Monks, Mountains & Mysteries - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang

Arrive in Luang Prabang where you will be met by your guide and vehicle and transferred to the hotel of your choice.Overnight in Luang Prabang (No meals)

Day 2: Luang Prabang & Kuangsi Falls

An early start this morning to witness one of Southeast Asia's most timeless scenes; hundreds of monks collecting alms in the form of rice from the local people. Return to your hotel for breakfast, taking time to visit the local fresh produce market which is most active during the early morning.  Return to the UNESCO World Heritage old town, with its beautiful Lao-colonial architecture. Visit the most impressive of the many temples including the incomparable Wat Xieng Thong, in addition to Wat Visoun, Wat Sene, Wat Aham and Wat Mai. End the morning at the Royal Palace Museum. This afternoon head out of town to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls. Below the main 90m high cascade is a collection of small pools and lesser falls idea for bathing in, so don't forget to pack your swimsuit! Walking through the forest to the falls you will pass the 'Free the Bears' project, home to a number of bears that have been rescued from poachers. On the return journey to Luang Prabang there will be the chance to stop at villages of some of Laos' many ethnic groups along the way.

Overnight in Luang Prabang (Breakfast)

Day 3: Meander the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves & climb Phou Si

This morning board your private boat for the 2 hour cruise up the mighty Mekong River to where the smaller Nam Ou river joins the main channel. Here are located the Pak Ou caves, two atmospheric grottoes packed with Buddha images. Return to Luang Prabang by road stopping en route at local villages to see how jute sar paper and rice whiskey are made. End the day by climbing the 329 steps to the top of Phou Si hill from where can be enjoyed a 360° panoramic view down over Luang Prabang - a great vantage point for sunset.

Overnight in Luang Prabang (Breakfast)

Day 4: By road to Xieng Khuang, the Plain of Jars

Say farewell to Luang Prabang today for the drive to Xieng Khuang, the location of the mysterious Plain of Jars. Although the journey is long the scenery is spectacular, with some of the world's highest karst limestone formations to be seen on the way. This is a road less travelled by foreign visitors and you will be charmed by some of the villages that the road takes us through, with the local people being as fascinated by you as you will be by them. Regular stops throughout the journey will be made for you to stretch your legs and photograph the many wonders that we pass. On arrival at Xieng Khuang there will be a chance to freshen up at the hotel before we visit the Plain of Jars, a bleak area littered with​​ ancient relics from an unknown civilization. To this day their function remains a mystery.

Overnight in Xieng Khuang (Breakfast)

 Day 5: Muang Khoun and flight to Vientiane

After breakfast, visit the old capital of Muang Khoun Province, comprising Wat Phiavat and its nearby villages. Continue to the MAG (Mines Advisory Group) exhibition at the UXO Visitor Information Center before transferring to the airport for the short flight to Vientiane, where you will transfer to the hotel on arrival.

Overnight in Vientiane (Breakfast)

Day 6: Full day tour of Vientiane

Vientiane has an interesting range of sights including Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in the city with its multitude of Buddha-filled niches, Haw Phra Kaew, former temple and home of the famous and well travelled Emerald Buddha (now resident at the Grand Palace in Bangkok), Phra That Luang, the golden stupa and national monument featured on every Lao bank note and Patuxai, Laos' very own Arc de Triomphe, from the top of which panoramic views of the city can be enjoyed. In the afternoon head south along the Mekong to Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park), a grassy expanse on the banks of the river filled with a bizarre but entertaining collection of Buddhist and Hindu statues. Watch the sunset over the Mekong from the park before returning to Vientiane.

Overnight in Vientiane (Breakfast)

Day 7: Departure from Vientiane

After breakfast your time is your own until transferring to the airport for your departure flight.(Breakfast)

 Tour Prices

Option 1 (Standard) : US$ 1,017 per person

Luang Prabang: Le Sen Hotel – 3 Star 

Xieng Khuang: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel – 3 Star

Vientiane: Lao Orchid Hotel – 3 Star

Option 2 (Superior): US$ 1,194 per person

Luang Prabang: Villa Santi – 4 Star

Xieng Khuang: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel – 3 Star

Vientiane: Green Park Hotel – Boutique

Option 3 (Luxury): US$ 1,511 per person​

Luang Prabang: Satri House Hotel – 5 Star

Xieng Khuang: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel – 3 Star

Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel – 5 Star

Note:

• Peak season surcharges may apply
• Prices are in US$ and are based on 2 people sharing a room with private aircon-car and English speaking guide. All entrance fees are included.
• International flights and visa fees are not included
• Included meals are listed in the itinerary