Laos Nature & Culture Tour

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel (early check-in upon availability) Situated in the center of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historical, and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. There are no activities planned for today, so you may stroll around to get your first impression of this ancient city.  Overnight in Luang Prabang. Tips: Walk around the city; you may find one of the petanque games among local people (sometimes with foreigners). You can join the game if you wish. + Guide & Driver + Meal: NONE + Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, you will start the Luang Prabang exploration with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. 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, which is famous for its arts and crafts. We also will visit the nearby village of Ban Xienglek, which specializes in making 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; this is the ideal place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Tip: If you are fond of various ethnic cultures, you can visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday). + Guide & Driver + Meal: Breakfast + Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang + Pick-up: 08:30 AM

Wake up as the sun rises, and we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning almsgiving, which dates back to the 14th century. 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 sitting on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day's catch, from rice to vegetables to 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 the UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos. Then, transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area, with three tiers leading to a 50-meter drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals. 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 a couple of dozen 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 in the late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Tip: For the family vacation, you can visit the Buffalo Dairy Farm on the way to Kuang Si waterfalls, which offer a fun and interesting experience for the kids. + Driver & Guide + Meal: Breakfast + Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang + Pick-up: 05:30 AM-06:30 AM depending on season

In the morning, we travel by road south to Vang Vieng. Our intrepid journey will be strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic regions of Laos. After about a 2-hour drive, we will have a chance to enjoy the panoramic view at the highest peak of the area, which is more than 2000 meters high. From there, we will drive to visit Pha Hom market, where we can find various wild animal products. We will also stop at Ban Phouhin Lekphay to see the life of the Khmu hill-tribe. Our next photo stop is at Phatang Mountain Viewpoint, where we can admire the beautiful scenery before reaching the town of Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, we still have time to visit the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. From the cave, we can admire the panoramic view of the town of Vang Vieng and the nearby area. We will make the last transfer to the nearby Ban Theua to spend the night at the lovely resort overlooking Nam Ngum Lake, the "sea of Laos." + Driver & Guide + Meal: Breakfast + Accommodation: Hotel in Ban Thaheua + Pick-up: 08:30 AM

Optional: Wake up early today, and you never want to miss the serene sunrise over the peaceful lake. Our guide will escort you to the nearby area to watch the local villagers preparing for their busy day. After breakfast, you are free to stroll around the resort and the nearby village for your exploration. In the afternoon, we will transfer to Vientiane. Along the way, visit Dong Makkhai Market, where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions.  We will arrive in Vientiane around late afternoon. Check-in at your hotel. A spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane. + Driver & Guide + Meal: Breakfast + Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane + Pick-up: 08:30 AM

In the morning, we will begin the Vientiane city tour with a visit to Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. After that, drive to Buddha Park, which is around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. We will then visit the Lao Disabled Women Development Center, which assists disabled women in coping with their disability and advocating for their rights. Spend time watching the video and learn about the effort to earn their daily living. 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 view over the city 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. Tips: + You can also visit Sinouk Coffee Pavilion to discover the Lao coffee, stroll around the mini coffee gallery, view the in-house coffee roaster, and try a cup of delicious and unique coffee or tea. Please discuss with our guide about this. Entrance fees and extra coffee/drinks are payable on the spot. + There is also the chance to visit Ban Hom, where you can visit the farmers working in the field and learn about the rural local life. Just 12 km from the old quarter! Extra mileage: $10/car + Driver & Guide + Meal: Breakfast + Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane + Pick-up:08:30 AMM

You are free to stroll around the town for your exploration before taking the departure flight. + Driver & Guide + Meal: Breakfast + Accommodation: None + Pick-up: 2.5 hours before departure flight