Highlights of Vientiane & Luang Prabang 4 Days

Day 1: Vientiane City Tour

Welcome to Vientiane! With a population of almost 1 milion this is the biggest city in Laos. After arrival in Vientiane airport, and completion of customs & immigration formalities, transfer with your guide to your hotel. Enjoy a city tour to Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Then visit Wat Simuang and Wat Prakeo, which was the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha, which today resides in Bangkok. Admire the huge, golden That Luang monument, which all Lao citizens respect as holy pagoda. Visit Vientiane’s own Victory Monument, which looks like the Arc de Triumphe. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumored 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.

There are many excellent restaurants in Vientiane and you will easily find something to suit your taste. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 2: Discover World Heritage & Temple Sites

Take morning flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival your guide will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel. Then enjoy a half -day spin around Luang Prabang…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. Continue to visit Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Visit Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, 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.

Phou Si 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 Phou Si sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Shopping night market, where hundreds of Hmong vendors display their handmade handicraft. Diner tonight on your own but our guide can recommend the nice restaurants in town for you. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals included: breakfast

Day 3: Royal Palace Museum – Mekong River Boat Experience – Pak Ou Buddha Caves

After Breakfast at Hotel Visit the National Museum, once a king’s palace. 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.

Begin a Mekong Riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit the 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. Lunch local restaurant, return to the town late after noon visit Por Sa Paper Handicraft & textile area at Ban Xang Khong. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Day 4: Luang Prabang Depature

Highlights of Vientiane & Luang Prabang – Royal Palace Museum

After breakfast, relax before you transfer to the airport, or enjoy our optional program.

Meals included: breakfast