Classic Laos

Upon arrival in Vientiane, transfer from Wattay International Airport to the hotel. The rest of the day will be left free to relax after your flights. Depending on your arrival time, there is still a chance to explore the city and a walk along the Mekong River and visit Night Market. Overnight in Vientiane

Discover the charms of Vientiane, a quiet but endearing capital city. Tour includes Wat Sisaket, Hor Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa, and Patuxay Monument. Visit the Talat Sao (Morning Market), where you can find an abundance of locally made handicrafts. WAT SISAKET Wat Si Saket is an early 19th-century Buddhist monastery in the center of Vientiane. It is the oldest temple of the town that is still in its original form. The temple was built in 1820 near the Royal Palace in the center of town by King Anouvong, the last King of Vientiane. It is one of the very few temples that survived the destruction that came with the Siamese armies, which looted and burnt the city in 1827. The temple was restored in the 1930s. Next to the cloister is the more recent, active part of the temple with resident monks. Right across the street is another one of Vientiane’s most important temples, the Hor Phra Keo. HOR PHRA KEO Hor Phra Keo is one of Laos’ most highly venerated temples, now turned into a museum. The temple derives its name from the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most highly revered Buddha image which was enshrined in the temple for over 200 years THAT LUANG STUPA That Luang Stupa or “Great Stupa” is the most important Buddhist monument in Laos. The large golden stupa in Vientiane is believed to enshrine a breast bone of the Buddha. The pagoda also known as That Luang is officially named Pha Chedi Lokajulamani, which translates to “World Precious Sacred Stupa”. PATUXAY MONUMENT Vientiane' s Arc de Triomphe replica is a monumental sight. Officially called 'Victory Gate' and commemorating the Lao who died in pre-revolutionary wars, it was built in the 1960s with cement donated by the USA intended for the construction of a new airport. Climb to the top for panoramic views over Vientiane. TALAT SAO (MORNING MARKET) Talat Sao (Morning Market) and its two malls sit in a cluster on Lane Xang Road.

Drive North to the famous archaeological site of Vang Xang. Next, continue to Nam Ngum Lake and embark on a 1-hour boat ride. Sit back and relax as you explore the lush vegetation along the backwaters and soak up river life. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Vang Vieng, which is tucked in amongst giant limestone cliffs and sits along the Nam Song River. This is an area of immense natural beauty, with the Nam Song River passing through the shadows of the dramatic mountains. VANG XANG Vang Xang's archaeological site dates back to the 11th century. The name of the site translates to 'Elephant Palace' in reference to a nearby elephant graveyard. Here you’ll wander through the historic sites and see the fascinating Buddha sculpture reliefs inscribed onto the cliffs. NAM NGUM LAKE Nam Ngum Lake is located some 80 km to the north of Vientiane. The beautiful scenery over the Nam Ngum River and its green valley is enhanced by the presence of this vast, spectacular lake. VANG VIENG The small town of Vang Vieng is located 160 km north of Vientiane. This is a place of a dreamlike landscape of bizarre limestone mountain peaks and scenic cliffs with the Nam Song River bisecting the town. At the base of the town’s limestone mountains are a network of caves. Overnight in Vang Vieng

Depart from Vang Vieng, following the road over the highlands and through the stunning countryside to Phonsavanh. Enjoy scenic views along the way. Stop for lunch at Phou Khoun and enjoy a panorama view from Phou Khoun Observation Site. Continue to Phonsavanh with a stop in Muang Sui to visit Tham Pha Cave and Nong Tang Lake. Tham Pha Cave: These two limestone caves hid hundreds of small Buddha figures from the Haw invasion a few centuries ago. Dimly lit with the help of the rigged electrical lights (switched on by the locals for a small donation) making the passageways that link one cave to another accessible. The caves persist deep into the hillside and are pretty amazing. NONG TANG LAKE Nong Tang Lake is a large picturesque natural lake flanked by high limestone cliffs. PHONSAVANH Phonsavanh is the capital city of Xieng Khuang Province, a well-known tourist destination for its famous Plain of Jars. By 1973, almost every town and village in Xieng Khuang had been bombed and destroyed as a result of what is now called “The Secret War” in Laos, a ten-year period during which the USA and its allies bombed the region without regard to borders in an attempt to stop movements on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Approximately two tons of ordnance per inhabitant was dropped on the country, with much of this bombing occurring over Xieng Khuang. However, the area is still remarkably beautiful, with the mysterious ancient jars resting near the strange craters that scar the earth, memories from the dark days of a devastating war. Overnight in Phonsavanh

Start the day with a visit to the Plain of Jars (Site I and Site II) which is one of the largest ancient cultural sites in Laos. PLAIN OF JARS SITE I Plain of Jars Site I is one of the largest sites with over 300 jars. The site, also known as Site I is located about 15 km. Southwest of Phonsavanh. The large area surrounded by a fence is adjacent to a Laos army military base. PLAIN OF JARS SITE II Plain of Jars Site II or Hai Hin Phu Salato is located about 20 km. Southwest of Phonsavanh. The site contains 93 jars spread across two adjacent hills. Continue to Muang Khoun the former royal capital of Xieng Khuang Region to visit Wat Phia Wat, That Foun Stupa, and That Chomphet Stupa. WAT PHIA WAT Admire this massive Buddha prominently sitting amid the bombed-out remains of its 400-year-old temple. A short trail leads from the main road on the eastern edge to Wat Phia Wats distinguished and sizable sitting Buddha that surprisingly survived the bombing relatively intact. THAT FOUN STUPA Built-in 1576, around the same time as Vientiane’s That Luang Stupa, That Foun Stupa stands alone on a knoll scathed only by time. Believers say That Foun Stupa covers Buddha’s ashes brought from India. A tunnel through the base presents visitors with a cool channel to examine the inner construction of precisely placed bricks. THAT CHOMPHET STUPA For more than 500 years, That Chomphet Stupa has overlooked Muang Khoun and the Nam Ngiap River Valley from its shrubby hilltop perch. Time has taken its aesthetic toll on the ancient monument, but it remains solid under a carpet of vegetation. A diamond once topped the sacred stupa but is long gone, possibly pilfered by Haw invaders during an 1874 raid. Overnight in Phonsavanh

Depart from Phonsavanh, take the road over the highlands through stunning countryside to Luang Prabang. Enjoy scenic views and visit one of the many Hmong villages in the region. The Hmong are an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of Laos. They are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao ethnicity in Southern China. Hmong groups began a gradual southward migration in the 18th century due to political unrest and a lack of arable land. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This beautiful city was the royal capital and seat of government for the Kingdom of Laos until the revolution of 1975. The main part of the city consists of four main roads crisscrossing a peninsula between the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Explore the city by Tuk Tuk. The Tuk Tuk (a motorized-rickshaw) was brought to Southeast Asia in 1934 from Japan, and has since then become an icon of the region. The classic Tuk Tuk is a sheet-metal roof covering an open frame which rests on three wheels. They’re one of the most popular forms of transportation in Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, and this Southeast Asian emblem is the perfect vehicle for an open-air tour of Luang Prabang. Departing from the hotel at 08:30, get on the Tuk Tuk to the open-air Morning Market in the old town. There are only a few large grocery stores here—instead, food is still produced by small farming families and villages and brought to Luang Prabang from the surrounding rural areas. Guide will explain the common vegetables and fruits that are in season and pick up some snacks for later. A short walk from the market is Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham (“New Monastery ''), the National Museum (Royal Palace) and Hor Phra Bang. After the museum, travel again by tuk tuk through more of the picturesque town to Wat Visounnalath. Continue to Heuan Chan Luang Prabang for a short activity and learn how to make Banana Leaf and Flower. Another short tuk tuk ride along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong. End the day’s tour on top of Mount Phousi.

Transfer to the airport for departure flight.