Best of Laos Tour

Buddhism is the major religion in Laos, and Buddhist temples are ubiquitous in Vientiane. After breakfast, your private guide will accompany you to admire Wat Si Saket, Vientiane’s oldest temple, which has survived for over 200 years. The Thai-style temple houses a diverse collection of Buddha statues in various styles and materials, dating from the 11th to the 19th century. Opposite it is Wat Ho Phra Keo, a treasure trove of religious art, boasting stunning buildings, exquisite bronze Buddhas, and wood carvings. It was also home to the Emerald Buddha, which was coveted by Buddhist countries in Southeast Asia for several centuries until 1778, when Siam (now Thailand) invaded and took it away. It has been revered in Bangkok until now.

Afterward, proceed to Pha That Luang Temple, a symbol of Laotian pride. Marvel at its 45-meter (150-foot) tall golden stupa, which is said to enshrine the Buddha's relic and is embellished with 30 satellite towers, symbolizing the 30 blessings from the Buddha. Every November, when the That Luang Festival takes place, monks and believers from all over the region gather for grand celebrations, including the Wax Castle Procession honoring the City Pillar, believers following the monks clockwise around the stupa three times, and the grand morning alms-giving ceremony.

Afterward, pass by the golden Sleeping Buddha next to the stupa, and view the Patuxai Monument, which was built to commemorate the Laotian people’s liberation from French colonial rule. At last, your guide will escort you back to the hotel.

► Tips on Buddhist Customs
1. Laotians traditionally greet each other by placing their hands together in front of their face and nodding slightly.
2. One should remove their shoes and wear attire covering the shoulders and knees before entering a temple. If you are in shorts or a skirt, a Sinh (for women) or Salong (for men) can be rented at temple entrances.
3. Laotians consider the left hand unclean, so one should use the right hand to hand things; besides, the head is sacred, and one should not touch others’ heads.
4. The string-tying ceremony is a customary blessing in Laotian Buddhist temples. While murmuring prayers, the monks wrap the believers' wrists with white cotton strings that have been soaked in water. The string should ideally come off on its own or be worn for a minimum of three days.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Eastin Hotel Vientiane (4 stars) - Superior City View or similar

After breakfast, your private guide will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the train station, where you’ll board a 2-hour high-speed train to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed Buddhist city and the religious center and ancient capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom (1353-1707). Upon arrival, the local guide and the driver will greet you and accompany you to visit some city landmarks.
► Please note: As the high-speed train ticket sales system is only open two days before the trip date, we cannot guarantee seat types at present. However, we’ll do our best to secure a first-class seat for you.

Kick off the Luang Prabang exploration with your guide at the century-old Royal Palace Museum, which was once the residence of King Sisavang Vong (1885 - 1559 AD), who led the Kingdom of Laos towards independence, and the subsequent kings. Take a look at the royal chambers and the national treasure, the sacred Phra Bang Buddha statue. Please note that photography is not permitted inside and you can store your camera at the entrance.

Afterward, head to Wat Xieng Thong to appreciate the magnificent mosaic mural "Tree of Life," which conveys the idea that good deeds lead to good outcomes. A window is ingeniously installed on the wall, providing a space for people to take photos with the gilded tree. Then, continue the temples tour to Wat Visoun, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang with over 500 years of history; Wat Aham, which boasts a bodhi tree thought to be the residence of the city guardian spirit; and Wat Mai, which features a five-layered red tile roof that stretches gracefully to the ground, and once survived the war due to its beauty.

Before dusk, we’ll ascend the 100-meter (328-foot) Mount Phousi to take in a panoramic view of the old city and a breathtaking sunset if the weather permits. After that, experience the vibrant local night market on the avenue in front of the Royal Palace. Browse the stalls filled with a wide variety of goods, including unique handmade fabrics, such as shawls and bamboo woven baskets, or sample local specialties at your own expense, such as grilled chicken, shredded mango salad, and flavorful coconut cake. After the tour, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) - Palace Superior Room or similar

★ Witness a Sacred Daily Alms-giving Ceremony

The solemn alms-giving ceremony has long been the most notable daily ritual in Luang Prabang. Today, rise early and follow your guide to immerse yourself in this unique experience. The residents normally start preparing at 5:30 along the roadside. Around 6:00, a row of barefoot monks of various ages, clad in orange robes and holding alms bowls, walk along the peaceful streets and alleys, and accept offerings from the locals while reciting scriptures in return. There will also be poor children holding bags to receive the food distributed by the monks. You’ll find all the moments hint at compassion and thankfulness rather than pity or pleading. If you want to give alms, it's advisable to buy food in advance from nearby stores, as on-site purchases can be more expensive. During the ritual, remove your shoes and give out little portions of food at a time, keeping a respectful distance from the monks.

After the ritual, return to the hotel for breakfast and then enjoy a stroll around the Morning Market. In the alley, vendors sit by the roadside, selling fresh vegetables, fruits, dried fish, and snacks like fried mushrooms and bamboo shoots in little bundles placed in baskets or on plastic sheets. There are also hawkers, dressed in traditional Sinh skirts, carrying a load on a shoulder pole and crying their wares. Perhaps you’ll see some vendors eating the food they received as alms. It seems even clearer at this moment that love and sharing are the spirit of this nation.

Then, your guide will accompany you to board a boat bound for Pak Ou Caves. En route, disembark and have a short visit to Ban Xang Hai Village, where you can sample the local lao-lao whisky and discover how the rice wine is traditionally distilled. Afterward, continue boating to the caves. Since the cliff caves are locally thought to be the river god’s residence, people have been bringing Buddha sculptures here for over 400 years, creating a stunning scene of thousands of different-shaped Buddhas. Proceed with caution as there are dim sections. On the way back, drop by Ban Xang Khong Village to catch a glimpse of how the local saa paper is manufactured from mulberry tree bark and decorated with flowers. Finally, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) - Palace Superior Room or similar

★ Dive into Emerald Pools of Verdant Kuang Si Falls!

After breakfast, your private guide will accompany you to tick off Kuang Si Falls, another highlight of your journey! Nestled amid the verdant tropical rainforest, the multi-layered waterfalls resemble a white flowing staircase descending from the mountaintops. The pools below are of a charming emerald green hue due to the presence of minerals, and it’s clear to see the stones and fish at the bottom. The most exciting part of this experience is undoubtedly diving! There is no dedicated diving platform, and people simply jump into the pools from the shore or the twisted trunk of an old tree, as if they were Tarzan, the jungle hero! We’ll also stop by a Bear Rescue Center, home to some poor moon bears that were rescued from poachers.
► Tips:
1. If swimming is on your list, pack your swimwear and a towel. Simple changing rooms are available.
2. Wear non-slip shoes, as the mountain paths are rugged and slippery.
3. The water can be turbid during the rainy season (May-Oct.). Although it’s not suitable for swimming, the falls appear more magnificent.

After the frolicking, we’ll visit a Black Hmong ethnic village and learn about their everyday lives, wonderful textile processes, and hunting methods. Finally, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) - Palace Superior Room or similar

Today, bid farewell to Laos. Your guide and the driver will pick you up at the hotel and escort you to the airport for your homeward flight. Have a pleasant journey!

If you are interested in other attractions in Laos, such as the mysterious Plain of Jars in Phonsavan, ethnic groups in Udom Xai, and karst landscapes and abundant outdoor activities in Vang Vieng, consider related routes on our website or contact us, and we’ll customize a hassle-free itinerary for you!

Meal: Breakfast