Essence Of Laos

Rise early this morning, in time to watch monks as they walk through the city receiving alms. Each morning, a procession of monks passes through the streets collecting food offerings from locals, which is then brought back to the monastery and shared. Next, you’ll enjoy a cruise along the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves where more than 10,000 small Buddha statues have been stored. It’s considered bad luck to keep a damaged Buddha statue, so rather than dispose of them, they are kept here. In the evening, enjoy a cooking class where you’ll use fresh local produce to create an authentic Lao dish. Enjoy another evening in your Luang Prabang hotel.

The mountains surrounding Luang Prabang are home to several beautiful waterfalls, and today you’ll walk to Kuang Si Falls, a striking three-tiered waterfall located in lush forest. The falls are accessible via wooden walkways and bridges, making this a leisurely journey; there’s even the option of swimming in one of the crystal clear pools. Back to Luang Prabang with stop at a well-respected elephant camp where you’ll get the chance to be trained as a mahout (elephant handler) and enjoy a jungle trek on atop one of the beautiful giants. Return to Luang Prabng center where you’ll also receive a monk’s blessing during a private temple visit, and hike up Mount Phou Si, where you’ll enjoy a picnic and see some of the best views of city and the Mekong River.

After breakfast, transport will be provided to the airport for the flight to the capital. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport out of town for the morning tour, starting at Buddha Park. The drive takes around 45 minutes, along a road which serves as an important link between the Lao capital and Thailand. Arrive at Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll around the park. Also known as Xieng Khuang, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures which were built in 1958 by a Lao shaman. After visiting Buddha Park, start the drive back to Vientiane. En route, stop at the Lao Disabled Women Development Center. This center aims to bring knowledge and skills to disabled women so that they can become self-sufficient, confident members of the community. Speak with the women working here and observe their skills at creating handicrafts such as handmade paper. Return to the city around lunch time and check in to the hotel (the room may not be ready until 14:00). The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Vientiane. We recommend ending the day along the riverside promenade sampling snacks, picking up some unique souvenirs or just soaking in the local scene. Overnight in Vientiane

Spend a day exploring the charming capital city of Vientiane. Visit the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital. Continue to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, a religious museum displaying a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Nearby is the Presidential Palace- a reflection of the colonial past of Vientiane. Next make a visit to Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, considered as the guardian of the spirit of the city. Just nearby is the ‘Black Stupa’ of That Dam, a structure was once covered with a layer of gold which was stolen by the Thais during their invasion in 1828. From here, travel on to nearby Pangkham Street and Nam Phou Fountain where tradition and modernity coexist. Enjoy a delicious lao-style lunch at Lao Kitchen. After lunch visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them. Continue onwards to the holiest site in Laos, the 16th century temple of That Luang. Next is a visit to the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where it is possible to climb to the peak offering panoramic views of the city. Overnight in Vientiane