Laos Palaces and Pagodas

Day 1 Vientiane
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by your guide and given a brief tour of Vientiane, the largest city in Laos. You will visit sights such as Pha That Luang, Lao's most important and imposing monument. Legend has it that Ashokan missionaries from India erected a stupa here to enclose a breastbone of the Buddha as early as the 3rd century BC.
Lodging: Laos Plaza Hotel or similar

Day 2 Vientiane
After breakfast you’ll visit more of Vientiane's temples. Wat Si Saket has thousands of Buddha images, and Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan (Temple of the Heavy Buddha), which is one of the most important in all of Laos. It was built in the early 16th century by King Setthathirat, and currently serves as a national center for Buddhist studies. At Wat Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park), you can see the collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures in a meadow by the side of the Mekong River. Finish the day with a visit to the central market.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Laos Plaza Hotel or similar

Day 3 Vientiane/Luang Prabang
This morning you’ll fly to Luang Prabang, a city known for its historic temples and lovely mountain-encircled setting. In the afternoon you’ll go on a city tour, visiting sites such as Wat Wisunalat, one of the city's oldest temples, and Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang's most magnificent temple. The Royal Palace Museum, once a residence for King Sisavang Vong and his family, has beautiful silver and gold handicrafts. Your last stop is the Phousi Temples, where you’ll have gorgeous view of the sunset from Mount Phousi.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Maison Souvannaphoum, Chang Heritage Hotel, or similar

Day 4 Luang Prabang/Mekong River
Set out on a local boat trip along the Mekong River, the longest and most important water route in Laos. You will sail to Tam Tin Cave, a cavern in a limestone cliff filled with Buddha images, and Bang Sang Hai. The village’s name means "Jar-Maker Village" because at one time it was the center of the local cottage crafts industry. After a picnic lunch, visit the weaving village of Ban Phanom, a Thai Lu village well known for its cotton and silk hand weaving. Afterwards, return to Luang Prabang for your overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Maison Souvannaphoum, Chang Heritage Hotel, or similar

Day 5 Luang Prabang/Kuangsi Waterfall
Today you will be driven to Kuangsi Waterfall (about 18 miles from Luang Prabang), a beautiful with a wide, multi-tiered waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into a series of cool, turquoise pools. You’ll also visit Kmu Village, where you’ll have a picnic lunch amidst the village’s cool stream, a rustic dam, and miniature waterfalls. Return to Luang Prabang for your overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Maison Souvannaphoum, Chang Heritage Hotel, or similar

Day 6 Luang Prabang
After breakfast you’ll set out for Phone Say village, a community hidden on the Mekong River where the women weave and the men fish to feed their families. This charming village cannot be reached by car, but it is only a thirty-minute walk from the main road. This is a good chance to talk with the local people and get a feel for daily life in Luang Prabang. The afternoon is at your leisure. If you wish, you may visit the night market and experience the only form of nightlife in this laid-back town. It is an excellent place to look at traditional textiles and handicrafts made by the hill tribes.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Maison Souvannaphoum, Chang Heritage Hotel, or similar

Day 7 Luang Prabang/Onward
Your last hours in Laos are at your leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast