Houai Xai -Vientiane

“The Mighty Mekong”... Follow the Mekong River on its journey from the northwest of the country to the south. In a few short days you will travel by river by air and by land through the wonderful natural forested beauty of Laos experiencing the rich variety of ethnic minority lifestyles, luxuriating in the sights and sounds of the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the capital Vientiane and marvelling at the beauty of the south.

Day 1 : Arrive Ban Houai Xai

After crossing the Lao-Thai border, check into the guesthouse which will have booked for you and where your local Lao guide will meet you at 18.00 pm.

He will give you a briefing on your exciting itinerary for the coming days.

Day 2 : Cruise along the Mekong to Pakbeng

Your day begins at 08.30 when we board the boat Houei Xay pier for our cruise down the Mekong to Pakbeng. We will make one stop so you can get a closer look at the rural life alongside the river and visit some ethnic minority groups.

Then enjoy the buffet lunch served on board while you watch the passing scenery. We will arrive in Pakbeng before sunset and check-in at Pakbeng Lodge, our overnight stay guesthouse. (L, D)

Day 3 : Continue cruising to Luang Prabang

After breakfast there will be time for a short walk to Pakbeng market where people from the surrounding minority villages come to buy and sell a variety of their goods. At 08:30 we board the boat for the second leg of the cruise. There will be another short stop on the way in a Hmong village before having a buffet lunch on board. Relax until we reach Pak-Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River.

Here we visit Tam Ting "the Cave of a Thousand Buddhas". Then it’s back on board to continue our journey to Luang Prabang with one more stop on the way to observe the traditional process of manufacturing local rice alcohol. We will arrive in Luang Prabang before sunset. (B, L)

Day 4 : Tour Luang Prabang City

Today your first visit will be to the National Museum – once the royal palace – but now home to an introduction to the history of Laos. Learn about the Lao leaders, fighters and martyrs – of both ancient times and the more recent revolutionary period.

Luang Prabang is a city full of temples but we have chosen the best examples for you to visit. So after the museum you will visit two magnificent temples - Wat Visoun and the city’s oldest temple and one of the best examples of the classical architecture of Luang Prabang - Wat Xienthong. Then we go to the central market - the best place to buy presents for your friends and relatives.

Afterwards we will visit the two Lao-Loum villages of Ban Chan and Ban Xiengmene. And then at night we will explore the Night Market Street, where you can hunt and bargain for a range of locally made handicrafts. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 5 : Visit ethnic minority villages, Kuang Si Waterfall and the Footprints of the Buddha

No visit to Luang Prabang is complete without watching the early morning procession of the saffron-clad monks each carrying his bowl along Sisavangvong Road lined with Buddhist faithful earning merit by making offerings of food. However an early rise is necessary.

Then after breakfast we take a short drive to Ban Xangkhong - a weaving village. Watch how the weavers produce intricate patterns on their home looms. We also visit Ban XiangLek – a village where ‘sa’ paper is made. Then it’s on to Kuangsi Waterfall with brief stops in two more ethnic minority villages – Ban Na Oune, a Hmong village and Ban Tha Pane, a small Khmu village.

You will have the opportunity to see how widely different the ethnic minorities are – in the style of their houses, their dress and their beliefs and customs.

Then we continue to the beautiful waterfall of Kuangsi set in the lush green surroundings of one of the country’s National Biodiversity Conservation Areas. Cool off by splashing around in the clear pools and just stroll around and enjoy the forest scenery.

On our return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon we will make our final visit of the day to Wat Siphouthabath where you can see the footprints of the Buddha – a relaxing finale to your day. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B, L)

Day 6 : Fly to Vientiane, the capital

On this, your final day in Luang Prabang there is another chance for you to finish off your present buying in the market and to take a leisurely stroll around the town. Explore on your own taking a closer look at the varying architectural styles reflecting the city’s past.

Then we go to the airport for your flight to Vientiane where you will spend the rest of the day. Stroll around the city, watch the sunset over the Mekong from one of the many small riverside bars, and simply enjoy observing how the Lao people relax.

Overnight in Vientiane. (B, L)

Day 7 : Tour Vientiane City

You will be charmed with Vientiane - the fascinating modern capital of Laos. This small town conjures up exotic images, with a curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Soviet and French influences. We start our tour with a visit to Wat Sisaket the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. Do not miss the remarkable frescoes and Buddha images.

Then just across the road is Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple, and once the home of the famous Emerald Buddha. We then visit the imposing Patuxay Monument - Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe. If you have the energy climb to the top for a wonderful view of the city before we continue to the glorious, golden That Luang Stupa.

Then we head out of town to the Buddha Park, a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by a mystical monk on parkland on the bank of the Mekong River. From here you will have an excellent view of the impressive Friendship Bridge linking Laos and Thailand.

A perfect way to round off the day is to watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. Overnight in Vientiane. (B)

Day 8 : Fly to Pakse, visit Wat Phu and the Four Thousand Islands

After our arrival there will be time for a short rest before we enjoy a leisurely trip to the former royal capital of Champasak. We will go to the pier where we will take a slow boat which will give us plenty of opportunity to enjoy the fine views along the river on our way to explore the ruins of Wat Phu.

This tranquil and impressive site is well known as the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 13th centuries and shares many features with Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Each year at the time of the full moon in February numerous pilgrims from all over southern Laos journey here to participate in the Wat Phu festival. After this we will set off to travel down to the Four Thosand Islands for our overnight stay on in Don Khong Island. (B)

Day 9 : Drive around the Islands seeing waterfalls and colonial reminders

After breakfast, we drive around visiting the many relics of the French colonial era and to see the marvellous rushing waters of LiPhi Waterfall - "The Devil’s Corridor” We can also explore the village of Ban Khone, where there are still French colonial houses and a bridge.

On our way back to Pakse, we will have time to visit yet more waterfalls – the falls of Yeung and Fang and also to enjoy the natural forest scenery. Overnight in Pakse. (B)

Day 10 : Depart Pakse

You are at leisure until it’s time to for your transfer to the airport