Day 1. Arrival in Vientiane (../../..)
- Depending on your arrival time in Vientiane, either begin visiting the city’s main monuments (see details for the following day) or simply transfer to your hotel,
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 2. Vientiane Sightseeing (B/../..)
- Patuxai, the Arc de Triomphe located opposite the Presidential Palace,
- Wat Sisaket Pagoda, home to an exceptional gallery of Buddha statues,
- Wat Ho Pra Keo Pagoda, converted into a museum of religious art,
- Wat Si Muang Pagoda (the "Temple of Love"), housing the city’s foundation pillar,
- Xieng Khuan Buddha Park on the banks of the Mekong, featuring sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu deities,
- That Luang Stupa, the country’s iconic monument,
- Time permitting, visits to the Textile Museum and/or the Lao Arts Museum,
- Late afternoon stroll through the night market,
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 3. Vientiane - Luang Prabang by train (B/../..)
- Departure for Luang Prabang mid-morning (10:30 AM) – 2-hour journey,
- Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel before exploring the peninsula on foot,
- The iconic Wat Xieng Thong Pagoda, showcasing the region’s unique architectural style,
- Heuan Chan Cultural House, the first building renovated by the UNESCO Heritage House,
- Climb Mount Phousi to admire the view,
- Stroll through the night market,
- Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4. Tour of Luang Prabang (B/../..)
- The Royal Palace and its collection of sacred art,
- Wat Mai Pagoda, featuring exquisite bas-reliefs,
- Visit to the TAEC (Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre),
- Visit to the UXO Centre (focusing on the "Secret War"),
- Departure for Kuang Si Falls, the surrounding park, and the bear sanctuary,
- Return in the late afternoon,
- Sunset at Wat Phabatthai Pagoda,
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 5. Mekong River Cruise (B/L/..)
- Early morning participation in the monks’ alms-giving ceremony,
- Visit to the morning market, a hub for jungle produce,
- Return to the hotel for breakfast,
- Meeting at the pier where your boat awaits,
- 2-hour cruise to the Pak Ou Caves,
- Cooking class and lunch on board during the journey,
- Visit to the Pak Ou Caves,
- Visit to Ban Xang Hai village – specializing in local spirit production,
- Visit to Ban Xang Khong village – specializing in silk and paper production,
- Visit to Ban Chan village – specializing in pottery production,
- Return to Luang Prabang before sunset,
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6. Luang Prabang - Nong Khiaw (B/../..)
- Departure by minivan for the 5-hour drive to Nong Khiaw,
- En route, visit to Phon Pao Temple,
- Visit to the weaving village of Ban Na Yang—specializing in indigo dyeing,
- Upon arrival in Nong Khiaw, check-in at your hotel,
- Visit to the Pha Tok Caves,
- Hike up to the viewpoint overlooking the region,
Overnight in Nong Khiaw.
Day 7. Nong Khiaw - Muang Ngoi (B/../..)
- Boat trip up the Nam Ou River in a private boat,
- Stop at Tad Mok Waterfalls,
- En route, stops at riverside villages,
- Upon arrival in Muang Ngoi, check-in at the guesthouse,
- Free afternoon (options for fishing, kayaking, or tubing upstream from Muang Ngoi)
Overnight in Muang Ngoi.
Day 8. Muang Ngoi - Ban Khiew Khan (B/L/D)
- Morning departure for a trek of approximately 5 hours,
- The first 2 hours cover flat terrain, passing through two villages (Ban Na and Ban Houey Sen),
- Followed by a 3-hour ascent to the mountain summit to reach Ban Khiew Khan,
- Picnic lunch en route,
Overnight with a local family in Ban Khiew Khan.
Day 9. Ban Khiew Khan - Ban Sopchem (B/L/D)
- Early morning spent experiencing the village lifestyle,
- 3-hour trek to the beautiful village of Sopchem, set amidst karst landscapes,
- Day in the village (cooking class, fishing, weaving)
Overnight stay with a local family in Sopchem
Day 10. Ban Sopchem (B/L/..)
- Transfer by longtail boat to the dam,
- 3-hour boat journey upriver to Muang Khua,
- Lunch on board,
- Transfer to the border,
- A minivan will be waiting to take you to Dien Bien Phu in the mid-afternoon (3-hour drive)
