Captivating Laos Highlights - 6 Days

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane arrival
Day 2: Vientiane city tour – Buddha Park
Day 3: Vientiane – Vang Vieng by train – Tham Jang Cave – Blue Lagoon
Day 4: Vang Vieng – train to Luang Prabang – city tour
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Khoang Si
Day 6: Luang Prabang – departure

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane arrival

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. REST after long night flight and time for yourself.
Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane city tour – Buddha Park (B)

After breakfast, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple 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.
Afternoon, transfer out to visit Buddha Park with thousands of Buddha Statues inspired by Hindu culture. On the way back, we visit Mrs. Carol Cassidy Weaving studio to learn more about the Lao handicraft textiles. If we come before 3:30pm, we can see the local artisans working on their daily routine to create handicraft products. Take a tour around the studio and learn more about the culture of weaving in Laos.
Mrs. Carol Cassidy arrived in Laos in 1989, as a textile expert with the United Nations Development Programme. Lao Textiles was founded in 1990. Specializing in 100 percent hand-woven silk, Carol and the 40 Lao artisans produce exquisitely crafted wall hangings, scarves, shawls and custom furnishing fabric. Visit Night Market on your own.
Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 3: Vientiane – Vang Vieng by train – Tham Jang Cave – Blue Lagoon (B)

After breakfast, check out hotel, we will transfer to train station to take speed train to Vang Vieng. Meet tour guide and transfer to hotel for checking in.
Afternoon, we will take a visit to Tham Jang Cave and Blue Lagoon, free at leisure to attend zipline, kayaking or swimming at Blue Lagoon.
Overnight in Vang Vieng. 

Day 4: Vang Vieng – train to Luang Prabang – city tour (B)

After breakfast, free at leisure until transfer to train station to take speed train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for checking in.
This afternoon, we start our city tour. Our first stop will be the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, displaying a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We will continue the tour to the city’s oldest temple, Wat Sene then the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.
Afternoo, climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for a panorama view. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Khoang Si (B)

You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the alms giving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered).
We then visit the Morning Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.
After breakfast, we board a cruise trip upstream along the Mekong River, get to enjoy a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled.

Afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority group at Ban Na Ouane Village, H’Mong Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible. Come back city in the afternoon, overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 6: Luang Prabang – departure (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Rooms available until 12h00. Free at leisure until transfer back to Luang Prabang airport for departure flight.
Your Laos tour ends!