Code:	LAP 07
Routes:	Vientiane - Buddha Park - Xieng Khouang - Plain of Jars - Luang Prabang - Wat Xieng Thong - Mekong Cruise
Duration:	6 Days

Itinerary in brief

Day 1   : ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE
Day 2   : VIENTIANE - XIENG KHOUANG
Day 3   : XIENG KHOUANG - LUANG PRABANG
Day 4   : LUANG PRABANG - PAKOU - LUANG PRABANG
Day 5   : LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE
Day 6   : VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE

Colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards and Buddhist temples make Vientiane a charming town on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. The former royal capital of Luang Prabang never fails to enchant visitors with its abundance of temples, faded French architecture and its gentle friendly people. An additional highlight is the famous Plan of Jars in Xieng Khouang.

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE

Arrive Vientiane via Friendship Bridge or Wattay airport, transfer to hotel for check in. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, visit main highlights of Vientiane : Wat Si Saket, Ho Phrakeo, Patousay, and That Luang Stupa. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY  2: VIENTIANE - XIENG KHOUANG

An early morning transfer to the airport for a short flight to the remote Xieng Khouang Province, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival we drive out to visit the "Plan of Jars" , an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. We also have time, today exploring the province's old capital of Muang Khun and the  nearby villages. They  are populated by the Hmong hill tribe people who are very poor but have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. O/N in Phonesavanh. (B)

DAY 3: XIENG KHOUANG - LUANG PRABANG

The royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, Luang Prabang with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop  retains an unique charm rarely found in all Asia. After breakfast we take a short flight to this delightful town. Here is plenty to see , some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai with its five tiered roofs. We visit these sights before climbing 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view over  the town and the Mekong River. The zigzag path crosses over various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N at Luang Prabang. (B)

DAY  4: LUANG PRABANG - PAKOU - LUANG PRABANG

Today we continue seeing the town with 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 while the main sim has a marvellous 'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall. We then board a boat cruising upstream on the Mekong River with stopover at Ban Xang Hai where villagers make potent local rice wine. The cruise will pass the stunning mountain landscape, also giving us an enjoyable visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. After the river trip we visit the famous hand weaving village of Ban Phanom where shoppers can try their hand at bargaining. O/N in Luang Brabang. (B,L)

DAY  5: LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE

The exploration of Luang Prabang would be not complete without a visit to the national museum at the former Royal Palace. This interesting structure displays a lovely collection of treasures and artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign.  We also have time to enjoy a walk through the charming streets before catching a flight back to Vientiane. On arrival we transfer out to see the Buddha Park, a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on a parkland located by the Mekong River and the impressive Friendship Bridge which links Laos and Thailand. A perfect way to round off the day is to watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. O/N in Vientiane. (B)

DAY  6: VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE

There is a free time for your own exploration of the city  and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

HOTELS USED ON  THIS TRIP
CITY/ AREA	Standard  Class	First Class	Superior Class
Vientiane	Lanexang hotel	Novotel hotel	Lao Plaza hotel
Luang Prabang	Phousi hotel, Manoluck hotel	Villa Santi hotel, Villa Santi Resort	Phouvao Pansea hotel, Grand Luang Prabang hotel
Xieng Khouang	Standard hotel
HOTEL NOTES	The hotels in Xieng Khouang, Khong Island and Pakse do not match tour classification since some of them are simple but remember Lao is a developing country.