Laos Package Tour - Northwest Journey 2, 7 days

Day 1	Vientiane Arrival in 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 carved in its interior walls contain more than 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. 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, functioning as a dual symbol of the Buddhist religion and the Lao nation. PATUXAI: a large monument in the style of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this 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. WAT SI MUANG: this temple is one of the most popularly used temple grounds in the city, as it contains the city pillar and acts as the home of Vientiane's guardian spirits. TALAAT SAO: the Morning Market - actually open all day selling a wide range of fabrics, jewellery and electronic goods. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 2	Vientiane - Vang Vieng By vehicle from Vientiane to Vang Vieng with a boat trip on Nam Ngum Lake Drive to the south through the scenic province of Vientiane. The climate is pleasant and the views are nice, with mountains and cliffs along the first part of the journey. NAM NGUM LAKE: the beautiful scenery around the Nam Ngum River and its green valley is enhanced by the presence of a vast, spectacular lake. This is a man-made reservoir for a hydroelectric power dam that generates most of the electricity sold to Thailand. Sightseeing around Vang Vieng with short trek This small town north of Vientiane is nestled in a scenic bend in the Nam Song River. The west bank of the river is lined with tunnels and caverns and the limestone cliffs are beautiful. Enjoy a short trek through rice paddies, stopping at a H'mong village. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 3	Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang By vehicle from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4	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 5	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 PENE: 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. PHOUSI: 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 6	Luang Prabang - Pakbeng Transfer On board the Luangsay Cruise from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng Embark on the Luangsay boat, a traditional style wooden boat with open decks and beautiful views. Cruise upstream towards Pakbeng stopping at Ban Xang Hai to observe the making of traditional Lao rice wine and whisky. Continue to the famous Pak Ou caves, natural shrines which have been filled over the centuries with hundreds of Buddha images in every style and material. Lunch is served on board, followed by a visit to a fishing village before arriving in Pakbeng in the late afternoon. Overnight in Pakbeng.

Day 7	Pakbeng * No local guide * On board one of the Pak Ou boats from Pakbeng to Huay Xai First thing in the morning the Pak Ou boat leaves the pier for a leisurely cruise up the Mekong towards Huay Xai (Lao-Thai border). 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. Arrival in Huay Xai is in the late afternoon.