JEWEL OF THE MEKONG

After an early breakfast, we continue sailing downriver, passing wild forest and little villages along the riverbanks. You’ll visit fishing and rice winemaking villages and if you’re adventurous enough, even sample some of this local brew. You’ll also visit the Pak-Ou caves, where thousands of Buddha statues are stored. You arrive in Luang Prabang around sunset and transfer to your hotel. This charming UNESCO world heritage site is a small, dream-like town on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, surrounded by mountains. You will spend the rest of the day exploring some of the temples and sites including Wat Xiang Thong, the most important Buddhist monastery in Laos.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning ritual of alms giving to saffron-clad monks. This tradition is unique in.

We begin the day by exploring Wat Visoun, Wat Khili and Wat Mai. Afterwards we head to the former Royal Palace, now a National Museum (closed Tuesday) where you will find ornate, gilded and brocaded reception rooms, as well as many fascinating artifacts. We also climb the nearby temple-topped hill of Mount Phousi where you'll catch a lovely view of the town and the Mekong.

We leave town to experience the local lifestyle of nearby villagers and visit the most beautiful waterfall in Luang Prabang. On the way, we’ll stop at Phosi Market, where there are an eclectic variety of foodstuffs and hill-tribe weavings. We also stop at Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene villages as well as Ban Phanom, known for its traditional textiles. We spend time at the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and visit the Night Market, where you can find the lovely selection of souvenirs.  
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Prior to bidding farewell to this ancient city and catching the our flight to Vientiane, we stop at Silver Smith’s, the Fine Arts School and the Central Market. Upon arrival in Vientiane, we’ll go see some of the major temples including the oldest Wat Sisaket, a temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple, Wat Prakeo. On the way to the sacred That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. We enjoy our final evening by watching the sunset by the Mekong Riverside and absorbing the city’s nightlife.
Overnight in Vientiane

After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong (if time permits). The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.