Laos: Classic Tour via the Rivers

After transferring from Chiang Rai to the Thai-Lao border crossing at Houay Xai, our guide will meet you at the Lao immigration office and assist you with the visa process.Then you'll board a traditional slow boat for a 2-day river cruise down the mighty Mekong River.You will visit some local villages before arriving at the small village of Pakbeng for the night

As you make your way down the river, you will pass areas of un-spoilt forest supporting little villages along the riverbank. You will visit a fishing village and a rice winemaking village and perhaps even taste some the beverage known as Lao Lao (rice whiskey). You’ll also stop to see the famous Pak Ou caves, filled with hundreds of Buddha images of all styles and sizes. The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is naturally lit, but the upper cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and darker, so watch your step. (Both caves are accessible by stairs.) This journey will end at Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Get up early to observe the Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony at 5:40am if you like.You will continue to explore the open-air Morning Market in the old town on foot. There's only a few large grocery stores here—instead, food is still produced by small farming families and villages and were brought to Luang Prabang for sale from the surrounding rural areas. Your guide will explain some seasonal vegetables and fruits to you and he will also guide you pick some snacks.Return to the hotel for breakfast.

A short walk from the market is Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham (“New Monastery”), National Museum (Royal Palace) and Hor Phra Bang. After the visit, continue to Heuan Chan Luang Prabang for a short activity and learn how to make Banana Leaf and Flower.

After lunch, continue to Wat Street and visit Wat Sene, Wat Sop Sickharam, Wat Sibounheuang and Wat Xieng Thong. You will finally walk along the Nam Khan River towards Mount Phousi before return to hotel.

Today your private guide and driver will take you to visit the beautiful Tad Kuang Si Waterfall.You will have the opportunity to visit Hmong and Khamu villages on the way. Hmong and Khamu villages have different structures and ways of life; here, you can learn about their traditions and the differences between Lao, Khamu and Hmong culture.Then drive to the wonderful Tad Kuang Si Waterfall,where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or wander around in the forest trails. 

After breakfast drive to airport for short flight to Vientiane, your private guide and driver will escort you to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.You can relax at your hotel or explore the surrounding area.

Today you will pay a visit to the oldest Buddha park - Wat Sisaket with thousands of tiny Buddha statues and the former royal temple Wat Pra kaew built as the Lao royal family's personal chapel and it houses the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will stop to take some photos of the imposing Patuxay Monument,well known as Vientiane's Arc De Triumph. 

Lunch at local restaurant,and then continue your visit to the Wat Xieng Khoun(Buddha Park) where more than 200 Buddha images are found along the banks of the Mekong River. After visit the COPE center, shopping, transfer back to hotel free and relax at your hotel. 

Explore Vientiane freely before be escorted to the airport for your onward flight.