<<< Back

Highlights of Laos

8 Days / 7 Nights

Itinerary ( Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavanh - Xieng Khuang - Luang Prabang)

HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS (LAO-T-08)

DAY 1 : Vientiane (-/-/-)
Visit many interesting wats and lively markets, such as Pha That Luang - the most important national monument in Laos, Patuxia - a large monument in the style of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Ho Pha Keo - the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy converted into a museum containing Buddhist sculptures found in Laos, Wat Si Muang - the temple which contains the city pillar and acts as the home of Vientiane's guardian spirits, Wat Si Saket - the early Bangkok style tempole containing more than 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images, and Talaat Sao - the Morning Market (actually open all day) selling a wide range of fabrics, jewellery and electronic goods.
Overnight in Vientiane.

DAY 2 : Vientiane - Vang Vieng (B/-/-)
Drive to the south through the scenic province of Vientiane. The climate is pleasant and the views are nice, with mountains and cliffs along the first part of the journey. Visit Nam Ngum Lake, the beautiful scenery around the Nam Ngum River. This is a man-made reservoir for a hydroelectric power dam that generates most of the electricity sold to Thailand. Continue to Ban Keun Zoo, a pleasant local zoo with animals from the region.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 3 : Vang Vieng - Phonsavanh (B/-/-)
After breakfast, trek in the surroundings of Vang Vieng from Tham Xang (the Elephant cave) a nice path leads through the rice fields and along an irrigation channel to a Hmong village. And transfer to Xieng Khuang.
Overnight in Phonsavanh.

DAY 4 : Xieng Khuang - Phonsavanh (B/-/-)
Visit Plain of Jars, large area extending around Phonsavanh from the south-west to the north-east where huge jars (up to 1000kg each) of unknown origin are scattered about in at least a dozen groupings. It is one of the most intriguing sights in Laos. Continue to Muang Khoun, the ancient capital which was a stronghold for the Xieng Khouang royal family. It was destroyed during the Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao houses and a market area. It has an impressive location as it is surrounded by mountains.
Overnight in Phonsavanh.

DAY 5 : Xieng Khuang - Luang Prabang (B/-/-)
Visit lively open-air local market. Travel along routes 7 and 13 through beautiful mountain scenery to Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 6 : Luang Prabang (B/-/-)
After breakfast, a city tour begins at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum and Vat Xieng Thong Temple. In the afternoon continue to Vat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs and Vat Visun, entirely rebuilt after being destroyed in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from southern China. In the courtyard of Vat Visun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit it takes its name from. In the late afternoon climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 7 : Luang Prabang ( B/-/-)
Excursion by boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Ou Caves, two caves (Tham Thing – lower cave and Tham Phum) located in the steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong River and Ou River. They are full of Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes. Continue to Ban Xang Hai, the village was once a 'Jar-Maker Village' and nowadays the community fill the jars (which come from elsewhere) with lao-lao, the local rice whisky.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 8 : Luang Prabang (B/-/-)
End of service.


*B : Breakfast, L : Lunch, D : Dinner