Laos Mysteries Revealed

Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, transfer to your hotel in town (early check-in upon availability).

From its sleepy tuk-tuk drivers to its location on the right bank of the lumbering, lazy Mekong, this former French trading post is languid, to say the least. 

Indeed, despite being the capital and largest city of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, there's not a whole lot to do in Vientiane. But that is also, quite honestly, its selling point.

There is no activity planned for today, so you can stroll around the town for your exploration. Overnight in Vientiane.

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. 

After that drive to Buddha Park taking 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.

We then visit the Lao Disabled Women Development Center, which assists disabled women in disability and advocating for their rights. You can support them by buying some small handicrafts at the shop.

Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire. 

Then, enjoy a panoramic city view as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”. Continue down Lane Xang Avenue to the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. 

Continue to the nearby Wat Phra Keo.  Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. 

End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls. Overnight in Vientiane.

We leave the capital early for our journey northbound to Vang Vieng via the highway Vientiane - Vang Vieng.

We will see some breathtaking scenery en route as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region. 

We will arrive in Vang Vieng around noon.

In the afternoon, we start our board through paddy field areas heading to Tham Phoukham caves, where your breath will be taken away seeing the most beautiful and famous limestone cavern, surrounded by natural forests. Along the way, you can explore the local cultures by greeting the local villagers and learning about their daily lifestyle.

There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can take a swim to refresh yourself from the hot climate or you could explore the nearby area. 

Transfer back to town, we will enjoy the leisurely boat along the Namsong River while admiring the sun setting behind the mountains. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Today, we start exploring the town by visiting the most famous in Vang Vieng, the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. 

After that, we start our journey northbound to the impressive Xieng Khuang, which is very famous for its Plain of Jars, which we will visit the day after. 

Along the way, it is our chance to admire the wonderful panoramic view over the mountainous area at the peak of Phouphiengpha.

From there, we will drive a bit further to the T-Junction in Phoukhoun, and take the right turn onto Xieng Khuang province. 

After that, the road gets a bit harder which includes some zigzagging mountain paths, and we will make some stops along the way to visit the local hill tribe villages, or to stretch our legs. 

Arrive in Xieng Khuang late afternoon, and transfer to your hotel. 

Overnight in Phonsavanh.

Early in the morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribe people barter and exchange merchandise. 

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a half-day trip to Muang Khoune, the old provincial capital that had not been destroyed by the American bombings during the Secret War. 

Muang Khoun is home to a unique sitting giant Buddha and some old pagodas that lie in ruins. The foundation and columns of Wat Pia Wat are still standing and close to this site, there is also an old 30m stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period. 

In the afternoon, visit the thought-provoking UXO Information Centre, run by the British organization MAG (Mines Advisory Group) that's been helping to clear Laos' unexploded ordnance since 1994. 

The center's information displays underline the enormity of the bomb drops, and there are also examples of (defused) UXO to ponder.

Xieng Khuang is famous for its mysterious Plain of Jars, so you have time today to visit the Plain of Jars Site 1, the biggest and closest town that is open to tourists. The Plain of Jars has been heavily bombed during the war and you have to respect all the signs and stay along the defined trails due to bombs, UXOs, and landmines. 

Spend the rest of the day wandering around the small town of Xieng Khuang to admire the life of local people.

Then return to Xieng Khouang overnight.

After breakfast, depart to Luang Prabang via the windy zigzagging mountain paths, enjoying the natural scenery of the mountains, the forest, and the landscape. 

The roads are well paved along the way for a smooth journey, we pass some stunning landscape scenery with a mixture of steep terraced fields and hill villages, and we take a few photo stops at some small hill tribe villages en route. 

Each hill tribe village in Laos has a different feel, some are more prosperous than others but all have plenty of life. 

We will make a short stop at Ban Phoudam village, where we can see the two hill tribe minorities of H’Mong and Khamu living in harmony, before driving to the photo stop at Ban Kiew Nya for the panoramic view before reaching Luang Prabang. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, you will first visit the Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. 

We then take a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes.  

Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. 

On arrival back in the city, we will visit the old Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall.  

If time permits, we will drive out of the city to visit Ban Xangkhong, the Thai Lue village, famous for its arts and crafts. We also visit the nearby village of Ban Xienglek specializing in making the traditional Saa paper. You can either get to the nearby village and join a petanque game with the local team.

Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset.

The tour ends after a visit to the famous Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Early morning, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning almsgiving. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temples to gather their daily meals from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the locals come here to barter their day’s catch from rice to vegetables, fish, or chicken. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. 

If time permits, we will visit UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday & Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos.

Then transfer to the Buffalo Dairy Farm on the way to Kuang Si waterfalls, which offer a fun and interesting experience.

From there, continue further to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area.

There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene and explore the hidden waterfalls, which other tourists rarely visit

If you wish, take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners, and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang.

Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight. End of services!