We farewell Vientiane and depart for Vang Vieng. We visit the first cave, Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) is on the opposite banks of the Nam Song. It is an important Buddhist temple and owes its name to a remarkable limestone formation. The nearby cave Tham Hoi (cave of snails) winds deep into the mountain. An hour of exploration through numerous corridors ends in a crystalline spring. Possibility to swim in the stream, in a cave lit by candles (it is possible all year). The most beautiful cave of this trip is Tham Loup (Deep cave), our next stop for the exploration of the caves. This cave is known for its numerous stalagmites and stalactites. Another beautiful spring water pool is located at the mouth of Tham Nam (water cave), also a good place for a swim. The piping inside the cave is possible. After a picnic lunch, trekking to the Hmong village of Phathao passes through rice fields and vegetable gardens. The return journey to Vang Vieng varies according to the Nam Song level. Nam Song's descent by kayak takes us through the idyllic scenes of rural life: a unique spectacle with the limestone mountains in the background. Approximately: 25 minutes transfer / 1½ hours trekking / 2 hours of kayaking / 2 hours of caving.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure from Vang Vieng to Xiangkhouang Province through breathtaking scenery. Upon arrival, accommodation in the rooms and continuation to visit the mysterious Plain of Jars, a vast group of archaeological sites containing thousands of stone vases, found scattered throughout the plain located in the north-east of Laos at the foot of the Annamita Cordillera, the main Indochina mountain range. The origin and use of these large jars is still uncertain. Most of the excavated material covers a very large temporal space ranging from 500 BC up to 800 AD Anthropologists and archaeologists have theorized that the vessels may have been used as funerary urns or perhaps to store food products. Visit of the archaeological site 1 Thong Hai Hin about 15 km south-west from Phonsavan, is the largest of the sites with about 250 jars, each with a weight ranging from 600 kg up to a ton where the largest of which weighs well six tons! Continuation of visits to some nearby hill tribe villages where you can get in touch with their fascinating culture and centuries-old history, at the end of visits to return to the hotel.

Overnight in Xiangkhouang.

After breakfast at the hotel, departure for Luang Prabang – ancient capital and the old Royal City of Laos. The journey between Xiangkhouang and Luang Prabang is truly magnificent because there are so many small villages and rice fields. Lunch on the way. Stop on the way at some local villages or markets to observe the local life before heading to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, check-in your hotel and time for resting.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. The National Museum and the Central Market are not to be missed. We enjoy a short tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. Later we’ll visit the impressive Wat Visoun, the oldest temple that houses many Buddha images. Next is Wat Aham, the ‘Monastery of the Blossomed Heart’ exudes serenity, and Wat Mai, the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in this city. We embark on a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to see the production of and to sample the local rice wine. Upon leaving this village we pass through stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. After the river trip we drive toward Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. After returning to Luang Prabang by late afternoon, we continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. We return to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Transfer to airport for departure to next destination.