Houai Xai - Vientiane

This tour offers a chance for you to escape from the humdrum of the everyday world. Sit back and relax. Let us show you caves, temples, village life, waterfalls, museums, markets, saffron-clad monks, mountains, forests, rivers, sleepy villages and busy towns.

Sample a variety of cuisines. Watch weavers. Learn how to make ‘sa’ paper and distill alcohol. And most of all watch the sunset and marvel at the infinite beauty of the once hidden land.

Day 1 : Cruise from HouaiXai to Pakbeng

The boat leaves HouaiXay pier at 08:30 hrs for a cruise down the Mekong to Pakbeng. One stop is made en route to observe rural life along the Mekong and visit minority ethnic groups.

Then, a buffet lunch is served on board. Arrive in Pakbeng before sunset and check-in at the guesthouse. Overnight in Pakbeng at Pakbeng Lodge. (L, D)

Day 2 : Cruise from Pakbeng to Luang Prabang

After breakfast we walk to Pakbeng market, where people from the surrounding minority villages exchange their goods. At 08:30 board the boat for the second leg of the cruise. There is a short stop to explore a Hmong village before a buffet lunch is served on board. Continue to Pak-Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, and then visit Tam Ting "The Cave of a Thousand Buddhas".

On the way to Luang Prabang a brief stop is made to observe the traditional process of manufacturing local rice alcohol. Arrive at Luang Prabang before sunset. (B, L)

Day 3 : Tour the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang

The day starts with a visit to the National Museum – once the Royal Palace – but now giving a picture of the various leaders and fighters famous in Lao history, from long ago and up to the present new revolutionary period. After this enjoy a sightseeing tour of two magnificent temples: Wat Visoun and Wat Xienthong - the city’s oldest temple and one of the best examples of Luang Prabang’s classical architecture.

Then after lunch we take a short drive to Ban Xangkhong - a weaving village and to Ban XiangLek – a village producing “sa” paper. Watch the process and taste the product. Then we will climb up the steps to the top of Mount Phousi where you can see the sacred stupa and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the city and the laid out beath you.

And at night we will explore Night Market Street, where you will be able to find lovely handicrafts made by our local people. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4 : Visit Khuang Si Waterfall and see the Footprints of the Buddha

You may like to get up early to see the morning procession of monks along Sisavangvong Road lined with the local people waiting to make their offerings of food.

After breakfast it’s a long drive to Kuang Si Waterfall set in the lush green surroundings of one of the National Conservation Areas. En route, there are stops to visit the small villages of Ban Na Oune, a Hmong village, and Ban Tha Pane, a Khmu minority village.

Then it’s back to Luang Prabang by the late afternoon The day will end with a visit to see the footprints of the Buddha at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B, L)

Day 5 : By road to Xieng Khouang

We leave the town and drive out to Xieng Khouang, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are about theirs.

The drive is very long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. On arrival we explore the province's old capital of Muang Khun and the nearby villages. Overnight in Phonsavanh. (B)

Day 6 : Visit the Plain of Jars and then onto Vang Vieng by road

The Plan of Jars is an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose.

We have time this day to explore the site and also some nearby villages which are home to Hmong hill tribe people. Although these people very poor they have a fascinating culture and a colourful history. We then set off on our journey to Vang Vieng. This small and tranquil village is rapidly developing with the advent of tourists, but the beautiful scenery with its mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops has been unchanged for centuries.

Depending on the road and traffic conditions our drive will deliver us to Vang Vieng by mid or late afternoon. Overnight in Vang Vieng. (B)

Day 7 : Tour Vang Vieng City

The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding the resort complex of Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns. The most famous of these caves, Tham Jang, was used by local people around 200 years ago as a hideout from Chinese invaders.

We visit this beautiful cave in the morning before we take a walk to the Tai Deang and the Souay hill tribe villages. The villagers are all friendly and welcoming. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration of the town and relaxation. Over night in Vang Vieng. (B)

Day 8 : By road to Vientiane

An excellent way to start our day is with a walk around the bustling central market. We then heading out of town to enjoy a short bamboo boat trip along the Namsong River, which gives us a taste of adventure as well as the chance to enjoy exploring the famous cave of Tham Jang. This was once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different lifestyles.

We then continue travelling by road to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos on the banks of the Mekong River. This small town conjures up exotic images, with its curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and French influences. Overnight in Vientiane. (B)

Day 9 : Tour Vientiane City

The full day tour of Vientiane begins with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. The next site is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image.

We also visit the imposing Patouxai Monument well known as Vientiane‘s own Arc de Triomphe before continuing to the great sacred structure and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. Heading out of town we visit the Buddha Park, a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by a mystical monk on parkland by the Mekong River. There are views 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 the many riverside bars. Overnight in Vientiane. (B)

Day 10 : Depart Vientiane

After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong (if time permits).

The tour ends after your transfer to Wattay Airport or the Friendship Bridge. (B)