Essentials of Laos from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Upon arrival at Vientiane, meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel.

Relax for some times and start the tour to Vientiane attractions, including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa, dating back to 3rd centuries. Pha That Luang had faced destruction and reconstruction during the past centuries and yet is able stand magnificently in the heart of Vientiane. It is behold as sacred and holy place, and serves as the symbol of national monument in Laos. Continue to visit Ho Pha Keo, the former royal temple, which claimed to once house the Emerald Buddha that was forcibly taken to Bangkok. Nowaday Ho Pha Keo is a museum with beautiful of Buddhist sculpture. Then continue to Wat Si Saket, located on Lane Xang Avenue just opposite the Presidential Palace, is the most significant temple of Vientiane. Built by King Photisararat in 1551 and reconstructed by King Anouvong in 1818, Wat Sisaket is the oldest temple in Vientiane in its original form and contains many beautiful relics of Buddha images. Onward tour to Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but executed with Lao motifs. At the top of this monument, you can see panoramic view of the city and the surrounding park.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Vientiane – That Luang Stupa

Take breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the Wattay airport. Flight north to Luang Prabang where you will met by another tour guide.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang is a fascinating town, filled with historical temples, colonial style buildings, old Laotian cultures and lovely people. Start the tour with visit to Wat Visoun. This monastery, founded in 1513, is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang and contains a great collection of antique Buddha images. Nearby, visit Wat Aham, famous for the sim as ancient interior and roof decoration

Further on to Wat Xieng Thong, literally means The Temple of Golden City whose origin can be dated back to 1560 when King Setthatilat built it on the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan River. With many ornate chapels, the entire temple complex represents the real gem of traditional Laotian architecture. From Wat Xieng Thong, walk down the main street (or Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. If time available, stop at other fascinating temples such as Wat Siboun Heuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop and Wat Sene. In late afternoon, visit Mount Phousi for sunset. It is a significant landmark since the mountain sits right in the center of the city. On top of the mountain, there is a small temple where you can pay your reverence and at its viewpoint, you can see the superb landscape of Luang Prabang city and the rivers.

Luang Prabang – Wat Xiengthong

After your breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and begin the tour of the day. Take a scenic boat trip up the Mekong River and enjoy seeing the rural life of the Laotian people on both sides of the river bank.

Arrive at the famous Pak Ou Caves, the overhanging two caves on the striking limestone cliffs. The Pak Ou Caves, revered as a sacred religious site in Luang Prabang, are filled with thousands of Buddha sculptures in varying styles, sizes, and ages.

Take a visit to the local village of Ban Xang Hai nearby. In the past, the people of this village were expert in pottery making, but you would not see them making pots or jars. Instead they are expert in producing local rice whisky, called lao lao. The whisky is highly unique as it is mixed with some stunning creatures such as snakes, geckos, lizards, and scorpions. From this lao village, take a visit to another village of Ban Xang Khong. This village is famous in silk weaving with traditional hand loom and Sa paper making from mulberry.

Drive back into the town and overnight at the hotel.

Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves

After having your breakfast, visit the local market in the early morning where you can see simple daily life activities of the Laotian locals. If early enough, you can see monk collecting alms in magnificent rows along the street of Luang Prabang.

Continue to the National Museum, which was once a royal residence of the last Laos monarchy. It was built by French in 1904, but was confiscated and converted into museum during the revolution in 1975. The museum is closed on Tuesday. Not far from the museum is the largest temple in Luang Prabang, named Wat Mai (or literally means New Temple or Monastery). Its unique architecture with five-tiered roofs and veradah makes Wat Mai one of the most picturesque temple in Laos Transfer to the airport for departure or extension to other destinations in Laos or neighboring country.

Luang Prabang – Wat Mai Temple