Laos Package Tour - Northwest Journey 1, 6 days

Day 1	Huay Xai - Pakbeng * No local guide * Arrival in Huay Xai (Laos / Thailand border) On board one of the Pak Ou boats from Huay Xai to Pakbeng First thing in the morning the Pak Ou boat leaves the pier for a leisurely cruise down the Mekong for Pak Beng. Several stops along the way offer the opportunity to sample rural life first hand and marvel at just how little has changed over the centuries. Overnight in Pakbeng.

Day 2	Pakbeng - Luang Prabang On board the Luangsay Cruise from Pakbeng to Luang Prabang The boat leaves in the morning for the second leg of the cruise to Luang Prabang. Lunch on board and on to Pak Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River to visit the famous Pak Ou caves. Stop off at the village of Ban Xang Hai for a lesson in how rice whisky is made. Arrival in Luang Prabang is in the late afternoon. Transfer Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3	Luang Prabang Sightseeing in Luang Prabang Luang Prabang, the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom, is famous for its historic temples and beautiful setting surrounded by mountains. In 1995 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. WAT XIENG THONG: built in 1560 and situated on the banks of the Mekong River, it is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang and shows the typical Lao art style with old religious artifacts and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art. WAT WISUNALAT (Vat Visoun): built in 1513 during the reign of Chao Wisunalat, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries. WAT MAI: constructed in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, it was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy). WAT THAT LUANG: the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa, which was erected in 1910. The inside of the huge sim dating back to 1820 contains a few Luang Prabang Buddhas and other artifacts. WAT SAEN: Thai style wat built in 1718 and restored in 1957. The abbot Ajannn Khamjan who was ordained here in 1940 is one of the most revered monks in Luang Prabang and perhaps in all of Laos. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4	Luang Prabang Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls KUANG SI FALLS: located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. It is a nice place for bathing and having a picnic. BAN THA BAEN: quaint, Khmu village with a traditional hydro-rice mill. Sightseeing in Luang Prabang NATIONAL MUSEUM: located on the banks of the Mekong River, it was constructed as Royal Palace between 1904 and 1909 and today houses the Royal throne of the Lan Xang Kingdom and many other pieces of regalia and religious treasures. PHU SI: the temples on the upper slopes of the 100m-high Phu Si were constructed recently, but it is likely that previously there were other temples on this important hill. From the top there is an excellent view of the town. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 5	Luang Prabang - Vientiane Transfer Flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane Transfer Sightseeing in Vientiane The capital city and seat of government sits in a bend of the Mekong River amidst fertile alluvial plains. Vientiane (pronounced 'Wieng Chan' by the locals) is a laid-back city with interesting wats and lively markets. HO PHA KEO: the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy built in 1565 by King Setthathirat and now converted into a museum containing some of the best examples of Buddhist sculptures found in Laos. WAT SI SAKET: constructed in 1818 by King Anouvong in the early Bangkok style, small niches are carved into its interior walls, containing more than 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. PATUXAI: a large monument in the style of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the huge arch at the end of Thanon Lan Xang has a stairway that leads to the top levels of the monument, providing a good view of the city. PHA THAT LUANG (Great Sacred Reliquary or Great Stupa): built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, it is the most important national monument in Laos, a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 6	Vientiane Transfer