Let’s go to experience this well-kept secret of Southeast Asia. Recently opened up after decades of isolation, Laos is, for most parts, an undiscovered country. ‘Essential of Laos’ allows you to explore the enchanting Luang Prabang, a treasure trove of faded colonial architecture and Buddhist monasteries as well as the rustic capital of Vientiane. A tour, which combines the two magical cities, takes you on a journey through the history of the land of a million elephants.

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN LUANG PRABANG | DINNER

 

You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will have a walking sightseeing ‘get–oriented’ city tour. You will visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs before climbing the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside. From here, you will explore the night market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribes and local people of Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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DAY 2 | LUANG PRABANG DISCOVERY & PAK OU CAVES | BREAKFAST ; LUNCH

 

After breakfast, you will visit the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong. This 500year-old temple is exquisite and is the best example of the classic Luang Prabang style. If pagodas are your interest, take time to visit Wat Visoun and Wat Aham. You will continue to the National Museum, which is the former Royal Palace. After lunch, your guide will drive you through Laos' scenic countryside to the Pak Ou Caves, a mystical pilgrimage site perched high above the Mekong River. You will return by boat to Luang Prabang, cruising along the Mekong. You will stop in Ban Xang Khong, the weaving of prized Lao textiles still takes place on ancient wooden looms. Some villagers are also engaged in mulberry paper production. In the next village, Ban Xang Hai, they produce Lao Lao, a rice whisky. Try a swig of this potent drink – if you dare!

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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DAY 3 | KHUANG SI EXPLORATION | BREAKFAST ; LUNCH

You will begin the day at the very colorful local fruit and vegetable market on the edge of Luang Prabang town. Following the market visit we journey to the impressive Khuang Si Waterfalls. Along the way you will visit a local village and gather some impressions of the rural lifestyle. You will be able to enjoy swimming in the clear water of Khuang Si Waterfalls or just relax in this unspoilt natural environment. On the way back to Luang Prabang, you will visit the Living Crafts Centre, a place where you can learn about textiles and meet the weavers who help keep these traditions alive.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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DAY 4 |       WELCOME TO VIENTIANE | BREAKFAST ; DINNER

 

You will be able to relax on your own in Luang Prabang until your afternoon flight to Vientiane. On arrival in Vientiane, you will meet your guide and be transferred to your hotel for check in. Your tour will start at Patuxay monument where you’ll enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Then, you will visit the textile workshop of Carol Cassidy and view some masterpieces of this art form before walking along the Mekong riverside for a sundowner drink. In the evening you will enjoy an authentic Lao dinner. 
Overnight in Vientiane.

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DAY 5 | VIENTIANE DISCOVERY | BREAKFAST ; LUNCH ; DINNER

 

After breakfast, you will venture out on a tour to the major sights of the capital including the National Museum, where you could discover the history of Laos from pre-history to the present day, the oldest Wat, Sisaket, with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha. After visiting Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred Pha That Luang Stupa, you will have lunch at Makphet, a vocational restaurant for Laos disadvantaged children. In the afternoon you will visit Xieng Khuan (known as Buddha Park) 27km outside of Vientiane. Built in 1958, along the banks of the Mekong River, this is the site of a large collection of many kinds of Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures. 
Overnight in Vientiane.

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DAY 6 | DEPARTURE FROM VIENTIANE | BREAKFAST

Free time to explore Vientiane before a transfer to the International airport for your onwards flight. End of the tour.

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