6 days - Laos 6D Trip

DAY 1. Arrive Vientiane -

Arrive at Vientiane, meet your guide and drive to the hotel

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DAY 2. Vientiane city Tour half day B, L

After breakfast, we continue to explore Vientiane capital by visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket 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 precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

Visit COPE Centre. COPE's mission is to help people with mobility-related disabilities move on by supporting access to physical rehabilitation services in the Lao PDR. 

Visit Wat Si Muang is one of Vientiane’s most popular sites of worship, and offers a fascinating insight into how old animist beliefs have blended seamlessly with Theravada Buddhism.

According to local legend, when the temple was being built in 1563 a young pregnant woman named Si Muang volunteered to sacrifice herself to appease the angry spirits. She threw herself into a hole in the ground where the building’s central pillar was to be placed, and was crushed when the massive pillar was lowered into position. This central pillar also formed the centre of the town that was springing up around Wat Si Muang, which to this day is revered as the ‘mother temple’ of Vientiane.

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DAY 3. Vientiane - Luang Prabang by train B

After breakfast, drive to the train station, take a train up to Luang Prabang, Arrive at Luang Prabang, transfer to a hotel

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DAY 4. Luang Prabang City Tour - Free in afternoon B, L

Starting from your hotel at 8:30, we’ll drive to the Morning Market. Unlike the large grocery stores you might be familiar with back home; the food here is still produced by small farming families and villages and brought to Luang Prabang from the surrounding Northern provinces. Your guide will explain the common vegetables and fruits that are in season and buy pick up some snacks for later. After a short walk along the streets you will arrive at Wat Mai (“New Monastery” built in 1796). It was given its present name following the restoration undertaken in 1821 by King Manthathourat. The most striking feature of the temple is the gilded relief panels covering the front facade. The panels tell the story of the highest incarnation of the Buddha -- Vessentara. The gilded doorframes merge into the relief panel, forming what looks like a monolithic wall of gold. 

Next to Wat Mai temple is the National Museum which used to be the Royal Palace (Haw Kham). Your guide will help explain some information as you tour the museum. It houses the Royal throne of the Lane Xang kingdom in its original splendor, and many other religious treasures. After the museum you will take another ride to visit Wat Visoun. This temple was constructed during the reign of King Visounarat around 1520. In 1942, it was turned into a Museum of Religious Arts, and houses collections of Buddha images and religious artifacts from the fourteenth century.

After a ride along the Nam Khan river to Wat Xieng Thong. This is one of the most important temples in the entire country of Laos and the most important one in Luang prabang. Until 1975, when the Communist Party gained control over Laos, Wat Xieng Thong was a royal temple, supported by the royal family. During the 1960s Wat Xieng Thong was completely remodeled and redecorated, becoming the splendid temple we see today. To finish our trip we will climb the steps of Phou Si hill, to the top, which is studded with many small temples and shrines. The gilded stupa at the top of the hill is built on a large rock outcropping. An old opening in the base of the rock was sealed up to prevent vandalism. Next to the stupa is a small wiharn (chapel) for prayers. Further down the side of the hill is part of Wat Phra Buddabhat (The Buddha's Footprint Temple). From here enjoy the view of the peninsula where the Nam Khan river meets the mighty Mekong river.

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DAY 5. Morning Kuang Si waterfall - Free in afternoon B, L

Then we’ll travel by car to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls, stopping on the way to visit. Hmong have different structures and ways of life; here, we can learn about their traditions Hmong culture, Visit Bear Rescue Center. The multi-tiered waterfall, which takes on a striking turquoise color in the dry season, is perfect for a refreshing bath in the afternoon. Clean and relaxed from the waterfall, we’ll travel back to town.

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DAY 6. Departure B

After breakfast, drive to the airport for your onward flight.

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