Day 1: Luang Prabang

Welcome to Luang Prabang! Your guide will meet you at the airport upon arrival and bring you to your hotel. Then enjoy a half-day spin around Luang Prabang and you will understand why it deserves the World Heritage title!

Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao. Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, along side the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Then continue to visit Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground. See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana. Then visit the National Museum, once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Then return to the hotel. This town is wonderful for walking, and today's excursion will also help to give you your bearings! Spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing on your own. You can find dinner on your own at any number of clean & delicious international restaurants.

Day 2 : Luang Prabang

After breakfast, begin a Mekong riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit the famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many still pay respect with this old tradition. Walk through the caves before returning to your boat and to Luang Prabang town. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route. Then visit the village of Ban Phanom, where weaving of traditional Lao textiles takes place on ancient wooden looms.

Return to Luang Prabang and spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing on your own. You can find dinner on your own at any number of excellent restaurants in town.