DAY  2: VIENTIANE - XIENG KHOUANG

An early morning transfer to the airport for a short flight to the remote Xieng Khouang Province, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival we drive out to visit the “Plan of Jars” , an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. We also have time, today exploring the province's old capital of Muang Khun and the nearby villages. They are home of the Hmong hilltribe people who are very poor but possess an interesting culture and a colourful history. O/N in Phonesavanh. (B)

The royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, Luang Prabang with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop  retains an unique charm rarely found in all Asia. After breakfast we take a short flight to this delightful town. Here is plenty to see , some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and  Wat Mai with its  five tiered roofs. We visit these sights before climbing 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view over  the town and the Mekong River. The zigzag path crosses over various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)

Today we continue seeing the town with the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways while the main sim has a marvellous 'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall. We then board a boat cruising upstream on the Mekong River with stopover at Ban Xang Hai where villagers make potent local rice wine. The cruise will pass the stunning mountain landscape, also giving us an enjoyable visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. After the river trip we visit the famous hand weaving village of Ban Phanom where shoppers can try their hand at bargaining. O/N in Luang Brabang. (B,L)

DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE

The exploration of Luang Prabang would be not complete without a visit to the national museum at the former Royal Palace. This interesting structure displays a lovely collection of treasures and artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. A next stop is the bustling local market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts.  We also have time this day to enjoy  a walk around the charming streets of of this former royal capital city and catch up on last minute shopping. By mid afternoon we are transferred  to the airport for a short flight back to the capital city.  O/N in Vientiane. (B)

DAY 6: VIENTIANE - PAKSE - KHONG ISLAND

The journey southwards begins as we board our morning flight to Pakse. On arrival we are greeted and transferred to the boat landing for a leisurely trip to the former royal capital of Champasak, our base for exploring the ruin of Wat Phu. This impressive site  is well known as the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire between 9^th and 13^th century. The festival of this site  is yearly held during the full moon in February and attracts numerous pilgrims from all over southern Laos. After an enjoyable visit to the ruin of  Wat Phu and some nearby temples such as Nang Sia and Thao Tao we  make our way to Khong Island, our final destination. O/N in Khong Island. (B)

DAY 7: KHONG ISLAND

Heading out of town we embark on a long tail boat for venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets jut out in dry season, giving this area a lovely name” Si Phan Done ”. Along the way we will anchor at the peaceful island of Ban Khone for a visit to the many relics of French colonial period and the marvelous rushing Liphi falls also called the " Corridor of the Devil". The next stop of our trip is  Ban Na Kasang,  a very pleasant village where we can see the different local lifestyle. After the river trip we travel by roads southwards to explore the Lao-Cambodia border at Weukham and the impressive sight of Khone Phapheng, which boasts Southeast Asia’s largest water falls. O/N in Khong Island.( B)

DAY  8: KHONG ISLAND - TATLO - PAKSE

After breakfast we set off on our journey towards Tatlo, which is a great way to discover the real southern Laos as we drive past many lush plantations, hills, forests and villages. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible all along the way. On arrival at Tatlo we visit the spectacular waterfall of Xeset and the nearby villages, home of the Kato, Alack and Nge hilltribe groups. These ethnic minorities still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. We continue our journey through Paksong and Boloven Plateau. A part of our pleasure of travelling in this region is to observe the  beautiful countryside and meet local people. O/N in Pakse. (B)

DAY 9: PAKSE - VIENTIANE

The capital city of southern Laos is Pakse, which looks over the confluence of the Mekong and Xedone Rivers. After breakfast we enjoy a short guided tour of this bustling riverside town and travel by air  back to Vientiane. On arrival we visit Talat Sao, also known as “morning market”, where anything and everything is for sales. We then transfer out to explore the impressive Friendship Bridge which links Laos and Thailand, and the Buddha Park. This landmark represents a curious blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on a parkland located by the Mekong River. A perfect way to round off the day is to watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. O/N in Vientiane. (B)