A Lao trio: Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang

Arrival at Wattay International Airport (flight booked by the traveler and to be reconfirmed) and completion of entry formalities into Laotian territory. An English-speaking local guide welcomes us there. We then meet our driver to head to our hotel. Check-in and free time.

We have the choice between taking a moment of rest and discovering the capital, Vientiane.

For the second option, we can wander around the multiple active temples that line the main street Setthathirath. We can also marvel at the majestic colonial residences in its city center and then admire the warm colors of a sunset over the Mekong.

It is common to pair this with a visit to the city's night market or to Parc Chao Anouvong. Locals like to hang out there to meet up.

Dinner at your leisure. We suggest small restaurants located along the banks of the Mekong River. There is something for every budget.

Breakfast at the hotel (included). Our guide awaits us in front of our hotel at 8 o'clock. He takes us for the day on a tour of the monuments that have built the capital's reputation.

At the top of the list, we have That Luang. This beloved stupa and emblematic symbol of the country is impressive with its golden reflections.

We continue with the discovery of the Patuxay or the Triumphal Arch of Laos and the fabulous Wat Sisaket temple.

We proceed with the Ho Phra Keo Buddhist Arts Museum where the Emerald Buddha once stood (currently located in the Royal Palace of Bangkok).

We move away from the heart of Vientiane for a moment to reach the "Lao Disabled Women Development Center". This place is an important center for professional reintegration of disabled Lao women. It offers them a chance to rebuild themselves by participating in handcraft workshops.

On site, we are presented with the center's project. We then have the opportunity to ask questions, to watch these women engaged in their tasks or even to participate in a newspaper recycling workshop.

Lunch at the center (included).

We continue our discovery day with the Buddha Park located about thirty kilometers from the city center. Remarkable sculptures dating from 1958 are scattered throughout. This place is located on the banks of the Mekong River. It is a park known for its originality and its mix of Asian religions (Hinduism and Buddhism).

We then head back towards the city. As an option, we can make a short stop at COPE (bomb victims rehabilitation center) on the way. This place reveals to the public the effects of wars and conflicts that struck the region and the country around the 1970s. It exhibits the consequences that continue to impact the daily lives of the local population. It provides clarification on the history of Laos, including the "secret war" or "American war" that also involved Vietnam

At the end of the day, we return to Vientiane with a local sauna: the famous traditional medicinal herb sauna. We visit an establishment that presents itself as a quiet place where you can enjoy a good steam bath. It's ideal for spending enjoyable moments with family, as a couple or even solo. Under the patio, people like to chat and savor a delicious cup of herbal infusion tea. You enjoy observing locals pampering themselves and applying various natural products.

Transfer to the hotel.

Dinner on your own. We recommend the Kong View restaurant. It is a place where the city's jet set gathers to enjoy a good meal in a contemporary setting with views of the Mekong and Thailand.

We start the day with a delicious breakfast (included).

We then begin discovering the landmark monuments of Luang Prabang.

Among those to see, we find the Vat Xieng Thong located at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan river. It is an emblematic temple of the city that stands out for its typical local architecture. Countless devotees consider it a major pilgrimage site.

The National Museum former Royal Palace and Vat Mai are also must-see sites that we will not miss visiting.

Within Vat Xieng Mouane, we will have the opportunity to discover trades dedicated to Buddhist art at its training center. We then walk along the facade of the French Institute of Luang Prabang, former residence of humorist Pierre Desproges.

We will make a stop at a famous local textile workshop: Ock Pop Tok. This place has become known for its initiatives to preserve traditions and methods used in Laotian textile crafts. This action is justified by the fact that hand silk weaving and natural dyeing remain an important lever for the entire country's economy.

On site, you can ask a thousand and one questions such as what natural ingredient for vermillion? Red? We may be able to participate in a practical weaving or dyeing workshop (additional activity).

Lunch on site (included).

If we feel like it, visiting an ethnology museum can occupy us for an afternoon (closed Mondays). With this option, we will have the opportunity to better understand the ethnic diversity of Laos as well as its culture.

We could add to this participation in a spinning top manufacturing workshop. This is a toy highly appreciated by Hmong children. For several decades, adults have played with it as part of a throwing competition. Here, you will have the chance to create your own wooden spinning tops and use them with the villagers. A moment of conviviality and fun guaranteed!

In late afternoon, we enjoy the last rays of daylight with a visit to Vat Prabat Tai to admire the twilight sunset reflected on the Mekong.

As an option, we can play a game of petanque with seasoned locals. It's ideal for immersing yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of the region.

Dinner free. On recommendation, we can try Tamarind restaurantwith its fresh products and dishes following traditional Laotian, even ancestral cuisine.

Optionally, we can wake up early to participate in the alms giving ceremony to the monks of the city. This takes place between 5:30 and 6 in the morning.

Before returning to the hotel, we could make a detour to the morning market.

All set, we head towards The Bamboo Expérience located on the outskirts of the city. Going there will be an opportunity to observe the surrounding nature and rice fields as far as the eye can see.

On site, we will attend a bamboo weaving class. Then, we will have several awareness sessions on the usefulness of bamboo-based products in the daily life of a Laotian (fishing or hunting equipment, musical instruments, etc.). We will also participate in a cooking workshop with a "bamboo-based dishes" theme. Among other things, the class will consist of preparing dishes to taste from a sala offering a splendid landscape view (group activity).

In the afternoon, we head to the famous Kuang Si Falls. These waterfalls are located 32 km from Luang Prabang. The road leading there is lined with splendid rice field landscapes. On site, we enjoy its crystal-clear water pools. We will visit its small permanent exhibition focused on the preservation of Southeast Asian black bears threatened with extinction.

Before returning to town, we'll make a small half-hour detour to the buffalo farm "Lao Buffalo Dairy". There we will receive clarifications about the situation of this animal in Laos and the care given to them.

We can also get close to some of them and bottle-feed the young ones. At the end of the visit, we will enjoy artisanal ice cream made from buffalo milk. Available flavors: fruits, sesame, lemongrass (depending on seasons).

It should be noted that this animal is emblematic of the countryside of Asian countries. Yet this species of bovine is facing extinction despite its importance. The mortality rate at birth is around 50% because at this stage, buffalo calves do not have access to enough nutrients. With this in mind, the Lao government has organized itself to multiply its herds with prevention and breeding projects. This is how the Buffalo Farm in Luang Prabang grew by coupling these programs with local breeders. This farm is also focusing on the dairy and cheese industry.

Intimate dinner. Today's recommendation goes to Luang Prabang Kitchen restaurant. You can enjoy delicious affordable cuisine from its terrace. And you can appreciate the view overlooking the main street.

Breakfast (included) then transfer to the city's landing dock.

Today, we embark on a river excursion through the Mekong (in a private boat with an English-speaking guide). Our cruise will head downstream, towards the south. This route carries fewer tourists but offers a more authentic and more impressive cruise.

First stop: Mékong Eden Farm. This place is only accessible by boat. It was established around 2017. Its goal is to promote ecological agricultural methods and sustainable agro-ecotourism to support rural Laotian life. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Experts will be happy to answer you.

Lunch in traditional Lao style (included). This will be served aboard the boat or on a beach (depending on the weather).

In the afternoon, we head north to reach the mysterious Pak Ou Caves.

Visiting these caverns will be an incredible adventure for us. Inside, several hundred Buddha statues are stored. These caves remain an important pilgrimage site for Laotians, especially during the Lao New Year held in mid-April.

Return to Luang Prabang then transfer to our hotel to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Dinner is on your own. As an alternative, we can try "gourmet" and fresh Lao cuisine from chef Linda. Where? At the small Bamboo Tree restaurant located in the city center, along the Nam Khan river.

Breakfast at the hotel (included).

In the company of our guide, we leave our accommodation at 8:30 a.m. to head towards the Nam Khan river valley. We will go down to the elephant camp.

On arrival, we receive a brief introduction to the camp and its elephants before beginning our visit. In particular, we are explained their living conditions: veterinary care, food, well-being, etc. We will have the chance to walk alongside one of these Asian giants through the forest.

Optionally, we can divert to Tad Sae waterfall (detour possible depending on the season, preferably from July to December when the pools are full of water).

Buffet lunch at the camp (included).

Return to Luang Prabang in early afternoon.

Retrieve our luggage at the hotel then transfer to Luang Prabang airport.

We will catch our return flight there (flight booked by the traveler, flight and times to be reconfirmed).

Note: hotel rooms must be vacated by 12 p.m. Luggage can be left at reception. Otherwise, it is possible to keep these rooms until 6 p.m. for an additional fee.