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Highlights: 6 Days

This is a sample itinerary for private travel which can be modified according to your interests and preferences.

Day 1 Arrival in Vientiane - Sightseeing in Vientiane - Overnight in Vientiane
The capital city and seat of government sits in a bend of the Mekong River amidst fertile alluvial plains. Vientiane (pronounced 'Wieng Chan' by the locals) is a laid-back city with interesting wats and lively markets.

HO PHA KEO: the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy built in 1565 by King Setthathirat and now converted into a museum containing some of the best examples of Buddhist sculptures found in Laos. WAT SI SAKET: constructed in 1818 by King Anouvong in the early Bangkok style. Small niches carved in its interior walls contain more than 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. PHA THAT LUANG (Great Sacred Reliquary or Great Stupa): built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, it is the most important national monument in Laos, functioning as a dual symbol of the Buddhist religion and the Lao nation. PATUXAI: a large monument in the style of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this huge arch at the end of Thanon Lan Xang has a stairway that leads to the top levels of the monument, providing a good view of the city. WAT SI MUANG: this temple is one of the most popularly used temple grounds in the city, as it contains the city pillar and acts as the home of Vientiane's guardian spirits. TALAAT SAO: the morning market - actually open all day selling a wide range of fabrics, jewellery and electronic goods.

Day 2 Flight Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Full day sightseeing - Overnight in L Prabang Luang Prabang, the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom, is famous for its historic temples and beautiful setting surrounded by mountains. In 1995 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

NATIONAL MUSEUM: located on the banks of the Mekong River, it was constructed as Royal Palace between 1904 and 1909 and today houses the Royal throne of the Lan Xang Kingdom and many other pieces of regalia and religious treasures.

TALAAT DALA: local market in the city centre with all kinds interesting shops and vendors.

WAT XIENG THONG: built in 1560 and situated on the banks of the Mekong River, it is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang and shows the typical Lao art style with old religious artifacts and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art.

WAT WISUNALAT (Vat Visoun): built in 1513 during the reign of Chao Wisunalat, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries. WAT MAI: constructed in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, it was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy).

WAT THAT LUANG: the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa, which was erected in 1910. The inside of the huge sim dating back to 1820 contains a few Luang Prabang Buddhas and other artifacts.

WAT MANOLOM: standing just outside the barely visible city walls and occupying the oldest temple site in Luang Prabang. The decaying sim still contains a huge sitting Buddha ? approximately 6m high.

WAT SEAN: Thai style wat built in 1718 and restored in 1957. The abbot Ajannn Khamjan who was ordained here in 1940 is one of the most revered monks in Luang Prabang and perhaps in all of Laos. PHU SI: the temples on the upper slopes of the 100m-high Phu Si were constructed recently, but it is likely that previously there were other temples on this important hill. From the top there is an excellent view of the town.

BAN PHANOM: Thai L? village east of Luang Prabang, well known for hand weaving cotton and silk. MOUHOT?S TOMB: located near Ban Phanom is the tomb of the French explorer Henri Mouhot ? known as the man who discovered Angkor Wat. Mouhot perished of Malaria in Luang Prabang on 10 November 1861.

Day 3 Excursion by car to Kuang Si Waterfalls - Overnight in Luang Prabang

KUANG SI FALLS: located in a perfect setting deep in the forests of Luang Prabang Province away from human habitation this wide, multi tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. It is a perfect place for rest and relaxation. BAN THA BAEN: quaint, Khamu village with a traditional hydro-rice mill.

Day 4 Drive Luang Prabang - Xieng Khuang - Phonsavanh; Overnight in Phonsavanh By vehicle from Luang Prabang to the Province of Xieng Khuang A slow journey along mountain roads with stunning views of the forested mountains, lush valleys and karst formations. Sightseeing Plain of Jars and Muang Khoun

PLAIN OF JARS: large area extending around Phonsavanh from the south-west to the north-east where huge jars (up to 1000kg each) of unknown origin are scattered about in at least a dozen groupings. It is one of the most intriguing sights in Laos.

MUANG KHOUN: The ancient capital that was founded by Chao Noi Muang and was a stronghold for the Xieng Khouang royal family was destroyed during the Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao houses and a market area. It has an impressive location as it is surrounded by mountains.

Day 5 Fly Xieng Khuang - Vientiane Afternoon at leisure - Overnight in Vientiane

Day 6 Vientiane (Breakfast: Hotel )? Transfer to airport. Note: Itinerary subject to change due to flight schedules.

Price: please request quote

Hotels: call to discuss

Price includes:

Local guides
Daily breakfast
Flight tickets Vientiane - Luang Prabang
Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle (complimentary cold towels and drinking water)
Sightseeing incl. admissions fees according to itinerary
Accommodation in hotels as mentioned or equivalent

Does Not Include:

Arrival flight to Vientiene; departure flight from Vientiene
International and domestic airport tax
Visa fees
Tips
Insurance
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, phone calls

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