Day 01: Vientiane Arrival
You arrive in Vientiane and are met by our staff and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, we take a sightseeing tour of the city and visit Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues; the That Luang Stupa, the country’s most important monument. We also visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha statue, and the imposing Patuxay Monument, the Victory Gate (Arc de Triumph) of Vientiane. In the evening you can go to the Talat Sao Market, Vientiane’s main market, where you can shop for a variety of Lao handicrafts and souvenirs. Overnight in Vientiane hotel. Lunch included.

Day 02: Vientiane - Vang Vieng
After breakfast, we start our drive to Vang Vieng. This was once a small and tranquil village but is developing into a bustling tourist town. The reason for all this tourism is because the scenery around Vang Vieng is spectacularly beautiful, with meandering rivers, limestone cliffs and a myriad of caves. We arrive in Vang Vieng and check into the hotel, then visit the bustling central market. Time permitting; we will explore an ethnic village on the other side of the river to see their lifestyle and customs. Overnight in Vang Vieng hotel. Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 03: Vang Vieng - Tham Jang Cave - Phonsavanh Today after breakfast, we take a short boat trip on the Nam Song River and explore the most famous of the caves around Vang Vieng, Tham Jang Cave. About 200 years ago, this cave was used by local people as a hiding place from Chinese invaders. After visiting the cave, we take a short walk to a couple of hill tribe villages where we interact with the villagers and they show us how they live. Then in the afternoon we start our drive to Phonsavanh. Overnight in Phonsavanh hotel. Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 04: Phonsavanh - Plain of Jars - Xieng Khuang
Breakfast in the hotel, then we set out to explore the mysterious Plain of Jars. This is a remarkable archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars lie scattered over a wide plateau. It is estimated that these huge jars are some 2,000 years old, but it is still a mystery as to what they were actually used for. Next is a visit to the ancient capital of this war-torn province, Muang Khoun (old Xieng Khuang). It was once a beautiful and lively French colonial town somewhat akin to Luang Prabang, but years of war and heavy bombing reduced it to a shell. We will visit the only house remaining from this period, the ruins of Wat Phia Wat, and That Chom Phet. Overnight in Phonsavan hotel. Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 05: Phonsavanh - Xam Neua
In the morning after an early breakfast we start on the drive to Xam Neua. Along the way we stop at a village bombed out during the war, the hot springs at Moung Kham, the Stone Park, and several hill tribe villages. Overnight in Xam Neua hotel or guesthouse. Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 06: Xam Neua - Vieng Xai
After breakfast we drive to Vieng Xai. It is said that there are approx. 400 caves in the district, and about 100 caves just around Vieng Xai. These caves were used by the Pathet Lao during the Vietnam War as their headquarters to avoid the bombing. You will tour caves that are named for the Pathet Lao leaders that occupied them. The caves with housing, hospitals, offices, markets, temples, and more, are very impressive and are of historic significance. We also visit the house of Prince Soupanouvong, built at the mouth of his cave in 1975 after the bombing had stopped. The town of Vieng Xay and the surrounding area are incredibly beautiful. We then drive back Xam Neua. Overnight in Xam Neua hotel. Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 07: Xam Neua - Luang Prabang
This day we head out of Xam Neua on our way to Luang Prabang. Today is a long drive, but it takes us through magnificent natural mountain scenery and beautiful forested landscapes. We stop along the way for taking photos, and to visit Hmong and other ethnic villages. We wend our way through the mountains to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang hotel. Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 08: Luang Prabang Tour - Khuang Si Waterfall After breakfast, we take a tour of Luang Prabang. First, we visit the National Museum that was once the royal palace. Here you learn about the history of Laos, and Lao leaders and fighters from ancient times to the recent revolutionary period. Next we visit the city’s oldest temple, Wat Visoun, and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong Temple, typical of the architectural style of Luang Prabang style temples. After lunch, we drive to the beautiful Kuangsi Waterfall in the forest of a National Biodiversity Conservation Area. On the way, we stop at two ethnic villages, one a Hmong village, and the other, a Khmu village. At the falls, you enjoy the cool water at the base of the falls, and you can take a leisurely walk through the forest. We return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, and visit Wat Siphouthabath where the footprints of Buddha can be seen. In the evening you can stroll along Night Market Street and browse for local handicrafts. Overnight in Luang Prabang hotel. Breakfast included.

Day 09: Luang Prabang Departure
Today you have free time after breakfast for last minute shopping or other activities. Then it will be time to prepare for your departure from the land of a million elephants. Breakfast included.

This is a suggested Comfortable Trip itinerary. At Travel Loops we specialize in custom tours designed to fit your needs and requirements. Please let us know the type of individual, customized tour you would like, and we will arrange it for you.

Trip Price Includes:
- English speaking guide (Other languages available on request)
- Private transfer and transport in safe, clean, well maintained vehicles
- Breakfast in hotel, and other meals as noted in the itinerary
- All entrance fees & permits during guided tours
- Accommodation in 2 & 3-star hotel w/ 2 person room share. Tax included.
- Boat trips as indicated in itinerary
- Arrival and departure transfers

Not Included in Trip Price:
- Airfare and taxes not included in tour
- Food and drink not noted in the itinerary
- Visa fees
- Activities & optional tours not included in itinerary
- Entrance fees and permits not part of itinerary
- Personal travel insurance (Compulsory for all travelers)
- Personal expenses (ex. telephone, laundry charges, souvenirs, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities

* Please Note: Hotel accommodation is subject to change due to availability or other conditions. However, in the event that hotel accommodation is changed, the same level of accommodation will be maintained.

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