Lao Insight
8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1: Arrive Vientiane and afternoon sightseeing.
We arrive in Vientiane and check into our hotel for the night. After lunch, we visit the historic temple of Wat Si Saket, the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane. Then its time to visit the striking golden stupa of Pha That Luang, the most sacred monument in the city. We continue to the 'Arc de Triomphe' of Vientiane, or Patuxai as it is known locally. Built in the 1960s, the US-supplied cement was originally earmarked for a runway extension at the airport, but the Laotians found a much more creative use for it. We ascend the monument for some refreshing breezes and great views over this low-rise garden city. We finish with a stroll along the Mekong riverfront.

Day 2: Buddha Park and Free Time.
Today we step outside the city boundaries and visit the incredible Buddha Park, a kitsch riverside garden brimming with garish religious statues. We see a famous reclining Buddha and can clamber inside some of the bigger sculptures to discover strange scenes from heaven and hell. There is a local café here where we can enjoy a local lunch with views over the Mekong. In the afternoon, we return to Vientiane and can enjoy some free time or take an optional visit to a well-known Textile Gallery, enjoy a Traditional Herbal Sauna or visit the COPE Centre to learn about the scourge of UXO in Laos.

Day 3: Drive to Vang Vieng. Visit to Caves.
Today, we leave the sleepy Capital Vientiane and head North towards the beautiful area of Vang Vieng, where the landscape is dotted with limestone karst hills.  Having Checked into our hotel we spend the rest of afternoon exploring the most important caves around Vang Vieng. Tham Jang is the most famous cave in the Vang Vieng area and was once used as a bunker to defend against marauding Chinese invaders. This cave offers fine views over the Nam Song river valley and there is a spring connecting the cave to the river. We also visit Tham Phu Kham, which contains a bronze reclining Buddha.

Day 4: Trekking or Cultural Visit around Vang Vieng.
This morning we take advantage of the wonderful surrounds and explore the area further. There are walking or cycling options, both of which offer fantastic opportunities to experience the wonderful karst landscapes. There are more caves to explore or you may simply choose to take a relaxing stroll by the river. After lunch, we can kayak down the river, a relaxing way to take in the striking scenery of this area. We start near the organic farm, which we may visit first, and then continue down the river towards Vang Vieng. A great way to while away a couple of hours in a great location.

Day 5. Drive to Luang Prabang.
Today, we continue north towards the historic town of Luang Prabang.  As we travel north from Vang Vieng, the scenery becomes more and more spectacular, huge mountains looming over the road and jungle spilling down to the edges. We pass through Kasi, set in a fertile valley and blanketed in emerald green rice fields. Further north, we come to the old French garrison town of Muang Phu Khoun, surrounded by jagged peaks. This is the heartland of the Hmong and remained an untamed area for many years, beyond the control of successive authorities. The final section of the road from here to Luang Prabang is the most breathtaking, as it runs along a mountain ridge with expansive views of the surrounding country. Keep an eye out for Phu Phra, a craggy limestone peak that is sacred to Buddhists and Animists. We arrive in beautiful Luang Prabang and check into our hotel for the night.

Day 6. Full day Sightseeing in Luang Prabang including Museum, Temples and Pak Ou Caves.
We walk along Sisavangvong St, the heart of the old quarter and explore the National Museum, set in the former Royal Palace. Built in 1904, the palace is a blend of Laotian and French influences and houses many royal treasures. The most important item is the solid gold Pha Bang Buddha, a gift from the Khmer King to his son-in-law, Fa Ngum, founder of the Lao Kingdom. We then continue into the centre of Luang Prabang, exploring the narrow alleys that criss-cross the town, stopping to enjoy some views over the mighty Mekong River. We follow the river until we reach Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most celebrated temples in Laos. A magnificent structure, this is the quintessential Luang Prabang temple with a graceful sweeping roof that reaches almost to the floor.
In the afternoon, we take a boat up the Mekong River, passing abandoned riverside temples and isolated villages. Our destination is the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred spot where thousands upon thousands of Buddhas were hidden for safekeeping during earlier invasions. Pilgrims have since added their own offerings and the caves are literally overflowing with Buddhas. We then return to Luang Prabang and make our way to the beautiful temple of Wat Saen, originally built in 1718. There is the option of climbing Mt Phousi to explore the small temple here and enjoy sunset over this charming town. We then return to our hotel.

Day 7: Kuang Si Falls
After breakfast, the destination is Ban Long Lao, a small Hmong village. From here you will walk through open farmland and forest trails to the Kuang Si Waterfall, which, while not very high, is striking in its lush jungle setting. Upon arrival there are plenty of opportunities to swim in the refreshing pools and enjoy a boxed picnic lunch. There is also a Bear Rescue Centre where captured bears have been taken from poachers and rehabilitated and cared for. We’ll take some more time for relaxation and swimming before heading back to Luang Prabang by late afternoon. There is also the option to visit Ban Phonesay, a village well known for its silk weavings once been published on the New York Time Magazine. Back to your hotel for a free & easy evening.

Day 8: Free time until departure.
As this World Heritage site is one of the most charming places in Asia, we leave today free to enjoy the best of Luang Prabang at our own pace. Browse the shops, frequent the cafes, visit the temples or simply rest and relax, this is Luang Prabang at its best. Then transfer to airport to catch the departure flight.