Trips

Vientiane

Sabaai-dii! Welcome to Laos. You will be met on arrival at Vientiane Airport by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Please provide your flight arrival details at the time of booking, or at least 14 days before departure, to organise this transfer. If you do not need this arrival transfer, please ensure you are at the joining point hotel by 1pm to meet your local guide. Please note that a morning arrival is required so you have time for afternoon sightseeing. Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, with an intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Faded colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples create an atmosphere of timelessness, particularly in the older part of town along the Mekong River. You’ll get to know the city better today on an afternoon sightseeing tour, including Wat Si Saket. It’s the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and is home to almost 7,000 Buddha images. You’ll also stop by the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy, Wat Haw Phra Kaew, and Pha That Luang (the Great Sacred Stupa), which is the most important national monument in Laos, a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Don’t forget to ask your leader where to find the best bakeries today.

Luang Prabang

You can start the day with an independent visit to Vientiane's vibrant and colourful morning market, before an included afternoon flight to Luang Prabang. Once the heart and soul of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang) and designated a World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is endowed with a legacy of historic red-roofed temples and French-Indochinese architecture, not to mention some of the country's most refined cuisine, a multi-ethnic population and rich culture. The city and its people retain a refined, yet relaxed, air and it’s a wonderful place to wander the side streets and dusty lanes and seemingly step back into another era. In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, a building that combines French colonial and traditional Lao architecture. The collection of treasures and artefacts reflects the richness of Lao culture, dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign, who was deposed in 1975. A large hill called Mt Phu Si dominates Luang Prabang's skyline, topped by a glittering golden stupa. You’ll climb the 328 zig-zag steps up to the sacred gilled stupa and big drum of the Phu Si Temple for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and its surrounds at sunset. Notes: Please note that the flight time today is subject to change, depending on availability. Your local guide will advise you of the pick-up time from your hotel. On arrival in Luang Prabang you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Luang Prabang

Travel with your local guide approximately 25 kilometres along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. On the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at the small village of Ban Xang Hai, which means Jar-Maker Village, so named because this used to be the local cottage industry here. Nowadays, the jars come from elsewhere and the village residents fill them with fiery lao lao (the local rice wine). You will also get to see the beautiful silk weaving in this village. The Pak Ou Caves consist of two sacred limestone caverns filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes, brought by devoted villagers over the centuries. The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is entered from the river by a series of steps and can easily be seen in daylight. The higher cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and requires a torch for viewing. You will enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Luang Prabang. Tonight, maybe sip an evening drink on the veranda of the wonderful colonial-style Villa Santi Hotel. It’s a nice way to spoil yourself and round off the evening.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is easily explored on foot, and today you’ll get a better chance to soak in the sights and the local vibes of the city during a guided market tour. Check out the colourful textiles on offer, bowls and bowls of delicious street food amongst other trinkets in the ever-diverse stalls. Aftewards, take a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, the most enchanting of Laos’ monasteries. Inside you'll find monks eager to practice their English with you. The rest of the day is free for you to take a closer look at some of the beautiful temples, try one of the many restaurants along the banks of the Mekong River, or simply soak up the enchanting atmosphere. You may want to visit the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, 32 kilometres south of town. This picturesque, multi-level cascade that offers fantastically blue pools that are perfect for a mid-afternoon dip. This evening perhaps explore the popular night bazaar and pick up some last minute gifts to take home.

Luang Prabang

This Classic Laos adventure comes to an end today, and with no activities planned, you’re free until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Please advise of your flight departure details at the time of booking. Note that hotel checkout time is normally 12 noon. Speak to you booking agent if you wish to stay on in Luang Prabang.