After a spectacular arrival by air surrounded by lush green mountains, we are met by our local travel expert. (fast- track immigration service available). 

Time and energy permitting, we stop at Wat Visoun - a working temple a little out of town, for an introduction and our first taste of historic Lao culture - the most traditionally preserved Buddhist Country in Southeast Asia. 

After getting your bearings and relaxing a little at the hotel after check in, we head for a special, late afternoon, private show by the Garavek Storytelling Theatre. 

This unique show in an intimate setting has passionate local performers telling some of the many ancient local folk tales (in English) of Luang Prabang and the surrounding area, supplemented with live music performed using ancient Laotian instruments, this 1 hour show perfectly sets the tone for our stay in Lao. 

After the performance we take a leisurely stroll to the sand banks of the Mekong river for canapés and cocktails at a private location. Here we enjoy the serene Lao atmosphere as the sun goes down by the river. We are then served a delicious local “Mekong Beach” Lao tasting platter over candlelight. On the way back we can wander through the famous night market, or simply return to the hotel perfectly rested and relaxed.

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After our walk, the day warms up and its time to escape the heat with an option to visit either the Royal Palace or, the rather poignant UXO museum. Whilst the UXO museum does not make everyone’s ‘must visit’ list for Luang Prabang, if you truly want to understand the challenges this nation has faced, this has to be an essential stop off. It provides a fascinating, albeit tragic, insight into the turmoil that enveloped this nation throughout the 1970’s. 

Alternatively, the Royal Palace museum provides a a contrast to the tragedy of war. Built in 1904, during the French colonial era, it became the residence of King Sisavang Vong, who served as the King of Laos for 55 years.  

For more on the history of the Royal Family and what happened to the King after the communist takeover, we highly recommend “The Bamboo Palace” by Christopher Kremmer, you should be able to find a copy in any bookshop in town. 

In the mid afternoon we begin to explore a bit further afield. A short boat ride across the Mekong river takes us to the hill side temple of Wat Long Khun. The temple is is attractively sited on a 1.5 hectare flat area at the top of a long stairway leading from the river’s edge with sweeping views of Luang Prabang. 

The delightful location provides an air of tranquility and attachment to nature away from the activity found in the town. An original meditation room that was previously used by the king is still intact inside and for those that are interested, a private meditation session can be arranged here. 

We time our return to make one more temple stop in the early evening. A pleasant stroll away from the boat wharf is Wat Pak Khan, named after the Nam Khan river as it sits at the very tip of Luang Prabang's eastern edge. 

As darkness takes hold, resident monks, fresh from their daily bath, scurry barefoot from their quarters to the temple to begin their evening rituals of prayer to the Lord Buddha. 

The atmosphere is calm, serene and spiritual. Some visitors feel uncomfortable to intrude at this time and yet everyone is welcome to sit and watch … from a distance. This is not a tourist drawcard however, as the majority of visitors are now back in their hotels or ascending Wat Phousi for sunset, more often than not, leaving this solemn ritual to be experienced by few outsiders. 

 We then return to the hotel to freshen up prior to dinner this evening at a preferred restaurant in the heart of town.

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We take a relaxing local style riverboat trip with your Travel Expert on the mighty Mekong to visit the famous and sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. 

Leaving at this time we arrive at the caves after the crowds have left, and we should also miss the tourists that are visiting the caves as a stop on the way to Luang Prabang from Pakbeng. 

Although the caves are interesting to some, the real highlight of this boat trip is the river, scenery, and local life that we see along the way and back. Canapés and drinks (with champagne option) are served to your heart’s content. 

Pak Ou caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed here by local people since the 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, we return by boat the same way allowing us a different view of the stunning scenery. 

Arriving back to Luang Prabang in early evening just as the sun sets on the Mekong. we then have dinner in town and thereafter return to the hotel.

After arriving to our Hotel in the dark last night, we awake to a stunning panorama from our riverside view room, the spectacular karst limestone mountains towering over the famous Vang Vieng scenery will certainly stir our senses. 

After a long period when Vang Vieng was notorious as a loud and hedonistic backpacker party destination, it has now returned to it’s original state - as one of the most beautiful natural spots in Asia. 

After a leisurely breakfast, we jump into a tuk tuk and visit some of the sights around Vang Vieng. Starting with the amazing Tham Chang (Frozen Cave), located on the banks of the Nam Song River. After ascending the steps to the cave entrance you can enjoy panoramic views of the Nam Song River, spectacular karst limestone formations and the quaint town of Vang Vieng. 

The cave is quite deep and makes for amazing exploring opportunities. At the base of the cave is a natural spring which is fed by the icy cool cave water. This is a very popular swimming hole for the local people and the water is believed to have special medicinal qualities, we may wish to take a dip and replenish our body and soul. 

Lunch is taken at a local restaurant in an Organic farm before we make a short visit to a local tea & coffee plantation. In the afternoon we enjoy a trip on the majestic Nam Song River. We have the option to travel by local style long-trail boat, or for the more adventurous, kayaking can be arranged. If you are active and would like to kayak you will be supported by an instructor as you work your way downstream towards town, taking in the towering karst formations around you from the unique perspective of a kayak. 

Alternatively, there is the infamous tubing activity if are happy in a swimming costume. As we float silently and serenely down the river we have a waiter floating with you to serve you canapés and drinks to further enhance this wonderful peaceful experience, 

After returning to our hotel to freshen up and and take an early dinner, we embark on another leg of the train journey. Departing Vang Vieng at 19.20 the our high speed train arrives in Vientiane at 20.25. Upon arrival transfer in to your city hotel for the night.

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Pha That Luang is a sacred monument and one of Laos’ most impressive religious structures. It was founded in the 3rd century to house the breastbone of Buddha, which was brought to Laos by an Indian missionary. 

The current structure was built by King Setthathirat in 1566, after Vientiane became the capital of Laos. Pha That Luang has a pinnacle covered in real gold, with a set of painted turrets surrounding its central stupa. 

We then continue on some backroads until we join the wide boulevard that leads to the striking Patuxay monument - also known as Victory Monument. 

Allegedly modelled on the Arc De Triomphe, we stop and take a look as it is still pleasant spot for a stroll and a photo, with an attractive and vibrant park surrounding the monument. 

For the final leg of our tour, we cycle back to town towards the central old French colonial quarter. Along the way, depending on discussion with your Travel Expert, we may wish to visit one or two of the sights that appear on most traditional “classic” Vientiane tours such as Wat Sisaket and Haw Phra Keow. 

Otherwise, we continue past the Presidential Palace (not open as an attraction) to the attractive central area for lunch at one of the finest restaurants in town. From here, the rest of the afternoon is free, you can explore the central area on bike or foot, or simply return to the hotel by bike or vehicle and relax before this evening’s venture. 

In the early evening you are collected by tuk tuk for our local evening foodie experience. Our first stop is for us, the highlight of any trip to Vientiane - a Mekong sunset riverside beer Lao with some local style bbq snacks. At this time, the riverside area is transformed as many pop-up local restaurants serve local fare and beer and the whole area is awash with locals socialising. 

After soaking up the atmosphere for an hour or so, we then continue to three other stops for a Lao style cocktail, a delicious main course with wine, and a final dessert stop with at a local beer-garden-style hangout, complete with a live band playing a combination of Lao, Thai and international songs. From here we may wish to return to the Hotel or, for the more adventurous night owls, Vientiane has a fun and friendly nightlife scene to explore.