7 Day Signature Laos Holiday

Breakfast at the hotel and this morning is spent with a half-day cultural tour to visit the major sights of Vientiane. Here, you’ll first visit the golden Pha That Luang stupa, a national monument which dates back to the third century. Next, pay a visit to Wat Sisaket, a serene temple whose teak hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Nearby is Wat Phra Keo where ancient Lao and Khmer art works are on display and the Presidential Palace, a beautiful colonial-style building once used as the French governor’s residence. You’ll take a trip to the Talat Sao Market, an indoor complex of stalls offering everything from electronics to amulets and traditional Lao silk sarongs. After that, visit the Laos Textile Museum, where you can view the creative silk designs of local legend Carol Cassidy, an international ambassador for Lao silk weaving. Tonight, you will stay overnight at Green Boutique Resort ****

After breakfast you will be taken to the airport to take a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival you will be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel in the city. Your rest of the day is free to relax or make your own explorations to the town. The local night market is a nice introduction, bright, colourful and easy to navigate. Here you can find a selection of excellent value souvenirs. Overnight at Satri House ****

After your breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken on a tour of Luang Prabang’s sacred temples. Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Aham and especially Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th century temple which epitomises all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Continue visiting the National Museum, a former Royal Palace, housing a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts received from foreign dignitaries. After enjoying a delicious, authentic lunch at a local restaurant, you will pay a visit to Ock Pop Tock weaving center to learn and discover Laos through textiles. Ock Pop Tock means “East Meets West”  was founded in 2000 by an English Photographer and and Laotian weaver with a passion for textiles and a mission to become this place one of the most important textile and artisanal institutions in all of Laos and South East Asia. Return to the city and a trip to Luang Prabang could never be complete without a festive celebration, and there are few more joyous moments than being able to take part in a real Baci Ceremony. The ritual will offer prayers for you and your family and loved ones, praying for harmony, peace, good fortune, honesty and warmth. Well wishes and prayers will be showered over you in this delightful ceremony. Return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep this evening. Overnight at Satri House ****

Breakfast at the hotel and today is spent with an excursion to visit a beautiful Kuang Si waterfall. These waterfalls here create a series of pools and are perfect for taking a cooling swim in. Their limestone rock formations and the surrounding jungle provide a natural setting for walks and relaxation. Alternatively explore the surrounding countryside on walking trails through native forest. Return to hotel and tonight you will stay overnight in at Luangsay Residence Luang Prabang

Option: Board a traditional boat, the Nava Mekong, for an evening cruise down the glorious Mekong River as the sun sets over the valley. The boat will stop for lunch at the bank opposite Luang Prabang, where you’ll be served a delicious Lao dinner and see artists from the nearby villages perform traditional music and dance as you dine.

Breakfast at your hotel and today you will enjoy upriver cruising on the comfortable Luangsay boat. A continental breakfast is served while the boat is cruising to Pak Ou Village. Stop at Pak Ou Cave. Visit a famous cave, a home to over 2,500 Buddha statues of all sizes and for being a place of pilgrimage for locals. A buffet lunch will be served aboard while the boat continue cruising. A few hours into the day after enjoying the sights of granite cliffs and sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes a stop to visit the hill tribe village of Baw, where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey. The river cruise arrives at Luang Say Lodge near Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and admire the surrounding nature. A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River. Tonight you will stay overnight in a bungalow.