Welcome to Vientiane! As the peaceful capital of Laos, Vientiane is known for its rich blend of French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. Once a key stop on ancient trade routes, today it offers a serene introduction to Laos. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Vientiane or relax.

Overnight: Salana Boutique Hotel, Vientiane (3 nights)

The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, exudes a sleepy charm with its relaxed atmosphere, tree-lined boulevards, captivating temples, and vibrant markets. Beyond its temples, Vientiane is home to organizations driving sustainable development through social support. We begin at the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), which provides physical rehabilitation and prosthetics to individuals with mobility-related disabilities. Through interactive displays and documentaries, we learn about the history of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos and the ongoing efforts to support survivors and improve accessibility across the country.

We then visit the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre, located in a garden setting on the banks of the Mekong. This non-profit, run by women with disabilities, provides vocational training and employment while preserving traditional Lao crafts. We tour the facility to observe artisans at work in weaving, natural dyeing, and embroidery. The visit concludes with a workshop where we receive instruction from the artisans on creating hand-crafted items using recycled materials, such as newspaper and banana paper.

After our tour, enjoy the remainder of the day free in Vientiane. (B, L)

Note: The Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre is open from Monday to Friday, and subject to availability by appointment on weekends.

We continue our time in Southeast Asia’s smallest capital, exploring its blend of French colonial history and gilded Buddhist architecture. The morning starts at Wat Sisaket, the only temple to survive the Siamese occupation. Built in the Siamese style, it houses over 10,000 Buddha images of varying sizes. We then visit Wat Prakeo, a former royal temple turned museum, featuring intricate wood carvings and a 16th-century lacquered door.

The tour proceeds to two of Laos’ most iconic landmarks: That Luang, the gold-covered stupa and national symbol, and the Patuxai Victory Monument. While modeled after the Arc de Triomphe, Patuxai is detailed with Laotian mythological figures like the "kinnari." We have the option to climb its 197 steps for a panoramic view of the city.

In the afternoon, we drive southeast to Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan). This riverside site contains over 200 concrete sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu deities. We explore the park’s most famous landmark, a giant three-story pumpkin representing Hell, Earth, and Heaven, entering through its mouth to reach a viewing platform. The weathered statues, ranging from demons to three-headed elephants, provide a unique display of religious and mythological iconography. (B, L)

Note: Please note that appropriate attire is required for visits to religious sites. Shoulders, chest, and legs must be covered to respect local customs and ensure entry.

We depart in the morning for a scenic three-hour drive to Vang Vieng, a region famed for its limestone karst landscapes and hidden cave systems. We stop along the route for refreshments and photo opportunities of the stunning rural scenery.

In the afternoon, we explore the Nam Song River by kayak. Following a safety briefing and basic instruction, we paddle downstream to Tham None (The Sleeping Cave), one of the largest in the area. This site served as a local shelter during the Second Indochina War and is now home to a colony of bats and the "Magic Stone" of Vang Vieng. We conclude the day with a gentle paddle back toward town, arriving in time to witness the sunset over the mountains.

Overnight: Amari Vang Vieng Hotel, Vang Vieng (1 night) (B, L)

Note: The kayak trip is optional and can be replaced with a substitute activity if required.

We begin the morning with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, an ideal spot to experience the slower pace of the Lao countryside. Nearby, we explore the sacred Tham Phou Kham Cave. Reaching the main chamber requires a steep climb, but inside we are rewarded with the sight of a bronze reclining Buddha resting in a sunlit cavern.

Following our visit, we depart Vang Vieng for the drive into the mountainous highlands of Northern Laos. We stop for a break at Phou Khoun village before navigating the steep, winding roads that lead toward the Xiangkhouang plateau. Along the way, we pause for photo opportunities and to observe the traditional lifestyles of the rural villages nestled in the hills. We arrive in Phonsavan (Xieng Khouang) in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel, Phonsavanh (2 nights) (B, L)

We have the option to wake up early to visit a local wet market, where we can experience the vibrant sights and scents of regional Lao cuisine. Our guide will introduce us to various meats, herbs, and spices unique to the highland kitchen. Next, continue on to the mysterious Plain of Jars. This UNESCO World Heritage site features thousands of mysterious stone vessels—some nearly 3,000 years old—scattered across rolling hills and pine forests. We explore this archaeological enigma while taking in the expansive views of the plateau.

In the afternoon, we travel to Muang Khoun, the 14th-century royal capital of the Xieng Khuang kingdom. Though heavily bombed during the Second Indochina War, the town retains powerful reminders of its history. We visit the ruins of Wat Phia, where a large, scarred Buddha statue stands amidst the crumbling brick columns of the former temple—a symbol of Lao national pride and resilience.

We conclude the day with a visit to the Lanna-style That Foun stupa, said to house sacred relics of Lord Buddha, before strolling through the town. Here, we observe rows of traditional wooden shophouses and the haunting foundations of ancient temples that once defined this opulent capital. (B, L)

We check out this morning and begin the drive toward Luang Prabang. The journey takes us through dramatic mountain ranges along a winding road characterized by sharp turns and expansive vistas. These high-altitude views capture the essence of Laos: a landscape of uncrowded, lush, and pristine green wilderness.

The drive offers a firsthand look at the remote beauty of the northern highlands as we transition toward the Mekong valley. We arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang at the end of the day to check into our hotel.

Overnight: Le Sen Boutique Hotel, Luang Prabang (4 nights) (B, L)

We spend the day exploring the elegant tranquility of Luang Prabang, the former royal seat of the "Land of a Million Elephants." Nestled at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, this UNESCO World Heritage town is a blend of ornate golden temples and French-influenced architecture. We begin with a walk or drive through the tree-lined streets to visit Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Lao Buddhist architecture featuring intricate mosaics and carved wood. We also visit Wat Vitsoun, the town's oldest temple, known for its simple design and collection of ancient Buddha statues.

Our exploration continues at the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (TAEC). This center is dedicated to the preservation of Laos’ diverse ethnic cultural heritage. We tour the exhibitions of handmade textiles, jewelry, and ritual artifacts, which are brought to life through photos and stories from local community members.

In the late afternoon, we climb the steps of Mount Phousi to reach the sacred gilded stupa at its summit. From here, we enjoy a panoramic sunset view over the rivers and the surrounding mountain ranges. We end the day with an optional stroll through the vibrant Night Bazaar, where we can browse hand-woven silks, local woodcarvings, and traditional Lao handicrafts. (B, L)

Notes: The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center is closed on Mondays. Ascent to Mount Phousi is 329 steps. Please dress covering your shoulders, chest and legs while visiting religious sites.

We begin the morning with a visit to the Royal Palace, which showcases a unique blend of French Beaux-Arts and traditional Lao architecture. Now serving as the National Museum, it houses a precious collection of royal artifacts and historical treasures.

Afterward, we enjoy a scenic one-hour drive south of Luang Prabang, stopping at a vibrant local market and a hill tribe village to observe daily life in the countryside. Our destination is the Kuang Si Falls, a stunning multi-tiered cascade where pale turquoise water flows through the thick jungle into sculpted limestone pools. We follow a trail through the forest to explore the different levels of the falls. We have the opportunity to swim in the refreshing natural pools, though please note the water can be quite cold between November and January.

Before leaving the natural park, we take a leisurely hike past the Asian Bear Rescue Center. This sanctuary is home to over 20 Asiatic Black Bears rescued from illegal wildlife trade and bile farms. From the wooden viewing platforms, we can observe the bears as they play, lounge, and forage in their large, forested enclosures. (B, L)

Note: The National Museum closes on the last Thursday of each month. Please bring a swimsuit and towel if you would like to swim on this day, as well as proper walking shoes if you would like to take any trails. Please cover your shoulders, chest and legs for visits to religious sites.

We set off on a traditional long-tail boat for a leisurely cruise up the mighty Mekong River toward the Pak Ou Caves. As we glide downstream, we observe the rhythms of river life: sleepy villages nestled behind ancient trees, wooden sampans moored to the banks, and the floating markers of local fishing nets. Along the way, we stop at a riverside village to learn about the traditional production of "Lao-Lao," the country’s famous rice whiskey.

Upon reaching the dramatic limestone cliffs at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, we explore the two sacred caves. The lower cave features a photogenic assembly of Buddha statues silhouetted against the river, while the upper cave—reached by a seven-minute climb through lush foliage—is filled with thousands of Buddhist images in every imaginable pose and size. These caves remain a profound site of pilgrimage and devotion for the Lao people.

On our return cruise to Luang Prabang, we stop at the handicraft villages of Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek. Here, we observe local artisans honoring timeworn traditions, specifically the intricate art of silk weaving and the creation of "Saa" paper from mulberry bark.

Enjoy the afternoon free in Luang Prabang. (B, L)

After our fascinating tour, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Or, combine this journey with one of our journeys to Vietnam – contact Bestway Tours & Safaris for suggestions. (B)