Emotion of Laos 9 Days / 8 Nights

Laos is a culturally rewarding destination, a hidden jewel in the region that served the longest monarch in Southeast Asia. Highlights of this tour include visits to areas of outstanding natural beauty, sites of historical importance, magnificent temples, hill tribe villages and bustling and colourful markets. Laos has plenty to offer and this tour will provide you a special and unique holiday experience.

Day 01: Arrival - Vientiane  (D)

On arrival in the Laos capital of Vientiane, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. Welcome dinner at local restaurant, overnight night in Vientiane.

Day 02: Vientiane City Tour (B,L)

After breakfast, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao's national icon, the precious and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. The Mekong river side is the perfect place to end the day and admire the sunset. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 03: Vientiane - Xieng Khuang (by flight) (B,L)
We board a short afternoon flight to Xieng Khuang. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. We also have time, this afternoon seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Overnight in Phonsavanh

Day 04: Xieng Khuang - Muang kham District (B,L)

After breakfast, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh and then drive 50 kilometres to Muang Kham. En route we visit the tribal villages of Hmong, Tai Dam and Khmu?€? and the hot springs and Tham Piew cave - where hundreds of local people hid during the bombings of the Indo-china War. We explore the local market at Muang kham and visit local villages before returning to Phonsavanh by the late afternoon. Overnight in Phonsavanh

Day 05: Xieng Khuang - Luang Prabang (by road) (B,L)

Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribe people barter and exchange merchandises. We then head out towards Luang Prabang. En route we stop off to see the Buddha images in Thampra, a site more than 200 years old, and various Hmong and hill tribe minority villages along the way. After a photo stop, we continue driving uphill, enjoying the splendid natural scenery of the mountains, the forest and landscape. The journey will take us over mountainous regions until we approach Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful traditional towns in Asia. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 06: Luang Prabang - City Tour (B,L)

After breakfast, we visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign, we then enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Today, we also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 07: Luang Prabang- Pak Ou Cave - Pakbeng (B,L,D)

Luang Say boat leaves Luang Prabang pier at 07h30 hrs for a cruise up the Mekong to Pakbeng. A continental breakfast is served while the boat is cruising to Pak Ou Village, at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, where you will visit the Tam Ting ?€œCaves of a Thousand Buddha’s?€?. Have a buffet lunch on board then stop at a hill tribe village where you can watch the traditional process of Lao whiskey production. Arrive at Pak Beng around sunset and check in at Luang Say Lodge. Dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Mekong River.

Day 08: Pakbeng - Houei Say  (B,L)

Full breakfast at the Lodge. At 07h00hrs board the boat for the second leg of the cruise. En route one stop is made to observe rural life along the Mekong and discover minorities, having a buffet lunch on board and continue to Houei Say where you will arrive before 17h00 hrs back to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 09: Luang Prbang Departure (B)

After breakfast, you are free at your leisure until your transfer to the airport 

• Accommodation in twin shared 
• Domestic airticket without airport tax
• Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Join boat LuangSay Cruise
• English speaking guide (each city)
• Admission fee to indicated sights
• Meals: as stated in above sights (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
• Meals: 2 lunches and 1 dinner at Luang Say
• Gov't tax and service charge
• Luggage handling and drinking water