An incredible tour of Laos

Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Luang Prabang was the royal capital of former Lane Xang Kingdom, with its roofs of sparkling temples, the colonial architectures and the splendid mountain landscape, it preserves a unique charm that is not found elsewhere in Asia. There are many things to see, including the imposing stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai with five vaulted roofs.

We include this visits in a free half day tour, ending with a climb on Phuosi hill to enjoy a beautiful view at sunset over the city and the burning reflections on Mekong river. There are 329 steps leading to the various holy temples, including the golden stupa of Wat Phuosi on top. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Today we continue visiting Luang Prabang with Wat Xieng Thong temple, a magnificent example of architecture which lies on the confluence of Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The structures of the temple are decorated in various ways with golden stucco and doors, while the main "sim" features a marvelous "tree of life", a mosaic on an exterior wall. You'll get on a boat for a pleasant cruise on Mekong river, stopping at Ban Zang Hai to see the production and taste the local rice wine.

Leaving the village, you'll cross a magnificent mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou caves. These two connected caves are decorated with thousands of Buddha statues dyed in gold, of various shapes and sizes, all brought here from nearby villages. After the cruise on the river we head to Ban Phanom, a small village famous for its hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Sightseeing in Luang Prabang wouldn't be complete without seeing the National Museum (closed on Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. This interesting structure displays a beautiful collection of treasures and artifacts reflecting the wealth and culture of Laos back in the age of the first kings down to the last sovereign.

Driving out of the city, we travel south through a verdant landscape to visit some hill tribes in Ban Lao Suong and Ban Ou. Here we visit the beautiful Khuoang Si waterfalls, where the water flows over multi-layered limestone formations down into fresh crystal clear natural pools, perfect for anyone looking for a pleasant escape when the heat becomes unbearable.

These falls are a heavanly environment sorrounded by lush forests. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Today we leave this charming city and travel along the Xieng Khouang, an area that was devastated by the American bombs between 1964 and 1973. The minor roads are the perfect way to explore the real Laos. Visit to the Plain of Jars. On May 25, 1992 the site has been officialy proposed to Unesco, which has enlisted it among the applications for future World Heritage Sites,

We'll meet few other visitors, especially rural inhabitants that are interested in discovering local life and taking beautiful pictures. In the afternoon there will be time to see the ancient capital of Muang Khuon province and its nearby villages.

Overnight in Xieng Khuang.

After breakfast we visit the central market. You'll have free time to explore the city before the flight to Vientiane. After the check in at the hotel, we'll visit the imposing Bridge of Lao- Thai Friendship and Buddha Park, a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the field of Mekong River, near the Friendship Bridge.

There are about 200 religious figures dating back to over 5000 years ago. A spectacular sight over Mekong river at sunset is the perfect way to end the day. Overnight in Vientiane.

Explore the capital Vientiane visiting the main attractions such as the ancient Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, who once hosted the famous Emerald Buddha. On the way to holy That Luang Stupa you'll have the chance to take some photos of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is famous in Vientiane as Arch of Triumph.

We then visit the rest of Vientiane on foot, including Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok. We walk trhough the main commercial area down to the central market of Vientiane in Talad So and Talad Kouadin where several products are sold: fresh food, consumer goods, souvenirs, fabrics, gold, silver and antiquities. We will return to Mekong Riverside in the late afternoon to see the sunset. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast we take an early flight to Pakse. Upon arrival drive along the National Highway n.13 south to Champasak to see the charming pre-Angkor ruins of Wat Phu, one of the most spectacular temples of South East Asia. We will have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, that are nestled at the base of Phu Kao mountain.

Wat Phu is a Lao Unesco Heritage Site acknowledged by Unesco in 2001. This wonderful archaeological site of the Khmer civilization dates back to the X century, before world famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We continue on to Don Khong, the largest island of the area of the southern Mekong river, one of the most beautiful regions in Laos. Overnight in Don Khone Island.

After breakfast we explore the local villages of Ban Khone, where you'll see a series of relics from the French colonial era and you'll find the old colonial past, including the old French colonial buildings and the ruins of the first railway in Laos with its locomotive.

We continue exploring the 4000 islands by boat to see Liphi waterfall, one of the most beautiful falls that mark the border between Laos and Cambodia, also known as Samphamith. If you are lucky, you'll alse see the Irrawaddy dolphin. Return via Ban Nakasang passing the famous Khone Phapeng waterfalls, the largest in South East Asia, known as Niagara of the East. Overnight in Don Khone Island.

Leaving Done Khone Island, we continue to Tadlo crossing Boloven plateau. Boloven plateau is famous for having the lowest temperatures at high altitudes over the Mekong valley. Rivers flow from this plateau in every direction and then immerse in the lush forests along a series of surreal waterfalls. A trip across the plateau offers a refreshing break from the heat and allows to observe plantations of coffee, cardamom, banana and other crops. This village offers the chance both to explore the beaten path and to venture out in the least known areas of Laos, discovering the wild beauty of southern Laos. Upon arrival at Tad Lo waterfall, we'll visit the villages of Alak, Nge and Katu, inhabited by ethnic minorities. Return to Pakse in the late evening.

Overnight in Pakse.

After breakfast there will be time to visit Pakse before the flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, or leaving the coastline of Laos from the international checkpoint at Chongmek in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.