DAY 1: ARRIVE LUANG PRABANG ~ CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world harm 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 - has blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history.

Welcome to Luang Prabang! Once immigration formalities have been completed, you will be met by a Destination Asia local guide and transferred to your accommodation for the next three nights.

The crown jewel of Laos and former Lane Xang, Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao cultures with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City.

After checking in head out with your local guide to see some of the sights that have made this town the World Heritage Jewel that it is! Visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. Continue to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city&rsquos major tutelary shrines. Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding overview of the city. Nearby Wat Mai, built in 1796 is famous for its five-tiered roof built in the traditional style of Luang Prabang. Sunset can be enjoyed with a cold drink at one of the cafes located along the Mekong River.

This evening head out for a delicious dinner at Tamnak Lao restaurant - a great introduction to Luang Prabang style Laotian cuisine. After dinner take a stroll around Luang Prabang's fabulous night market with your local guide, where there is an overwhelming selection of local handicrafts on offer - much is produced and sold by locals from the ethnic minority villages surrounding Luang Prabang town.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG ~ MEKONG RIVER TRIP TO PAK OU CAVES

After breakfast at the hotel head off with your guide to visit Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang&rsquos most beautiful. It is characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive &lsquotree of life&rsquo mosaic.

Next head down to the river to begin a relaxing riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong to visit the famous and sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. En route it is possible to stopover at Ban Xanghai village where local people produce Lao rice wine. Pak Ou caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many people still pay respect to this tradition.

After exploring the caves and lunch at a local restaurant its time to return to your boat and begin the journey back to Luang Prabang town. On arrival transfer to your private vehicle and take a drive out of town to the 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.

On your return to Luang Prabang the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. 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, or you can relax and dine at your hotel. Your local guide can assist in making a selection and/or reservation for you if required.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG ~ MORNING ALMS AND KUANG SII WATERFALLS

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 and you will have the chance to make ''merit''. It's early but well worth the wake up call!

Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast take a visit to the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open Tuesdays). Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries.

Drive with your guide by car up to the Tad Kuang Sii waterfalls. The journey time is approximately one hour, passing through very scenic Laotian countryside. The waterfalls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. Enjoy a local style lunch at the waterfalls, before returning to Luang Prabang town.

En route it is possible to stop at visit one of the many small ethnic minority villages along the way.

This evening the choice is yours&hellip dine at a restaurant in town or why not try the local cuisine from one of the many outdoor restaurants along the banks of the Mekong.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG ~ VIENTIANE

After breakfast at the hotel you have some free time to relax, shop or continue exploring this atmospheric town at your own pace until transferring to the airport for the short flight to Vientiane, capital of the Lao People&rsquos Democratic Republic.

Also 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 tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples to discover.

Upon arrival at Vientiane Airport you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights. After check-in you are free to relax or you may want to enjoy a cool drink on the nearby banks of the Mekong as the sun sets.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5: VIENTIANE

After breakfast at your hotel your local guide will take you on a full-day city tour, which visits 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. King Sethtathirat built this great sacred stupa, considered the national symbol, in 1566. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Lord Buddha.

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 chat with the locals or try some local coffee and snacks while looking around.

After lunch at a local restaurant we journey out of town to visit one of Laos&rsquo slightly stranger attractions - Xieng Khuan Buddha Park. Built on the banks of the Mekong River is the site of a large collection of many kinds of Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures. En route we stop to visit the impressive Friendship Bridge and the National Cultural Park, also on the Mekong River bank.

If you are interested in textiles and their production and time permits then you can pay a visit to Carol Cassidy and her Gallery and weaving workshop which is set in a traditional Lao home where you can see the silk weaving process and view the unique textiles produced. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure and dinner at own arrangement.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6: DEPART VIENTIANE

After breakfast at the hotel your time is free until transferring to the airport for your departure flight. Hotel check-out time is normally 12 noon and check in time for international flights is two hours prior to departure.

Meals: Breakfast

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