Upon on your arrival in Vientiane, your tour guide will meet and take you on a private transfer to your hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is free at leisure. On the way to the hotel, your tour guide would be happy to suggest nice restaurants for dinner.

Vientiane, the tranquil capital of Laos, still seem a bit like a city lost in time, and it is home to Laos’ unique culture and many regal wats (temples).

Your private guide will show you the essential landmarks of the city, including the Wat Sisaket – the city’s most beautiful and oldest temple, the Wat Haw Phra Kaew - now a religious museum showing fine works of art, and also visit Wat Phra Keo, Wat Si Muang as well as the Patouxay Monument (Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe). Explore the remarkable Presidential Palace, the Lao National Museum and end up the day at the iconic golden That Luang Stupa. Since its initial establishment, suggested to be in the 3rd century, the That Luang has undergone several reconstructions as recently as the 1930s due to foreign invasions of the area. Today, That Luang Stupa is generally regarded as the most important national monument in Laos and a national symbol.

In the morning, your tour guide will take you to the airport in time for your flight to Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is the jewel of Laos, this UNESCO town has so much to explore while you are here.

In the late afternoon, you will be taken to a local house for a private Baci ceremony. Baci ceremony is an integral part of Lao culture, which is held on important occasions such as births, welcomes, weddings, homecomings, farewells, and convalescence. It follows the belief that the human being’s main body parts are inhabited by 32 spirits. In some circumstances, these spirits may leave the body to wander around and get lost in the universe, thus causing you to become weak and vulnerable to danger. Therefore, it’s important to call the missing spirits back, so you can be yourself again.

At the ceremony, a village elder will wrap a white cotton thread around your wrist while chanting an invocation to strengthen the power of the blessing. In Laos, while is the color of peace, good fortune and warmth. This ancient practice is an authentic experience in a local family, it makes you feel refreshed and enlightened.

Today you will explore Luang Prabang with your personal guide and driver. Visit the Phou Si Hill, where you climb 328 steps to the top for wonderful views over the town. See the fusion of Lao traditional architecture and colonial-era villas along the drive to visit Wat Xieng Thong, a 16^th century temple which epitomizes the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Also visit the Wat Khili, a home to the archives of Laos Buddhism. Have lunch at the 3 Nagas Restaurant, then continue onto the Royal Palace, which is now a National Museum housing precious artefacts that belonged to the Lao Royal Family.

In the late afternoon, stroll around the shops and cafes of the old town with your guide who can help you with bargaining. Board a riverboat for private adventure on the meandering Mekong at sunset, an ideal introduction on the river that runs through Laos.

Leave your hotel at 5h30am for the “Tak Bat” (morning alms ceremony). Tak Bat is a well-known Buddhist tradition in Luang Prabang, which dates back generations. Witness and participate in the offering alms to a procession of hundreds of saffron-robed monks in the early morning light, a truly spiritual occasion! If you wish to make an offering, inform your guide a day in advance so that a gift of alms can be prepared. After the almsgiving, watch the town come to life during a visit to the bustling morning market before returning to your hotel in time for breakfast.

Enjoy a half day exploring the area around Kuang Si Waterfall, highlighted by a private tour of the Asian Bear Rescue Centre. Depart on an hour drive south of Luang Prabang, with a stop at the vibrant Phou Si Maket. Continue onto the waterfalls, and take a leisurely hike through the natural park to the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Fund Inc. to look after bears destined for use in the traditional medicine trade, including the Asiatic Black Bear (Moon Bears). Observe one of Laos’ most endangered species and learn about the threats to bears and what can be done to protect Laos’ precious wildlife. Arrive before 11h00 to help out with the bears’ midday scatter feed by hiding food around the enclosure to stimulate the animals and get them to work for their food. Afterwards, walk to the beautiful cascading Kuang Si Waterfall, bring proper walking shoes if you planned to climb to the top of the waterfall.

Relax at your hotel until your guide and driver come to pick you up in time for your departure flight, private transfer to the airport.