Laos Explorer: Caves, Trains, and Culture 8-Day

Upon arrival in the capital, our staff will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Vientiane is a captivating city with an intriguing blend of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we will begin our visit to the major city sights, including Wat Sisaket, the country's oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. Along the way, we will stop at the famous That Luang Stupa, which is the most important monument in Laos. You will have the opportunity to take photos of the impressive Patuxay Monument, also known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. Tonight, we will enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the city's fine restaurants.

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Accommodation Options:
Orchid Laos Hotel - 3-star or similar
Green Park Hotel - 4-star or similar
Crown Plaza - 5-star or similar

After breakfast, we catch the express train to Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. After check into your hotel, we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. Next, we take a drive through paddy fields to the Tham Phoukham caves, the country’s beautiful and famous limestone caverns surrounded by forest. Along the way, you will meet local villagers and learn about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can swim and refresh yourself from the heat. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

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Accommodation Options:
Vansana Vang Vieng Hotel - 3-star or similar
Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel - 4-star or similar
Amari Vang Vieng Hotel - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at the hotel. 8:15am - 8:30am: We explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. Next, we take a drive through paddy fields to the Tham Phoukham caves, the country’s beautiful and famous limestone caverns surrounded by forest. Along the way, you will meet local villagers and learn about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can swim and refresh yourself from the heat. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

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Accommodation Options:
Vansana Vang Vieng Hotel - 3-star or similar
Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel - 4-star or similar
Amari Vang Vieng Hotel - 5-star or similar

After breakfast, we take an express train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. After a short rest, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. Next, we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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Accommomalyon Options:
Villa Chitdara Hotel - 3-star or similar
Le Belair Resort - 4-star or similar
Villa maly Hotel - 5-star or similar

Breakfast at the hotel.

8:15am - 8:30am: Today, we will board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, offering a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We will stmalyt the Pak Ou Caves, which are sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. Along the way, we will also stop at a few villages, including Ban Muangkeo, where the local rice wine is produced, and Ban Xiengmene. We will also have a chance to climb up to Wat Chomphet, offering one of the best views of Luang Prabang from across the river. Once we return to Luang Prabang city, we will take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek - small villages well known for their silk weavings and Saa (jute) papermaking. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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Accommodation Options:
Villa Chitdara Hotel - 3-star or similar
Le Belair Resort - 4-star or similar
Villa maly Hotel - 5-star or similar

Today, we will depart from this charming town and drive to Xieng Khouang, an area that was once devastated by American bombings. These back roads provide an opportunity to have an authentic Laos experience, as we will encounter very few other travelers and mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in us as we are about them. Upon arrival, we will transfer to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau. Overnight in Xiengkhouang.

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Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel (local best)

After breakfast, we depart for a trip to Mouang Khoune, the former capital of the province, which was almost completely destroyed by American bombing during the Vietnam War. Along the way, we will visit the H'mong ethnic minority villages of Thai Dam (Black Thai) and Phuan. We will also have an orientation tour of Mouang Khoune and visit the remains of the temples of Wat Phia Wat and Wat Tha Foune. After visiting the sites, we will catch a flight to the capital city of Vientiane. After a short rest, we will begin our orientation with a walking tour of the city, strolling around the sights and observing the evening sunset along the Mekong Riverside. Overnight in Vientiane.

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Accommodation Options:
Orchid Laos Hotel - 3-star or similar
Green Park Hotel - 4-star or similar
Crown Plaza - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast, we will depart for a visit to the Buddha Park, which is situated near the Friendship Bridge. This park houses around 200 religious images, including Hindu and Buddhist sculptures that are beautifully scattered around the area. The intricate designs and captivating artistry are sure to leave you spellbound.

Afterward, we will visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong, where you can see locals producing traditional textiles using age-old techniques. If time permits, you can take some time to explore and purchase some souvenirs to bring back home.

Afterward, the tour will come to an end with your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. It was great having you on this trip, and we hope to see you again soon on another adventure with Legend Travel Group.