Unseen Laos Adventure

You will visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay - a Hmong village, Ban Ou - a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene - a Khmu village to see the traditional crafts. Then go to the beautiful Khouang Si Waterfalls where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. After that return to Luang Prabang. Your half day city tour this afternoon begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. Then head for the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. You also have time to visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.

Embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, firstly stop at Xiengmene, where you visit Wat Long Khun & the limestone cave Tham Sakkarin, then tour around Ban Xiengmene village. Following a picnic lunch, continue by boat up the Mekong which also gives you a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well time to explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, stop at the village of Ban Xanghai to see how people making rice wine. On your return, take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving.

Xiengkhuoang is a mountainous region full of caves and waterfalls. From an aircraft, you will observe how large the province is with its vast plateau Xiengkhuoang preserves a fine collection of archeological riches, including the famous Plain of Jars. The surrounding mountains of Xiengkhuoang are home to several tribes of indigenous people with their colorful traditional dress and simple way of life. Drive through wonderful natural scenery to Xieng Khouang. The journey will give you plenty of opportunities for photos and visiting hill tribe villages. Upon arrival, transfer out to visit Site 1 of the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau.

Visit the MAG exhibition and Site 2 of the Plain of Jars before taking a short scenic trek to Site 3 via a Tai Dam and Lao Leum village. After lunch visit the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people.

Vang Vieng is situated midway along the Vientiane to Luang Prahang road, the small and laid back town of Vang Vieng is spectacularly on a bend of the NamSong river, surrounded by green agriculture fields, friendly Hmong and Yao ethnic minority villages and mountains that hold fascinating limestone caves. Visit the interesting Central Market in Phonsavan, and then transfer to Vang Vieng by road, arrive there mid-afternoon.

Vientiane is characterized by broad , often tree –lined boulevards , run – down and creaking colonial mansions rustic Wats surround by coconut palms and a generally sedentary pace of life. It is also one of Asia's smallest and most unusual capital cities is Vientiane, the potholed administrative and political centre of communist Laos. Sleepy and slightly dishevelled, Vientiane lies along the northern banks of the mighty Mekong River, directly across from Thailand. This is the first stop for most visitors to Laos, and although the capital may come across as somewhat bewildering, there are more than a few surprises in this dusty city worth exploring. As part of your half day tour in Vang Vieng, explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. Also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different lifestyles of the locals. After lunch head southward to Vientiane before sunset.

After ABF, start visiting the major sights of the capital; including Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power; Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues; and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national icon, the precious and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Then head for COPE, where you will learn about the UXO problem in Lao PDR and the work undertaken by COPE and the PMRC to provide disability services for people affected by UXOs. As part of the exhibition you can watch a number of excellent documentary films about UXOs and COPE. End the day with Mekong riverside to see the sunset.

Free to stroll around the city to find some handicraft or souvenirs for the way back home before transferring to airport for your flight home. End of services.