Highlights of splendor of Laos

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Laotian tour guide and driver. Then discover the essential landmarks and iconic sights that the small and charismatic city of Vientiane has to offer.

Start at Wat Si Saket, believed to be Vientiane's oldest surviving temple, left intact after the Siamese invasion of 1828. The interior walls of the cloister are covered in niches containing over 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. Next is a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, built originally to house the famed Emerald Buddha and now a religious museum that displays a collection of art representing Lao and Khmer artefacts. Continue to Wat Si Muang - the most popular one in town, before visiting Patuxai Monument, Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe and its most prominent monument.

The city tour also takes you to the golden spired Pha That Luang, constructed in the 16th century and regarded as the holiest site in Laos, and the Buddha Park, built in 1958 by Luang Pu, a yogi-priest shaman.

End your day tour along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls, if you like, before being transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing Vientiane for Vang Vieng by Laos's newest and most modern express train.

On arrival, your tour guide will take to to the north of Vang Vieng, where you'll firstly visit Tham Xang Cave (Elephant Cave). This cave owes its name to a remarkable limestone formation, and lies on the banks of the Nam Song River. Enjoy panoramic views from one of the vistas here.

The nearby Tham Hoi Cave (Snail Cave) winds its way deep into the mountain. You'll float through the cave on inflatable tubes, exploring its long corridors and wonderful limestone formations. A pool of cool spring water lies at the mouth of Tham Nam Cave (Water Cave), giving you a great opportunity for a swim.

Following a picnic lunch, trek to a Hmong village, passing through rice paddies and vegetable gardens. Return to Vang Vieng by kayaking down the Nam Song, taking you through idyllic scenes of rural life, with limestone mountains in the background.

Rest of the day, you are recommended a short stroll down to the riverbank in time for sunset, where there are a number of areas to sit and take in dramatic scenery. Be sure to bring a camera to catch some amazing snaps.

Today you will take a train to Luang Prabang. Arrive in Luang Prabang, pick up and transfer to Luang Prabang's pier for boarding a private boat for the Mekong River cruise to the famous Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues, coming in a wide range of sizes. During the cruise out, see the fishermen and local villages along the way.

For many in the region, the Mekong plays a crucial role in daily life, representing one of the only means of transport and commerce.

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laotian people.

After breakfast, wander around the beautiful ancient town of Luang Prabang taking in all of the sights. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the magnificent stupa of Wat Wisunarat, one of Luang Prabang's most historically important temples, built in the 16th century and serving as a small museum for religious artefacts. Next stop is Wat That Luang, traditionally the cremation site for Lao Royalty and housing the ashes of King Sisavang Vong and his brother, interred inside the large stupa, erected in 1910.

Continue to Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th century temple which epitomizes the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture and showcases classic Lao style roofs. This temple was one of only two temples spared by the Black Flag army in 1887, and it was then used as the leader’s headquarters during the invasion.

In the afternoon, you will explore the area around one of Luang Prabang's most impressive and picturesque waterfalls, Kuang Si. Trek through jungle parklands to Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, located nearby. Established in 2003, the centre has rescued numerous bears from wildlife traffickers and traditional medicine traders. Here, you will help-out with the bears' midday scatter feed.

Afterwards, stroll to Kuang Si Waterfall, where cascading tiers plummet down into azure pools. Relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where beautiful views and pools await, which are perfect for swimming.

Return to the town and spend remainder of the day at leisure.

Depart at 8:30am from your hotel. Our driver will take you to the pier, then take a boat trip to Tad Sae Waterfall. Ride in a long tail boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax or swim in clear water. 

Then drive back to Luang Prabang. You will have time to have last minute shopping before going to the train station to Vientiane. Arrive in Vientiane, pick up and check in hotel. Free and relax. 

Enjoy free time before being transferred to the airport for your flight home or on to the next destination. Depending on flight schedules, it may be necessary to book a day-use hotel or an excursion in Vientiane (at additional charge).