Depart early this morning for the journey to Oudomxay. These back roads are a perfect way to venture off the beaten track and explore the real Laos. The drive can be challenging on some parts of the journey due to poor road conditions; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for a memorable experience. On arrival you check in at a very simple hotel and take a walk to explore this picturesque hill town.

Overnight at Oudomxay.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Oudomxay.

The local market also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the surrounding mountainsides or valleys to barter and trade their goods. You visit this congregation before setting off on a journey along the Nambak River to Muang La. Here you have the chance to visit the intriguing Pra Xack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. The 400 years old legendary statue is said to have many supernatural powers, and is widely worshipped among the faithful local Buddhists. As you continue from Muang La towards Muang Khua, the roads begin to deteriorate but the drive is very interesting as you pass through some stunning landscapes.

Overnight in Muang Khua.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Muang Khua.

Today, embark a long traditional boat for a leisurely trip downstream on the Nam Ou River, enjoying the lush green forests and landscape. Along the way you stop to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. You continue our trip down the river to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang. This former royal capital with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop retains a unique charm rarely found in all Asia.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Luang Prabang.

It is worth a visit to the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture. Today you explore some of the major sights in this fabulous city, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and Wat Mai. You visit these sights as well as the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, its exterior architecture is remarkable with decorated gilded stuccoes and doorways, a “tree of life” mosaic pattern set in colored glass on the back wall and its three tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground representing classical Laotian architecture.

A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. From there, you explore the Night Market.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Luang Prabang.

Transfer from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by speed train.

Overnight in Vang Vieng

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Vang Vieng

The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns. The most famous in Vang Vieng is the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. You visit this beautiful cave this morning before taking a walk to the Tai Deang and the Souay hill tribe villages. The hill tribe people are unfailingly friendly; welcoming you with waving hands and smilling faces. The rest of the day is free for your leisure for further exploring or for relaxing in this peaceful town.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Vang Vieng

Heading out of town you drive back to Vientiane. Along the way, make a stop to visit the archaeological sight of Vang Xang dating back to the 11th century. After checking into your hotel you transfer to see the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. Observing the spectacular view of over the Mekong River at sunset from one of the riverside bars is a perfect way to finish the day.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Vientiane.

After breakfast, you visit the Morning Market if time permits. Transfer to Wattay airport for your flight home or carry on with more “Travel Authentic Asia” destinations.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: None