bamboo bridges and passes waterfalls with blue pools in the dense jungle. Arriving at the end of the valley, traditional ethnic horses will be waiting to carry luggage.

Embark on a bamboo raft and slowly float downstream, which is a relaxing 1.5-hour trip with an optional 30-minute stop at Tad Sae Waterfall.

At 16:30, we will take you back to Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 6 : Luang Prabang – Departure (B)

You will be transferred to the airport to take international departure flight.

You might be interested in our Laos in depth tour, otherwise look for other interesting options in our Laos classic & culture travel style!