Day 1: Thailand - Houeixai - Pakbeng
On arrival at Houeixai border gate, you are met by our guide and transferred to the boat landing. We embark a traditional boat for a cruise downstream on the Mekong River. This reach is not too large but both riversides are bordered by imposing mountain ranges. The pace of our trip is very relaxing, a perfect way to observe the breathtaking scenery and the rural life close up. Along the way we will anchor for a short walk to visit some riverside villages, which are inhabited by the Hmong and Yao people. They are very poor, but have an interesting culture and a colorful history. By late afternoon we arrive in Pakeng. This lovely village sets against the mountain backdrop and overlooks the confluence of the Mekong River and Nam Beng Rivers. The various ethnic minority people are frequently seen on the main street of Pakbeng and small vendors sell local textiles and handicraft. O/N in Pakbeng. (L)

Day 2: Pakbeng - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
The traditional morning market in Pakbeng also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the outlying valleys and mountainsides to sell their goods and buy provision. Today we have time to walk around this bustling congregation. Upon leaving this riverside village we re-embark our boat navigating towards Luang Prabang. This river cruise passes through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. They are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. We explore these famous grottoes and navigate to Luang Prabang. This delightful town with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, retains an unique charm rarely found in all Asia. On arrival we check in hotel and enjoy a short walk to catch our first glimpse of town. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 3: Luang Prabang
Today we spend a full day exploring this town with the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which is overlooking the Mekong River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes , doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang Prabang. We follow it with the national museum. This interesting mansion 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. There are also plenty to see in this town, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai. We visit these sites and embark on a walk up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town center and the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N at Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 4: Luang Prabang - Khouang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang
The mountainous areas around Luang Prabang Town are also home of many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in secluded jungle. Today we catch a drive southwards to Phosi Market that sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts. Upon leaving this lively market we make our way through the verdant and rugged scenery to Ban Thapene , Ban Xom and Ban Namai which are conquered by the Lao Loum, Khmu and Hmong people. They are very poor but have interesting culture and colorful history. These tribal groups have originally settled in mountain side therefore it may involve some short walks to visit their villages. We arrives at Khouang Si Fall and spend the time relaxing in marvellous setting of waterfall and lush forest. The waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 5: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang (Overland)
The following destination of our trip is Xieng Khouang. This remote province was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon leaving Luang Prabang Town we set off on a drive along a zigzag route past the rugged and verdant landscape. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The journey is very long and bumpy at times, but we can make many stops as we please, to stretch our legs or catch some wonderful photographs. The drive will deliver us to Phonsavanh, center of Xieng Khouang by mid or late afternoon depending the roads and traffic conditions. O/N in Xieng Khouang. (B)

Day 6: Xieng Khouang - Plain of Jars - Vientiane
Heading out of town we make a short drive 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 follow it with a trip to the province's old capital of Muang Khun which was largely destroyed in the bombing raids, and the nearby villages. They are conquered by the Hmong people who have an interesting local culture and a colourful history. By mid afternoon we board a flight taking us over the mountainous region back to the capital city. On arrival you are greeted by our guide and transferred to hotel. The remainder of day will be free for your own exploration of the town. O/N in Vientiane. (B)

Day 7: Vientiane
The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is small city conjuring up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We start our city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We see these sites before continuing to Patouxai. This imposing monument standing in Lane Xang Avenue, is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe and provides a stunning views of the city. Heading out of town we see the giant Friendship Bridge and the impressive Buddha Park. This landmark represents a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on a parkland located by the Mekong River. An ideal way of spending your last evening in Laos is to relax in a cafe by the riverfront. O/N in Vientiane. (B)

Day 8: Vientiane - Departure
There is a free time for your own exploration of the city and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer to Wattay Airport for departure. (B)