Vang Vieng is a stunning small riverside town and a traveller’s paradise, you will take in some of the most spectacular scenery you’re ever going to encounter, as this town is located at the foot of the breathtaking mountains and nestled on the banks of the gorgeous Nam Song River. The tour explores Southeast Asia’s most laid back capital, Vientiane and the fairy–tale kingdom of Luang Prabang, visiting magnificent temple structures and monuments of national and historical importance.

On arrival at Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. On the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos. This small town conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. This afternoon we explore the town; with Wat Sisaket which is the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha images. The following sight is Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple of Laos monarchy, where previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Statue. We then visit the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa. Overnight in Vientiane

We leave this wonderful town early for our journey northbound; we will see some breathtaking scenery enroute as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region. Along the way we visit the busy and colorful market of Thalat where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy previsions. A next stop of our trip is Vang Xang, famous for the archeological site dating back 11th century. We reach our final destination, the small and tranquil village of Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism. After checking into your hotel we take a wander to catch our first glimpse of this peaceful hill town. Overnight in Vang Vieng (B)

Heading 2km out of Vang Vieng town we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the 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 of the locals. Upon leaving Vang Vieng, the roads begin to deteriorate; however the stunning mountain scenery makes for an interesting journey. We wind our way through Kasi and Phoukhoune to Luang Prabang. This town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be “the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia”. There is little traffic on Luang Prabang roads and monks in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas to shade from the sun.O/N Luang Prabang(B)

The former Royal Palace has been turned into a National Museum (close Tuesday). This interesting structure displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Today we also have enough time to explore some other landmarks, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the Wat Mai with five tiered roofs. A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. The zigzag path crosses over various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phou, another World Heritage Site, recognized by UNESCO in 2002. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B) Day5. Luang Prabang – Pakou – caves Today, we continue our city tour, seeing the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways. The back wall has an intriguing large flame 'tree of life’ pattern set in coloured glass mosiacs. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a taste of the tranquil countryside and an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at Ban Xang Hai, where the local rice wine is produced. On our return, we drive to the famous weaving village of Ban Phanom where shoppers have a chance to try their hand at bargaining. O/N in Luang Prabang (B)

You will have free time to wonder around the town and explore the Central Market before transferring to the airport for a short flight to Vientiane and your connecting flight out to your next destination. (B)

• Transportation in private air–conditioned
• Accommodation in twin shared
• Boat trip as stated in above sights
• English speaking guide
• Admission fee to indicated sights
• Meals: daily breakfast at hotel
• Gov’t tax and service charge
• Luggage handling and drinking water

• Visa stamping fee on arrival US$30 / pax
• Int’l airport departure tax US$10 / pax
• Domestic airticket with airport tax
• Int’l air tickets to / from Laos
• Travel Insurance in all kinds
• Meals:(lunch or dinner, quoted separately)
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others