LAOS BASIS

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 Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. After breakfast, we take a short-guided tour of the city’s oldest temple Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Along the way we stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. During the day, we will also visit a few local villages, including one that makes rice wine and the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun. Once back in the city, we finish by driving to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang

We first visit the National Museum (closed Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout its history, and then move onto the Central Market for some sightseeing. Afterwards we head back to Vientiane. Upon arrival, we see the major sights of the capital; including Wat Sisaket, which contains more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue and That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. We also see the Patuxay (Lao Arc de Triomphe), which was built in commemoration of those who died during past wars and today it is the city’s main landmark. We will make sure to watch the sunset by the Mekong Riverside and spend the evening 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.