Day 1: Arrive in Vientiane – Visit Local Highlights – Vientiane

Arrive at Vientiane airport, and after customs & immigration formalities, transfer with your guide to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a city tour to Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues . Other sites you will see include the huge golden That Luang monument, and next door, Vientiane's own Victory Monument , which looks like the Arc de Triumphe. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumoured to be American, and earmarked for the airport's new runway. Thus the departing Americans dubbed this monument the vertical runway ! Have a look at the lovely arches inside the monument. Also visit Wat Simuang and Wat Prakeo , which was the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha , which today lives in Bangkok. There are many excellent restaurants in Vientiane, and you will easily find something to suit your taste.

Meals: Lunch
Accom: See List

Day 2: Vientiane – Luang Prabang – World Heritage Sites in Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang

Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today. This fascinating town was the capital of the Lane Xang (million elephants) kingdom until the mid-sixteenth century. In colonial times it served as a provincial headquarters of the north. The legacy of the European presence here - well preserved French architecture and careful street planning – has blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the morning flight to the former Royal capital. Your guide will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel. To check in before taking you to a local restaurant to try the local cuisine for lunch! After lunch take a spin around Luang Prabang with your guide…and you will understand why it deserves the World Heritage title! Visit Wat Visoun , the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao. Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, along side the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Then continue on to visit Wat Mai . Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes & characterizes Luang Prabang's uniqueness, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground. See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana. Then visit the National Museum , once a king's palace where displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Then return to your hotel. This town is wonderful for walking , and today's excursion will have given you your bearings. So spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing on your own. You will enjoy finding dinner on your own at any number of clean & delicious international restaurants throughout the town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accom: See List

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Local Style Mekong Riverboat Experience – Pak Ou Buddha Caves – Ban Phanom Weaving – Luang Prabang

After breakfast, begin a Mekong Riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit t he famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves . These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many still pay respect to this old tradition. Walk through the caves before returning to your boat and to Luang Prabang town. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route. Then visit the village of  Ban Phanom where traditional Lao textiles are woven on ancient wooden looms. Return to Luang Prabang and spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing on your own. You can find dinner on your own at any number of fine restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accom: See List

Day 4: Luang Prabang – next destination

After breakfast you are free until your flight time when we will transfer you to the airport to fly to Vientiane, and then on to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast
Accom: None