| Day 1 |
Xam Neua |
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| By vehicle from Mai Chau to Na Meo (Laos/Vietnamese border) |
| By vehicle from Nam Xoi (Lao/Vietnamese border) to Sam Neua with a visit to Vieng Xai |
Travel past stunning karst formations and picturesque fields to VIENG XAI. During the war, the Pathet Lao made their headquarters in the many caves that riddle the area (over 102 in total). Exlore some of the most important caves, which were used for every purpose, from living quarters to artillery storage to hospitals. In the afternoon, explore the natural beauty of this area on foot, stopping at one of the H'mong villages.
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| Day 2 |
Nong Khiaw |
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| By vehicle from Xam Neua to Nong Khiaw with sightseeing at Suan Hin |
Visit SUAN HIN, the stone garden. also called Sao Hin Tang or standing pillar. In the same style as Stonehenge, Suan Hin contains standing stones up to 2 meters tall, together with stone discs. Since they are made of the same stones as the giant urns on the Plain of Jars, there is a possibility they might be connected; but like the Plain of Jars, their origin is a mystery.
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| Day 3 |
Luang Prabang |
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| By boat from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang with sightseeing at the Tham Pak Ou Caves. |
From Nong Khiaw, cruise along the Nam Ou River to Luang Prabang, stopping en route at the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the PAK OU CAVES. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. Continue to BAN XANG HAI, a local village famous for the production of lao-lao, the local rice wine whisky, before arriving in Luang Prabang.
| Overnight in Luang Prabang. |
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| Day 4 |
Luang Prabang |
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| Sightseeing in Luang Prabang |
Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Start the day at WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street of Luang Prabang, stopping at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays). Afterwards, visit WAT MAI.
| Visit Mount Phousi for sunset |
Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop PHOU SI, the 100m high hill which sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river.
| Overnight in Luang Prabang. |
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| Day 5 |
Luang Prabang |
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| Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls |
From Luang Prabang to KUANG SI WATERFALL, travel by vehicle to visit minorities village of Ban Muang Khai Continue by car to Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relaxing in the natural environment. Continue to BAN THA PENE, a nearby Khmu village, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle.
| Overnight in Luang Prabang. |
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| Day 6 |
Luang Prabang |
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| Airport transfer (with guide) |
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