Laos Highlights

LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE(7days/6nights)

Day 1: Luang Prabang Arrive

On arrival in Luang Prabang transfer to hotel.

In the afternoon after a brief orientation tour of the spiritual capital of Laos before the isit of the Pra Bat Thai for the sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang (B, L)

After breakfast, a city tour begins at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Continue to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs. During Pimai, the Lao new year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple. Then the Wat Sene with its beautiful golden façade. Finish the morning with the visit of the most photographed temple: Wat Xieng Thong.

In the afternoon, Wat Visoun, entirely rebuilt after being destroyed in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit it takes its name from. We will also visit Wat Aham where we can find the altar of the 2 genius of Luang Prabang and then visit of Wat That where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa.

Climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside. Stop at the evening hill tribe market. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si – Luang Prabang (B)

Optional: For early-risers (05h30) there is a very special dawn visit to witness the long lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from Luang Prabang residents. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After Breakfast, enjoy a visit to Kuang Si Waterfall, south west of Luang Prabang with stops en-route to visit some ethnic minority villages. It is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track and if the weather is good swim in the clear water at the foot of the falls.

Return to Luang Prabang. Afternnon, free at leisure. overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Kamu Lodge (B, L, D)

After breakfast, embark for a boat trip on the Mekong River to visit Ban Chan, potter village and the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. In Pak Ou, thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues are crammed into the two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff. They range in size from a few centimetres to the size of a human.

Continue upriver for 45 minutes to reach the Kamu Lodge.

The Lodge features 20 private canvas tents. Faithful to local style, each one is protected from the elements by a thatch roof. This allows the Lodges’ grounds to harmoniously blend with surrounding nature. The tents are decorated with bamboo and wooden furniture. They each feature private attached bathroom and toilet with solar powered hot water and electricity. 

Welcome drink and lunch.

After lunch, participate in the activities offered at the lodge :

Rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields

Gold panning (January to June) in the Mekong. Anything you find is yours!

Jungle walks to search for medicinal plants

Trekking through the forest to waterfalls (two hour hike and boat ride)

Traditional fishing techniques.

Local village visit

Archery contes

Or just relax in this unique setting. Dinner and night at the Kamu Lodge.

Day 5: Kamu Lodge – Luang Prabang – Vientiane (B)

After some time to relax at the lodge, head back to Luang Prabang by boat.In the afternoon visit a weaving village (Xang Khong) where traditional Lao textiles are woven and where Sa paper is made and the Wat Xieng Lek before transferring to the airport for the evening flight back to Vientiane.

In Vientiane, transfer to your hotel on arrival. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 6: Vientiane (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day dedicated to the visit of capital city

Vat Sisaket: the only temple left intact after the Siamese invasion in 1828. One of the most beautiful temple of the capital with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

Continue with Vat Phra Keo, used as a religious museum where are displayed Lao and Khmer works of art and visit the Patuxai monument, also called Anousavari  from its roof enjoy a panoramic sight over the city. Finish with the That Luang, the holiest place in Laos and the Vat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane.

Then stop at the Talat Sao, the morning market, to look for some souvenirs (silk, silver jelwery, …)

Late afternoon, BACI : The purpose of the Baci, mixing Animism and Buddhism beliefs, is to call back escaped spirits to the body something that is very important before major events such as weddings, births, travel or welcoming friends.

Day 7: Vientiane Depart (B)

After breakfast, free at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.