LAOS EXPRESS

After breakfast, we’ll visit the major sights of the capital including: Wat Sisaket, the oldest city temple containing more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue, That Luang Stupa and Patuxay (Lao’s Arc de Triomphe). From there, we visit the central market known as the ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place to browse for antiques, handmade textiles and gifts.
We spend the rest of this day touring the Lao capital, visiting the National Museum (closed Tuesday), which exhibits artifacts, photos and stories of Laos’s military as well as the country leaders throughout time. We then board our short flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town, with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to hotel and after a short rest we stroll around the Night Market. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to visit the sacred, gilded stupa as well view a beautiful city panorama.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

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 the day by driving to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving.  
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 Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. Following breakfast, we 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 the ages. Afterwards, we visit the silver smith’s and Fine Arts School and the Central Market. Transfer to airport for departure flight