Day 01: Arrive Vientiane

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)

Day 02: Vientiane

The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, exudes a sleepy charm with its relaxed atmosphere, tree-lined boulevards, captivating temples, and vibrant markets. After being picked up by private tuk-tuk, we stop for a beloved local treat, "Kao Larm"—a delicious sticky rice and coconut snack served in bamboo tubes. Next, we continue to a bustling fresh food market, where we can explore the amazing diversity of Lao cuisine while sipping on traditional Lao coffee.

We then visit a family-run silversmith workshop, where intricate pieces are crafted with care. Lunch awaits us at a popular local restaurant that provides training and support for street youth, allowing us to enjoy our meal while contributing to a worthy cause.

After lunch, we head to the Cope Visitors Centre to learn about the ongoing challenges faced by the Lao people due to unexploded ordnance. Next, we visit a temple where we will create mak beng and pasaat peung, traditional Lao Buddhist offerings made from banana leaves and wax flowers, which we can carry to Wat Simueang, one of Vientiane's most cherished temples.

In the evening, we have the option to stroll along the banks of the Mekong River through Chao Anou Park and explore the Night Market. Adventurous foodies can indulge in a wide array of local snacks along the way. (B, L)

Day 03: Vientiane

Today, we visit Wat Xieng Khuan, an intriguing collection of whimsical yet captivating statues depicting both Buddhist and Hindu deities. Our journey continues to That Luang, a stunning golden stupa, and Ho Pha Keo, the former royal temple that showcases beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture. We also explore Wat Si Saket, renowned for its impressive collection of Buddha images, and Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, adorned with traditional Lao motifs. Our day concludes at Wat Si Muang and Talaat Sao, the premier destination for traditional Lao fabrics.

After our cultural explorations, we head to Thaphalansay Village in Ban, where an experienced local chef welcomes us into their home to begin our cooking class. Over the next few hours, we will learn how to prepare three local dishes using traditional ingredients, culminating in a delightful feast of our creations. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. (B, L)

Day 04: Vientiane/Vang Vieng (Drive)

This morning, we head north, passing through stunning mountains and dramatic cliffs. Our first stop is a salt field in Ban Keun, where we can observe the traditional methods of salt production. Next, we enjoy a boat ride on Nam Ngum Lake, a tranquil manmade reservoir that generates a portion of the electricity sold to Thailand. We make a stop at the Talat fish market in Huay Mor to experience the local fishing culture before continuing our journey to Vang Vieng, where we will check in to our hotel.

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

Day 05: Vang Vieng/Phonsavanh (Drive)

We visit Tham Xang Cave, also known as Elephant Cave, where we can find several Buddha images and a Buddha footprint, alongside elephant-shaped stalactites that inspire the cave's name. After exploring this fascinating site, we continue our drive through the vibrant countryside toward Phonsavanh, where we will check in to our hotel.

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

Note: Tham Xang Cave is NOT recommended from May to September due to high water levels and a swift current as well as bad road conditions.

Day 06: Phonsavanh

Early this morning, we visit a lively open-air local market before continuing to the famous Plain of Jars, a vast area surrounding Phonsavanh. Mysterious and ancient, this site features over 300 enormous stone jars, seemingly carved from solid rock, scattered across the plateau. The jars vary in size from 1 to 3.25 meters high and weigh up to six tons each, with estimates dating them between 2,500 to 3,000 years old. According to local legend, King Khun Chuang had them constructed to store wine for the celebration of his conquest of the province in the 6th century AD. Our tour will focus on Sites I and II, including a visit to Ban Na Pia (War Spoon Village), before we continue to Muang Khoun, the ancient capital and stronghold of the Xieng Khuang royal family, which was devastated during the Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975, featuring rows of traditional wooden Lao houses and a market area, all set against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery. Our tour concludes with visits to the Wat Phia Wat, That Foun, and That Chomphet temples. (B, L)

Day 07: Phonsavanh/Luang Prabang (Drive)

A leisurely journey along the mountain roads to Luang Prabang presents us with breathtaking views of forested mountains, lush valleys, and striking karst formations. Along the way, we visit Muang Sui and the scenic Nong Tang Lake, beautifully framed by towering limestone cliffs. We also explore the extensive cave network of Tham Pha Cave, home to a magnificent 5-meter-high Buddha image dating back to 777 AD, surrounded by numerous smaller statues.

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

Day 08: Luang Prabang

The town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautifully showcases the fusion of traditional Lao architecture with structures built by European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. We explore this charming city in an eco-friendly and enjoyable way aboard an electric vehicle. Our day begins with a visit to a fresh food market, offering fantastic photographic opportunities, followed by a stop at the UXO Laos Visitor Center.

Next, we venture outside the town to a flute-making workshop, where local artisans will share their skills and knowledge about traditional arts and crafts. We then visit Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, which dates back to 1513 AD. Afterward, we explore the nearby Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng, renowned for its many ornate buildings adorned with exquisite mosaics and gold-stenciled murals.

We conclude our day with a stroll down Wat Street and a climb up the steps to the small temples atop Phou Si, a hill situated in the heart of the town, where we can savor stunning views over the temples and the mighty Mekong River. (B, L)

Day 09: Luang Prabang

Today, we begin our visit at the Royal Palace (National Museum), a stunning blend of traditional Lao and French Beaux-Arts architecture. This royal residence has been meticulously preserved, maintaining the charm and character from the time the royal family last lived here.

Next, we travel to the breathtaking multi-tiered Kuang Si Waterfall, where cascading water tumbles over limestone formations into a series of enchanting turquoise pools. Here, we have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water or simply relax amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

On our return journey, we’ll stop at a local village, either Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane, to experience the vibrant culture and hospitality of the Lao people. (B, L)

Day 10: Luang Prabang

Today, we embark on a journey along the Mekong River to the dramatic limestone cliffs housing the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are adorned with hundreds of Buddha images, showcasing a diverse array of styles and materials.

En route to the caves, we stop at Ban Xang Hai Village (closed on major Buddhist holidays), renowned for its production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. We also visit Ban Xang Khong, a nearby village famous for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as the production of sa (mulberry) paper. Here, we can appreciate the skill and artistry that go into these unique crafts. (B, L)

Day 11: Depart Luang Prabang

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)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 06 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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