Authentic Laos

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Hop on two wheels to cycle the flat, quiet streets of Luang Prabang, seeing the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, the Royal Palace, and the temples of Wat Mai and Wat Visoun. Observe local kids and orange-robe monks as you ride, finishing at Wat Xieng Thong. After lunch, board a boat upriver to Pak Ou Caves. (B)(L)

For early risers witness the monks receiving their morning alms. After breakfast transfer to Living Land Community Farm. Participate in traditional farming practices and learn about the rice production process. Lunch is at the farm before continuing to Kuang Si Falls where you can swim, trek to the top, or visit the nearby Free the Bears Sanctuary. (B)(L)

Fly to Vientiane. An orientation tour of the city will take you to Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Keo and the Presidential Palace. Lunch will be at Makphet Restaurant, established to train street children in the hospitality industry. After lunch, visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. Your tour will end with visits to That Luang and Patuxay Monument. (B)(L)

Rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul today. Start with a hands-on cooking class and then continue to Wat Sok Luang, stopping en route to purchase food donations for the resident monks. On arrival present the offerings and learn about their religion and culture. Afterward, engage in a private meditation session. The last stop of the day is a traditional one-hour massage at a local spa. (B)(L)

Fly to Pakse. Enjoy a short city tour and then explore the Bolaven Plateau, home to dozens of hill tribes, waterfalls, and tea and coffee plantations. On return to Pakse stop by the small village of Ban Houay Houn, famous for its Katu textiles, then continue on to Champasak. (B)(L)

Travel to Wat Phou, a spectacular pre- Angkorian temple that sits amidst rice fields. Afterward, drive to Champasak. (B)(L)

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)