Getting there:
Vientiane, Laos: Vientiane is serviced internationally by Thai Air to Bangkok: Lao Aviation to Hanoi and Bangkok; and Vietnam Air to Hanoi, Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City.
Luang Prabang, Laos: Luang Prabang international service is by Lao Airways or Bangkok Air (to Bangkok), and Vietnam Air (to Hanoi).

There is no Silk or Singapore Air routing to Laos.

Welcome to Vientiane, capital of Lao PDR. It is often labelled Asia’s sleepiest capital, and we love the city’s pace, and laid back atmosphere. Plus, of course, its delicious restaurants.

Today we’ll explore Vientiane. We love the city’s pace, and laid back atmosphere. Our first stop: the golden dome of Wat That Lunag, the country’s most important unifying symbol, followed a climb up Vientiane’s equivalent of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Legend has it the Lao government siphoned off US military aid during the Vietnam to peacefully build this monument. Lunch is at our favorite NGO training restaurant – teaching at risk Lao youths a future trade in hospitality, and winner of the Gault-Millau “Asia’s Finest” award. We’ll have a personal inspection of its kitchen, followed by the best of mod Lao cuisine. Then head to the city’s central market and explore its labyrinth of exotica. The remaining afternoon and evening is at leisure – stroll on your own through the quiet streets of the city, and tempt yourself in the best antique and craft shops. B/L Optional French repast tonight.

We check out mid morning, then fly to Phonsovan, in Xieng Kuang Province. The Plain of Jars are a mystery. Who built them, why and how? Over a great period of time, generally 1500 to 1000 years ago, locals both chiselled and potted these giant vessels, presumably as a tribute to their kings, or spirits. There is some evidence they were used for distillation or storage of alcohol, and some scant proof they were used for funerary purposes –although this view is less subscribed. One of the world’s great enigmas, and a fascinating part of Laos. Unfortunately, the relics are located at the site of one of the world’s greatest concentrations of carpet bombings, and more than a third were destroyed during the undeclared Lao/Vietnam War. This portion of the Ho Chi Minh Trail received more American bomb strikes than World War 2 Europe in its entirety. The legacy is unexploded ordinance, and continuing injuries to this day. (Please stay on marked trails only, for your safety.) Lunch today is a choice of noodles at the town’s tastiest storefront, plus deliciously hearty Vietnamese-style coffee.

More travels to the Plain of Jars, plus historic Muang Khoun, former provincial capital, almost destroyed entirely during war. This is the site of 16th century That Foun/Chomsi stupa (jehdii), and mirroring Cham-period That Chom Phet tower. Also visit Wat Phia Wat, a 16-19th century ruin with saved Buddha statue, and the shell of the old French colonial hospital.
Plus a demonstration of local lap salad – one of the best we’ve tasted in the country! The chef has agreed to give us a private lesson, showing us both Bangkok-style (more sour) and to country Isan and Lao taste. Time and weather permitting, walk to the local ethnic village for textiles. In the afternoon, drive to Sites 3 and 2 of the plain of Jars, then dinner in town. Be sure to wear walking shoes and be prepared for mud – getting to site 3 is a picturesque excursion over rice field embankments. (We’ll provide the walking stick to steady the course!)

Today’s city orientation begins at the city’s most popular local coffee shop – open from before dusk to mid morning only -- and we’ll have to squirm for a seat! Here’s chance to sip dark and heady coffee Lao style, plus khao nam koo fritters. We’ll also include a boiled egg, if you’re still hungry. Then we are off to the fresh produce market between Th Sisvangvong and Ban Pakam, where we’ll have an introduction to local foodstuffs. Many vegetables in Luang Prabang are found no where else in Laos. Also today: ancient temples, historical sites, and the city’s best silversmiths and crafts shops, plus we’ll have a wander through the city’s largest day market prior to stock up on local specialties like jaeow chili jam, and river nori. Lunch along the Khan River -- in a new eatery that just opened this year.

Also ask us about a private guide service if extending your time in Luang Prabang.

Da Nang marks the halfway point between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and is the commercial hub of central Vietnam, although Hue to the north is the country’s historic royal capital. It is too often overlooked by travellers, yet one of our favorite cities, with a pace of yesteryear. Even more importantly, Da Nang boasts an excellent Cham Museum that, arguably, contains the world’s best collection of this ancient civilization’s art. Nearby China Beach, the Marble Mountains, historic Hoi An and the ancient Cham towers of My Son are all within striking distance of Da Nang.

Hoi An’s old quarter is a unique trading port was off from trade long ago by a silted river, and war-destroyed rail lines last century further isolated the town. What’s left is a town largely untouched by war and frozen in time. See architecture reminiscent of traders of a bygone era - Japanese, French, Chinese, and Indian, as well as beautifully preserved ancient houses. No cars are allowed to pass through Hoi An, rendering it an excellent walking village. Visit the unique Japanese covered bridge and a Chinese communal house, and the bustling and colourful local market. Shop for art at one of the numerous galleries and enjoy the riverside ambience, and of course, order your tailor made clothing earloy. Hoi An is the source of numerous local craft works such as silk lanterns, plus home to the famed "white roses" stuffed noodles. Mid-morning we have tea and white roses at the "factory" then it is off to another street-side restaurant to taste the local specialty of crispy noodles, and finally banh khoai, delicious tiny sizzling rice crepes, which are the local version of Saigon's large banh xeo crepes. After lunch sit over a traditional Vietnamese filtered coffee in a local coffee house nestled along the river front. The coffee is roasted in butter to a dark espresso strength. Remaining afternoon and evening you are free to roam the Old Town streets by night during festival. (Dinner not included.)

Enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast, but save room for our food crawl this morning.   Join us for a taste of Hue's famous noodle soup,   Bun Bo Hue, visit its central market, and sample an assortment of Hue sticky rice dumplings, and sweets.   The afternoon is free, for personal exploration - our hotel is centrally located, making it easy.   We can also offer a private guide for the afternoon; surcharge applies (3 persons maximum per guide).   In the evening, re-group for our first full meal together, after the Danang arrivals check in.

It's a short ride from Savannakhet to Thakhaek, which gives us a leisurely morning to explore the colonial heart of this city, before departure. Lunch is a cooking class of regional Lao fare, then we are off to That Ing Hang stupa, dating 500 years old, and time permitting the Ban Nateuy salt factory, whose production comes from pure underground water. B/L/D

Our drive today skirts the Mekong, past the natural and man made formations of "Buddha's Wall," then to Paksan for lunch, and picturesque Wat Phabat, ancient temples built over a dry river bed and an embedded footprint of the Lord Buddha, and time permitting, nearby Phonsone. Take special notice when we pass over Pakkading' bridge, and be ready to throw an offering out the window to its haunting spirits.   (It's not considered littering!)   In the late afternoon, arrive Vientiane - often labelled Asia's sleepiest capital.   The riverfront is currently under major reconstruction.   Regroup in the evening for refined Lao dinner fare. Our walk takes us past some of the city's best textile shops and wine boutiques - and the price of plonk in Laos is the lowest in Asia! B/L/D

Today we’ll explore Vientiane. We love the city’s pace, and laid back atmosphere. Our first stop: the golden dome of Wat That Lunag, the country’s most important unifying symbol, followed a climb up Vientiane’s equivalent of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Legend has it the Lao government siphoned off US military aid during the Vietnam to peacefully build this monument. Lunch is at our favorite NGO training restaurant – teaching at risk Lao youth a future trade in hospitality, and winner of the Gault-Millau “Asia’s Finest” award. We’ll have a personal inspection of its kitchen, followed by the best of mod Lao cuisine. Then head to the city’s central market and explore its labyrinth of exotica. The remaining afternoon and evening is at leisure – stroll on your own through the quiet streets of the city, and tempt yourself in the best antique and craft shops. B/L

More travels to the Plain of Jars, plus historic Muang Khoun, former provincial capital, almost destroyed entirely during war. This is the site of 16th century That Foun/Chomsi stupa (jehdii), and mirroring Cham-period That Chom Phet tower. Also visit Wat Phia Wat, a 16-19th century ruin with saved Buddha statue, and the shell of the old French colonial hospital.
Plus a demonstration of local lap salad – one of the best we’ve tasted in the country! The chef has agreed to give us a private lesson, showing us both Bangkok-style (more sour) and to country Isan and Lao taste. Time and weather permitting, walk to the local ethnic village for textiles. In the afternoon, drive to Sites 3 and 2 of the plain of Jars, then dinner in town. Be sure to wear walking shoes and be prepared for mud – getting to site 3 is a picturesque excursion over rice field embankments. (We’ll provide the walking stick to steady the course!)

The mountainous journey between Phonsovan and the former imperial capital Luang Prabang is arguably Laos’ most scenic, with many a stop enroute for local markets. Our first stop, an organic and free trade silk factory, just out of town. There’s some great souvenir buys at the factory store, and we’re impressed with the quality. Lunch mid route, including ethnic Hmong and/or Khmer villages. Our accommodation tonight is a brand new 5-star+ resort, and we will be among its first guests. Tonight’s dinner is trendy and new, and we’ll end at the city’s night market (weather permitting). (As it has been a long day, the night market is a brief orientation; you will have plenty of time on your own tomorrow evening.)

This 600 year old city on the banks of the Mekong and Khan rivers is a visual feast, with some 32 temples within the area. You will quickly understand why it deserves the World Heritage title from Unesco and considered both Asia’s best preserved ancient city, and “the jewel of Southeast Asia.”

This morning boat to the magnificient Pak Ou caves, about 25 km/16 miles up river. These caves, overlooking the confuleunce of the Mekong and Ou rivers, were declared a holy spot by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, and since then locals have placed thousands of Buddha images within its caverns. There are two primary caves here, with a rest stop in the middle. (The second cave is a real climb, so you may prefer to rest here throughout.) Lunch today is a simple snack of French baguette sandwiches, known locally as khao chi pate. Nearby is Ban Xang Hai “Whiskey Village” where the townsfolk are renowned for their potent lao kokam rice wine spirit. It is reputed to be the best in southeast Asia, and we can personally attest that its delicious on ice with a slice of lime, or blended with banana liqueur. Our last stop is Banh Xang Kong, paper craft village. Our boat takes us back to the jetty, and you are welcome to stay in town for further exploration and shopping. If you wish to return to the hotel first, local taxis and tuktuks are readily available here.
The remaining afternoon and night free for personal discovery. B/L

Today’s city orientation begins at the city’s most popular local coffee shop – open early from dusk to mid morning only, and we’ll have to squirm for a seat! Here’s chance to sip dark and heady coffee Lao style, plus khao nam koo fritters. We’ll also include a boiled egg, if you’re still hungry. Then we are off to the fresh produce market between Th Sisvangvong and Ban Pakam, guest chef in tow, where we’ll have an introduction to local foodstuffs. Many vegetables in Luang Prabang are found no where else in Laos. Also today: ancient temples, historical sites, and the city’s best silversmiths and crafts shops, plus we’ll have a wander through the city’s largest day market prior to stock up on local specialties like jaeow chili jam, and river nori. Lunch along the Khan River -- in a new eatery that just opened last season.

After a brief rest in the afternoon, re-group for a cooking class of Lao specialities, followed by a gala farewell dinner. There will be opportunity to change dress between the class and dinner. B/L/D

This trip is specifically offered to those with less travel time, and for those who have previously visited central Vietnam sites. Tour dates continue immediately after our week’s tour of the central region.

You will be transferred immeidately to Hue, to our hotel located centrally in town with easy access to nearby morning markets and night life. (Surcharge applicable for Danang arrivals.) As arrival times vary today, there is no structured itinerary today/tonight, although Robert and Morrison will offer a no-host evening option for those arriving early. Likewise, we can also arrange a private guide for independent travels today, for earlier arrivals; just ask!

Hue to Savannakhet via Dong Ha & Sepon

Highway 9 runs from central Vietnam, across Laos and Northeast Thailand, making it the region's principal carriageway.   It's a fascinating journey, starting near the former DMZ of Vietnam War fame, traipsing from sea level then high across scenic mountain regions.

After border checks, we'll change vehicles and guides for our onward journey through Laos. Pass rustic markets, through coffee plantations and pepper groves.   In Laos, we'll receive a traditional Bacii ceremony to welcome our onward journey, and lunch, finishing tonight in the colonial town of Savannakhet, nestled on the mighty Mekong and facing Thailand.   B/L/D

It's a short ride from Savannakhet to Thakhaek, which gives us a leisurely morning to explore the colonial heart of this city, before departure. Lunch is a cooking class of regional Lao fare, then we are off to That Ing Hang stupa, dating 500 years old, and time permitting the Ban Nateuy salt factory, whose production comes from pure underground water. B/L/D

Exploring the colonial architectural legacy of Thakhaek on foot. Then drive to pictorial Tam Pa Cave, where amazingly in 2004,   hundreds of ancient Buddhist figurines were discovered here. Followed by a rustic wild mushroom lunch.

En route back, stop at Wat Si Khot temple, followed by time through the historical town on your own.   In the evening, meet for a riverside fest, then meander through the town viewing its local street side eateries, and its lights along the Mekong.

Our drive today skirts the Mekong, past the natural and man made formations of "Buddha's Wall", then to Paksan for lunch, and then picturesque Wat Phabat, ancient temples built over a dry river bed and an embedded footprint of the Lord Buddha, and time permitting, nearby Phonsone. Take special notice when we pass over Pakkading, and be ready to throw an offering out the window to its haunting spirits.   (It's not considered littering!)   In the late afternoon, arrive Vientiane - often labelled Asia's sleepiest capital.   The riverfront is currently under major reconstruction.   Regroup in the evening for refined Lao dinner fare. Our walk takes us past some of the city's best textile shops and wine boutiques - and the price of plonk in Laos is the lowest in Asia! B/L/D

More travels to the Plain of Jars, plus historic Muang Khoun, former provincial capital, almost destroyed entirely during war. This is the site of 16th century That Foun/Chomsi stupa (jehdii), and mirroring Cham-period That Chom Phet tower. Also visit Wat Phia Wat, a 16-19th century ruin with saved Buddha statue, and the shell of the old French colonial hospital.
Plus a demonstration of local lap salad – one of the best we’ve tasted in the country! The chef has agreed to give us a private lesson, showing us both Bangkok-style (more sour) and to country Isan and Lao taste. Time and weather permitting, walk to the local ethnic village for textiles. In the afternoon, drive to Sites 3 and 2 of the plain of Jars, then dinner in town. Be sure to wear walking shoes and be prepared for mud – getting to site 3 is a picturesque excursion over rice field embankments. (We’ll provide the walking stick to steady the course!)