Located on the majestic Mekong River, Vientiane (translated as 'sandalwood city') dates from the 10th century, but has been the capital of Laos from the early 16th century to the present. Vientiane is a relatively small, laid-back city, with treelined boulevards, French colonial architecture and majestic Buddhist temples.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN VIENTIANE

Located on the majestic Mekong River, Vientiane (translated as 'sandalwood city') dates from the 10th century, but has been the capital of Laos from the early 16th century to the present. Vientiane is a relatively small, laid-back city, with treelined boulevards, French colonial architecture and majestic Buddhist temples.

Arrive at Vientiane airport and after customs & immigration formalities transfer with your local guide to your hotel. After checking in your local guide will take you on a city tour, which visits some of the highlights of the capital. Visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Wat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and over 6,000 Buddha images. Nearby is Haw Phra Kaew, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. The main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok.

One of the most photographed images of Vientiane is Putousay, the victory gate also known as Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Another famous Vientiane landmark is the Phra That Luang stupa. This great sacred stupa, considered the national symbol, is said to contain relics of Lord Buddha.

If time permits you can also take a visit to the Talaat Sao - a great food and vegetable market. This is a wonderful venue for encountering the charming and fun-loving Laotians. Stop and try some local coffee and snacks while looking around.

Dinner tonight is included at one of Vientiane&rsquos highly regarded local restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional music and dancing while you dine.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: VIENTIANE ~ LUANG PRABANG

Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today. This fascinating town was the capital of the Lane Xang (million elephants) kingdom until the mid-sixteenth century. In colonial times it served as a provincial headquarters of the north. The legacy of the European presence here - well preserved French architecture and careful street planning &ndash has blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Luang Prabang (flight time approximately 40 minutes). A Destination Asia local guide will meet you at Luang Prabang airport on arrival and transfer you to your hotel to check in before taking you to sample delicious Luang Prabang style cuisine for lunch.

After lunch take a tour around Luang Prabang with your guide&hellipand you will understand why it deserves its UNESCO World Heritage title! Visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. Next stop is Luang Prabang&rsquos National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays).

Continue on to visit nearby Wat Mai - the five-tiered roof of the wooden sim epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this city. It is possible to climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction.

Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, along side the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Sunset can be enjoyed at Vat Siphouthabath or with a cold drink at one of the cafes located along the Mekong River.

Luang Prabang is great for exploring on foot and today&rsquos sightseeing will have given you your bearings. Dinner is at own arrangement - your local guide can assist with recommendations or making reservations if required.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning there is the option to start the day early with one of the most memorable sights of Luang Prabang. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food). Your guide will explain the background behind this ritual which is still very much a part of everyday life in Laos and you will have the chance to make &lsquomerit&rsquo. It&rsquos early but well worth the wake up call!

After breakfast at your hotel head off with your guide to visit Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang's most beautiful. It is characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive &lsquotree of life&rsquo mosaic. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana.

Next begin a riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit the famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many still pay respect to this tradition. Walk through the caves before returning to your boat and to Luang Prabang town.

On arrival back in Luang Prabang transfer to your private vehicle and drive out of town to the nearby village of Ban Phanom, a weaving village populated by Lu minority people that originally came from Sipsongpanna in Southern China. Lao textiles are still woven here in the traditional manner on wooden looms. This village was once famed for producing silks for the Royal Palace.

Dinner is at own arrangement &ndash Luang Prabang has a great range of clean, tasty and inexpensive local or International restaurants and cafes to choose from.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG ~ DEPART
After breakfast you are free until your flight time when we will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Please note that check in time for international flights is two hours prior to departure.

Meals: Breakfast

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