LAOS

Day 02 - Luang Prabang

Early morning, transfer to the serene Wat Sene temple for partaking in a blessing ceremony that is believed to bring you health, happiness and longevity. Afterwards, start your day with a visit to the Royal Palace, which is now a National Museum and houses the precious exhibits that used to be possessions of the former Laos Royal family. Then, Wat Xiengthong, a 16th century temple which epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Take the opportunity to interact with the monks at the Wat Mai temple before ending the day with a climb of 328 steps to the top of Phousi Hill. Where you can watch the sun set over Luang Prabang town and the two rivers and forested hills which form its natural borders.

Day 03 - Luang Prabang

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. 

After breakfast, across the Mekong River and climb the 60 or so stairs to reach Wat Hat Seo temple, learn more about the precepts of Buddhists, Nuns and Novices, who all follow different principles. You learn how to pray in either the English or Pali language. Then, have the meditation course in a secluded area. 

Late afternoon, you will be invited to take part in a “Baci” ceremony, an integral part of Lao culture. 

Day 04 - Luang Prabang / Vientiane via flight

After breakfast, embark on a two hour cruise in a long-tail boat on the Mekong River and visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. En route, typical Laotian villages are barely visible behind thick foliage. 

Continue to Ban Muang Keo village and observe local weavers and whisky distillers honoring their timeworn traditional crafts. 

Then, taking the late afternoon flight to Vientiane. 

Day 05 - Vientiane

Today, visit the serene Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in town. Continue to Wat Ho Phra Keo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue. Next stop is That Luang, considered to be the symbol of Laos and Patouxay, also known as the Arc de Triomphe, which was built in the 1960’s in commemoration of those who died during the wars of the past.

Afternoon, visit the Buddha Park, a fanciful sculpture garden full of Buddhist and religious images which appear to be centuries old. 

Day 06 - Vientiane / Pakse via flight

This morning, transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Pakse, the hub for trading between Laos and Thailand as well as a gateway to fascinating southern Laos. Upon arrival, meet and transfer through pleasant rural scenery of hills and local villages towards Champasak, the former Royal Capital. Reach the picturesque pre-Angkorian Wat Phou temple, which was built between the 6th and 13th centuries.  Then, take the boat ride to Don Daeng where you will check in your resort. Then hop on a bicycle for an orientation tour around the village. 

Day 07 - Pakse

After breakfast, drive 2.5 hours south towards the Cambodian border to visit the Khone Phapheng waterfall, covering an impressive 10km stretch of the Mekong. Then, board a local boat for a visit to “Si Phan Don”, the 4,000 islands. Make a stop at Don Khone, which features the remnants of the French colonial area, including an old pier, a railway station, a former French hospital building and the maritime office. This afternoon, visit to the Liphi waterfalls, nicknamed the “Corridor of the Devil“. Later, cruise upstream to Don Khong where you will spend the night.

Day 08 - Pakse / Vientiane via flight

Morning transfer back to Pakse to take the afternoon flight back to Vientiane. 

Upon arrival at the airport, meet and transfer to your hotel for check in. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or your own exploration of the town

Day 09 - Vientiane departure via flight

Check-out of your hotel no later than 12:00 noon and transfer (approx. 30mins) to the airport for your onward flight to next destination or returns your home.