Cross the Mekong to the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. Capture the light misting through thousands of Buddha images of various sizes deposited there by local people over the centuries. Board a traditional boat and travel upstream to the ethnic minority villages of the Hmong and “Lao Thung” tribes. Return to Luang Prabang by boat stopping at villages whose inhabitants make wine from rice and traditional pottery.

In the afternoon visit the village of Ban Xang Khong where the weaving of traditional Lao textiles takes place on ancient wooden looms, and then continue to Kuang Si Waterfall.

Continue sightseeing around Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Visoun, the site of the impressive Thad Makmo Stupa, followed by Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. After lunch drive around six hours to Xieng Khouang along scenic roads.

Visit the mysterious Plain of Jars from sunrise until lunch. Little is known about these giant urns, as archaeologists have only recently been able to start their investigations. In the 1930‘s a French conservationist did some preliminary work which revealed that the jars were more than likely used for funeral purposes. Their composition remains a mystery with theories suggesting the jars were made from sand and buffalo skin then fired in a kiln.

Visit the old capital of Muang Khun, the formal capital of Xieng Khuang Province, Wat Piawat and That Foun Stupa, before continuing to Phonsavanh for lunch. Continue driving to Vang Vieng through unspoiled scenery (about six to seven hours) visiting Mon-Khmer and Hmong tribal villages along the way. Enjoy an evening of leisure on the riverbank of the Namsong river and watch the sunset over craggy limestone mountains.

Today explore Vang Vieng, including Tham Chang and Tham Xang caves. Visit surrounding rural villages before driving to Vientiane.

Morning at leisure before your departing flight.