4-Nights Laos Essentials: Vientiane & Luang Prabang — CALL

Avanti Destinations: Laos Essentials

Day 1 Arrive Vientiane
Arrival in Vientiane and transfer to the hotel of your choice.

Centrally Located Hotel In Vientiane, ()

Day 2 Vientiane
Vientiane City Tour
The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, and interesting temples and colourful markets. Tour the many highlights of the city, including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps the most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; Wat Si Saket; and Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs.

Afternoon at leisure.

Centrally Located Hotel In Vientiane, (B)

Day 3 Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang City Tour
Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1995. Begin your tour with Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng, the crown jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stencilled murals. From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. Time permitting, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop and Wat Sene.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Centrally Located Hotel In Luang Prabang, (B)

Day 4 Luang Prabang
Royal Palace & Wat Mai Tour
In the morning, visit a local market to see the bustle and activity of the early morning. Continue to the National Museum (Royal Palace), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. Then, visit Hor Phrabang. In the right front corner room of the Palace which opens to the outside, is a collection of the palace's most prized art, including the Phrabang, cast of a gold, silver and bronze alloy. This Buddha stands at 83 cm tall and weighs around 50 kg. Afterwards, visit Wat Mai.

Pak Ou Caves Tour
Travel up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Tham Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style and material imaginable.

Centrally Located Hotel In Luang Prabang, (B)

Day 5 Depart Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Waterfalls Tour
From Luang Prabang, travel by vehicle to to Kuang Si Waterfall. This waterfall is located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relaxing in the natural environment. Visit a local village (Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane) on the way, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle.

Centrally Located Hotel In Luang Prabang, (B)