On arrival at Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. On the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos. This small town conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We explore the town this afternoon; with Wat Sisaket which is the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha images. The following sight is Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple of Laos monarchy, where previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Statue. We then visit the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa. O/N in Vientiane.

The journeys northwards begin as depart the town and drive through the spectacular countryside towards the mountain region. Along the way we visit the busy and colorful market of Thalat where various hill tribes come to trade their goods and buy previsions. A next stop of our trip is Vang Xang, famous for the archeological site dating back 11th century. We reach our final destination, Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. The small and tranquil village of Vang Vieng is rapidly developed with the advent of tourist, but the beautiful scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops unchanged for century. After checking into hotel we take a wander to catch our first glimpse of this hill town. O/N in Vang Vieng. (B)

Day 3: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

Heading out of town we explore the famous cave of Tham Jang that was once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different local lifestyle. Upon leaving Vang Vieng, the roads begin to deteriorate; however the stunning mountain scenery makes for an interesting journey. We wind our way through Kasi and Phoukhoune to Luang Prabang. This town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be "the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia".  There is little traffic on Luang Prabang roads and monks in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas to shade themselves from the Sun. O/N Luang Prabang. (B)

The former Royal Palace has been turned into a National Museum. This interesting structure displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We also have enough time this day to explore some other landmarks, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the Wat Mai with five tiered roofs. A visit to Luang Prabang would be not complete without climbing 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the Mekong River. The zigzag path crosses over various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phou, another World Heritage Site, recognized by UNESCO in 2002si at the summit. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)

After breakfast, we continue our city tour, seeing the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways. The main Sim has a marvelous 'tree of life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall.  We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a taste of the tranquil countryside and an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at Ban Xang Hai to visit the rice wine distillation. Upon disembarking, we drive to the famous weaving village of Ban Phanom where shoppers have a chance to try their hand at bargaining. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)

INCLUDING : Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver +  Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner +  Accommodation:  twin sharing room at the below  mentioned hotel or similar one  +   English or French speaking guide +  Entrance fee to indicated sights + Boat trip + Air ticket:Luang Prabang - Vientiane

NOT INCLUDING : Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa to Laos, flight in/ out Laos, any optional additional tours or activities during free time,...

TRIP NOTES:

     The itinerary is corrected at the time of viewing. Occcasionally, our itineraries change as we make improvement that stem from our past traveller's comments and our own research or due to local conditions or circumstances beyond our control. This includes festival, pubplic holidays, weather and flight delay,... that may effect the itinerary.

     Laos is developing countries whose infrastructure, values, customs, standard may different from what you expect in your home land. Road condition are poor, accommodation and transportation may be basic in remote area.

      Daily breakfast (B) is included on this trip. Other meals are at client’s expenses. However, the trip with full board meal is arranged upon request.

     The dress standards are conservative thoughout Asia. Loose, lightweight, long clothing are all respectful and cool in Asian hot climate. In addition to your items of personal clothing, we suggest you to bring trainer or sneaker shoes, jacket for cold weather, torch/flash light, hat, rain coat for wet season, sun cream, sunglasses, daypack, toiletries and small towel, insect repellent.

     The zigzag road between Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang takes us almost 6hrs drive including villages stop visit, however, in case of you are allergy with long driving crisscross road, necessary medicine should be carried.