Classic Laos

Laos, 7 Nights

Highlights:
- Golden temple spires of Vientiane and Luang Prabang
- Make food offerings to the monks on their daily alms rounds
- Observe daily life along the southern Mekong River

Day 1 - Arrive Vientiane
On arrival in Vientiane's Wattay Airport you will be welcomed and transferred to the Settha Palace Hotel. After settling in, an afternoon tour will show you all the highlights of this capital city in the Mekong Valley, literally "the city of sandalwood".

Vientiane is characterized by the glittering golden spires of its many temples. Wat Phra Keo was originally constructed to house the Emerald Buddha and is today a national museum displaying exquisite sculptures, bronze rain drums and palm-leaf manuscripts. The towering gold leaf covered stupa Pha That Luang is recognized the world over as the symbol for both the Lao Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty.

Stop at the imposing Patuxai (Victory Gate) at the heart of Vientiane - a local rendition of Paris' Arc de Triomphe and reminder of those who fought in the struggle for independence in the pre-Revolutionary War - before continuing to the morning market, which contrary to its name runs all day. This sprawling collection of stalls has surprises around every corner - you can find anything from clothes, Lao silks and jewellery to electronic goods to Buddhist keepsakes.

Day 2 - Vientiane/Luang Prabang
This morning take a short flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang; choosing between La Residence Phou Vao and Amantaka for your two night stay. This former royal capital is today an UNESCO World Heritage City, home to colonial era buildings, tranquil tree-lined avenues and genteel people.

This afternoon see the "Watermelon Stupa", so named because of its semi-spherical shape and Wat Mai, the most richly decorated temple in Luang Prabang that was once the residence of the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy. Partake in a fascinating Laotian tradition this evening, the Baci ceremony. This respectful welcoming ceremony with music and dance predates the arrival of Buddhism to Laos in the 8th century and is meant to bestow the protective power of the spirits on the visitor when selected village elders tie lengths of blessed white string around your wrist.

Day 3 - Luang Prabang
Rise early to join the local people in the calm pre-dawn as they gain merit by making food offerings to the local monks on their daily alms rounds. As the procession of saffron robed monks passes by, people place a small serving of fresh sticky rice into their bowls. Making an alms offering is a deeply spiritual part of everyday life for the people of Laos and no stay in Luang Prabang would be complete without experiencing this solemn act for yourself.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a two-hour boat trip up the Mekong River, passing many small villages with women panning for gold and children playing on the banks, to the limestone caves at Pak Ou. For hundreds of years devotees have made pilgrimages to the caves to deposit their own Buddha images. On the return journey stop for a short while in one of the whiskey and weaving villages. For centuries these villagers along the river's banks have made a living by trading hand-woven cloth and stoneware jars, and more recently for brewing a particularly strong rice whisky called "lao-lao".

Day 4 - Luang Prabang/Savannakhet/Pakse
This morning fly from Luang Prabang to Pakse, literally meaning "mouth of the River Se". On arrival in Pakse you will stay at the Champasak Grand Hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore.

Day 5 - Pakse/Champasak (Vat Phou Cruise)
Today you will begin your Vat Phou cruise along the southern part of the Mekong River, the artery of life in Laos. Welcomed on board this former teak wood ferry boat that has been fully restored as a luxurious floating hotel, the first part of your journey takes you to Champasak where you can explore the ruins of the majestic 10th century Vat Phou temple complex. Enjoy dinner back on board as the sun sets and the boat docks overnight at Ban Muang.

Day 6 - Huei Thamo/Oum Moung Temple/Khong Island (Vat Phou Cruise)
Your boat resumes sailing early this morning. The first stop is a small village on the east bank of the Mekong River, Huei Thamo, where you can observe rural everyday life. The mysterious hidden Oum Muong temple ruins are a short walk through the jungle and rain forest from the village. From here cruise southwards, passing by the wild paradise of 4,000 Island, and stop late afternoon at the small Laotian village Ban Deua Tia where the boat docks for the night.

Day 7 - Don Khone/Pakse/Ubon Ratchathani
The cruise ends this morning at Ban Veuthong, from where you will take a small boat to Khone Island to visit the old French railway. Walk across the bridge linking Khone Island to Det Island and return to the mainland for a traditional Lao buffet lunch in the fishing village Xieng Di. This afternoon stop en route at the Pha Pheng waterfall, known as "The Niagara of The East', before arriving late afternoon in Pakse. From here, take a journey overland (around two hours) across the Laos-Thailand border at Chong Mek to Ubonratchathani where you will spend your last night in Laos at Tohsang Khong Jiam Resort & Spa.

Day 8 - Ubon Ratchathani/Bangkok/London
This morning you will be transferred to Ubon Ratchathani Airport where you will board your homeward flight to London via Bangkok.