Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Vang Vieng and the 4000 Islands Escapade

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. Stop and visit fresh local markets and back to hotel for breakfast.

This morning, depart to visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The Continue to visit Wat Aham. Then, visit to the most photographed temple, Wat Xiengthong. Located at the end of peninsular closed to the confluence of Mekong and Khan River.

This afternoon, continue to former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel

This morning transfer to the pier where you board a traditional long trail boat, for a relaxing cruise upstream on the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery and witness the simple rural lifestyles. You will reach Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. In these 2 caves are displayed hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities around mid-April. Cruise back Luang Prabang. Stop and visit Ban Xangkhong, a weaving village, where you can jump into wooden looms with local expert for practical and experience. Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, driving through green rice paddies and farms. On your arrival at the Kuang Si waterfall, enjoy your short walking on trails of falls to visit the bear rescued centre. Enjoy spectacular views and surrounding of orchids inside the park and falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. Return to Luang Prabang.

Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in hotel

After breakfast, long drive to Vang Vieng, drive passes through splendid scenery and past many panoramic lookout points on the winding mountaintop road.  There are several stops en route to take photos in the scenery.  Lunch on the way.

Arrive in Vang Vieng and descending the Nam Song by long tail boat leads us through idyllic scenes of rural life: a unique sight with the limestone mountain in the background.

Walking tour to discover this small town before dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in hotel

After breakfast, heading to Tham Jang cave 172 steps where you can see the spectacular views of the city and the landscape. Then drive to Vientiane, capital of Laos. Arrival and

lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, depart for city tour:

• Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues.
• The huge golden That Luang monument, where all Lao citizen respect as holy pagoda.
• Vientiane’s own Victory Monument, which looks like the Arc de Triumph. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumored to be American, and earmarked for the airport’s new runway.

Dinner at local restaurant. Then, visit night market (open every day) on the bank of Mekong River

Overnight in hotel

Transfer to airport for early flight to Pakse. Welcomed by local guide, then transfer to Champassak and visit the temple ruins of Wat Phou.

Lunch at local restaurant before heading to 4000 island area. Check in hotel in Don Khong island.

Time to discover this biggest island.

Dinner and overnight in hotel

After breakfast, transfer to Ban Nakasang village where you start your cruise to Khone Island. Arrival and begin re-tracing the French colonial times here as many remnants (old pier, stream railway, French buildings) stand still. Continue to visit the gorgeous Liphi waterfall, which is a must-see for waterfall-lovers.  Lunch at local restaurant and cruise back to Nakasang village. Heading by van to your hotel in Pakse.

Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in the hotel.

Free time until your transfer to Pakse airport for your international flight.

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