Laos Classic Tour Package: Luang Prabang to Vientiane

You will be welcomed by our guide/driver at Luang Prabang International Airport and drive to your hotel in city center for check-in (please note that, check-in time is after 2.00pm). The rest of today will be free time for your own discovery and relaxation. Enjoy your overnight stay in Luang Prabang city and have a good rest.

Luang Prabang, a historic city that was served as the capital of the Kingdom of Laos until 1975. Nestled between the Nam Khan River and Mekong River, Luang Prabang city offers a picturesque setting and a delightful mix of experiences for cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, or simply a relaxing escape. Exploring the UNESCO-protected Luang Prabang Old Town, which showcases a remarkable fusion of traditional Lao architecture and structures built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some Recommendations for Free time:

• Mount Phousi Sunset: Ascend to Mount Phousi for a breathtaking sunset experience. In addition to witnessing the sunset, Mount Phousi is also a popular spot well-known for its panoramic views of Luang Prabang City, the Nam Khan River, and the Mekong River.
• Luang Prabang Night Market: Discover the vibrant stalls, indulge in the local street food, and uncover the secrets of Lao cuisine. Immerse yourself in the dazzling array of handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs that the market has to offer.

Luang Prabang is well-known for its abundance of Buddhist temples and monasteries. Today, you will have a chance to join Alms Giving Ceremony (Optional) before Temple Hop Tour (City Walking) at Luang Prabang Old Town (World Heritage Site), visiting Royal Palace Museum, Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Xiengthong.

This morning, you will rise early to join an Alms Giving ceremony (Optional; please wake up before dawn). The daily alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang provides foreign tourists a fascinating insight into Laotian Buddhism. This serene ceremony takes place at dawn, usually around 5.00 am to 6:15 am, coinciding with sunrise. By offering food to the Buddhist monks, believers aim to accumulate merit, which is believed to improve their future lives, and also bring them good karma. Observing the procession of the monks silently collecting alms offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of Laos, showcasing a centuries-old tradition that remains an integral part of Laotian culture.

Travel Tips:

• Before attending the ceremony, you can purchase some offerings, usually sticky rice, from local vendors and participate by offering food to the monks. Please tell your local guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so your guide can prepare some food for you to hand over to the Buddhist monks. If you do not wish to make an offer, please keep an appropriate distance and then observe the ritual in silence.
• It is important to dress decently (cover your shoulders, chest and legs) and follow the lead of the locals when offering alms. Show respect throughout the arms giving ceremony.

Then, continue to the nearby Morning Local Market in Luang Prabang (open from around 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) to experience breakfast like the locals do. The market is a haven for trying delicious and unique Laos local food. Indulge in pre-cooked snacks such as sticky rice, noodle soups, and grilled meats, allowing yourself to savor the flavors of the region.

Next, we will visit the Royal Palace Museum (National Museum, opened 8-11:30am, and 1:30-4pm). The Museum was once searved as the residence of Laotian kings, offering you a unique opportunity to learn how the Laotian royalty lived. The palace showcases a captivating blend of traditional Laotian architecture and French colonial architecture. The exhibits include a wide array of religious objects, royal possessions, weapons, and everyday items, providing a fascinating glimpse into Laotian culture and history.

After that, we will pay a visit to Wat Mai across from Mount Phousi, built in the late 18th century. It’s one of very few temples that escapes destruction throughout Lao history. This makes it a sacred place for Laotians and a significant landmark in Luang Prabang.

In the afternoon, we continue to Wat Aham, the temple holds significance for both animists and Buddhists.  You can step inside the chapel of Wat Aham to discover vibrant murals adorning the walls. These murals depict Buddhist teachings and Jataka tales, offering a visual representation of Buddhist beliefs. Wat Aham also showcases beautiful Laotian architecture.

We then head to Wat Xieng Thong, said to be a must-visit Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang. It is well-known for its Laotian design, featuring a sweeping two-tiered roof, intricate carvings, and colorful mosaics. Formerly known as the royal temple, Wat Xieng Thong was built in the 16th century by King Setthathirath and served as the coronation site for Lao kings. After this, we head back to your hotel and the rest of today will be your free time.

Recommendations for Free Time: Take a boat cruise on the famous Mekong River for sunset and enjoy a scenic perspective from the water. Following the cruise, savor a delightful dinner near the river before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, we start our outdoor adventure with a boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves and a unique tour to the Kuang Si Waterfalls with hiking and swimming. These offer you a wonderful way to experience the cultural significance and natural beauty of Laos.

During the boat cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, you’ll sail up the Mekong River, the biggest river in Laos. This scenic journey provides breathtaking views of the surrounding rice paddies, mountains, and charming riverside villages. After a relaxing boat trip, you’ll reach the base of the limestone cliffs where the Pak Ou Caves are located. These caves include Tham Ting (lower cave) and Tham Theung (upper cave), house hundreds of Buddha images that date back centuries.

Continuing our trip to amazing Kuang Si Waterfalls. This is a must-visit place in Laos to enjoy an outdoor adventure due to its multi-tiered cascade and natural swimmable pools. The turquoise-blue water flows over limestone rocks, creating a series of turquoise pools and waterfalls.

After adventure day, we head back to your hotel or if you like some recommendations of what to do. Do not forget to ask our guide about Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre (optional) located at the foot of the Kuang Si Waterfalls. At the rescue center, you can learn about Asiatic black bears and the ongoing efforts in bear conservation.

After breakfast, our guide/driver will transfer you to railway station to catch a train to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos! Upon your arrival at Vientiane, our guide/driver will welcome you at the exit and escort you to your hotel downtown Vientiane for check-in. Take some time to recover and prepare for your exploration of Vientiane with our tour guide the following day.</p>

Recommendation for Free Time:

• Patuxai Monument or Victory Gate of Vientiane(Entry Fee required): This war monument was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, offers a panoramic observation deck on the top floor. Take in breathtaking views of Vientiane city, the surrounding plains, and even catch a glimpse of neighboring Thailand across the Mekong River on a clear day.
• The Lao National Museum, formerly known as the Lao Revolutionary Museum (located 6.4km from downtown Vientiane), offers a glimpse into Laos’s history and culture.
• Discover the vibrant Night Market in Vientiane, where you can sample delicious and authentic Lao dishes and browse through a variety of handicrafts.

After breakfast, we have 1 hour drive to Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan. This is a unique sculpture park that showcases beautiful sculptures depicting figures from both Buddhism and Hinduism. Within the park, you will encounter more than 200 huge Buddha statues in various poses, as well as Hindu deities like Indra riding a three-headed elephant. You will also witness massive reclining Buddha that stretches an impressive 40 meters in length. The park is designed for exploration; you can follow the pathways past the diverse sculptures.

After that, head to Pha That Luang, known as the Golden Stupa. This is a prominent landmark in Laos and a masterpiece of Laotian architecture. This golden stupa rises about more than 45 meters, with a square base that tapers to a spire. It is revered as a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists, believed to house relics of the Buddha. The monument really showcases intricate carvings and sculptures, featuring naga (serpent) figures and lotus flower motifs, which carry significant cultural and religious symbolism. A visit to Pha That Luang will make you feels like stepping back in time, especially during the That Luang Festival (Boun That Luang), Vientiane’s most important Buddhist festival.

In the afternoon, you can have a visit to Cope Visitor Centre. The Centre showcases the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left behind from the Vietnam War and the life-changing work done by COPE (Cooperative Orthotic Prosthetic Enterprise) to assist those affected. The “COPE” sign itself is constructed from used prosthetic feet, symbolizing the utilization of recycled materials to create new limbs and the transformative impact on lives.

After that, we can go on with temple hop tour by visiting Wat Si Muang, Wat Sisaket and That Dam according to your time, you will have more inside view into the heart of Laotian Buddhism, local traditions, and Laotian culture.

Today, it is time to end your 6-Days Laos Classic Tour Package. You will have some free time in Vientiane and explore more on your own. Util our guide/driver escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.