Laos Family Classic

Today, you will first visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.  You then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.  Along the way, you stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.

On your return, you may visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts; before ascending the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional handicrafts, and today you will visit local village of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene. You then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths. On the way back to Luang Prabang,  stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park, one of the must-visit spots, newly opened on January 2014. Then take a short flight to Vientiane for your overnight stay.

You will start the day with a visit the major sights of the capital including Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national icon, That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

After that, transfer to Ban Tha Ngon (20Km from the center), which is very famous for the leisurely lunch cruise along the lazy Nam Ngum River. This is really the escape from daily busy life, which you never want to miss when visiting Laos.

Free to stroll around the downtown area, where you can find many fine silks or souvenirs before transferring out to the airport for your flight home. End of services.