Heritage Trail of Laos

Welcome to Luang Prabang — a UNESCO World Heritage town filled with colonial charm, golden temples, and riverside calm. Your guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
After settling in, you’ll take a gentle walking tour through the historic old town. Marvel at traditional wooden homes, shimmering wats, and the quiet rhythm of everyday life. In the evening, enjoy your first taste of Lao cuisine during a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where herbs, spice, and tradition blend into every dish.

Your day begins with a visit to the revered Wat Xiengthong, known for its elegant rooflines that sweep gracefully to the ground — a hallmark of traditional Luang Prabang architecture.
From there, board a boat for a serene upstream cruise along the Mekong River. Enjoy the scenic countryside views before arriving at Ban Muangkeo, where a short hike leads you to the sacred Pak Ou Caves. These limestone caves, nestled into a cliffside, are home to thousands of Buddha images left by devoted pilgrims over the centuries.
Next, stop at Ban Xanghai, a village known for producing rice wine. You’ll have the chance to interact with a local family, learning about their daily life, traditions, and, of course, sampling their homemade moonshine.
Return to Luang Prabang by road and visit the fascinating Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, offering insights into Laos’ rich ethnic diversity.
Later, climb Mount Phousi — more than 300 steps — for a sweeping sunset view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.

Wake early to witness a moving Lao tradition: the daily alms-giving ceremony, where barefoot saffron-robed monks collect offerings from locals. It’s a quiet, spiritual experience unique to Laos.
Afterward, wander through the local morning market, where stalls brim with fresh vegetables, herbs, fish, flowers, and ready-to-eat dishes.
After breakfast, visit the former Royal Palace, now a museum, displaying a collection of artifacts from the Lao monarchy.
Then head to Ban Thinkeo, a Hmong village, where you’ll be invited to explore local homes and learn about traditional herbal medicine and daily life.
The journey continues to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the cascading turquoise pools, and take time to swim or simply relax in this natural oasis before returning to town.
The rest of your afternoon is free at leisure.

Depart early for a scenic drive through the mountains to Xiengkhuang, home of the enigmatic Plain of Jars. The drive winds through lush hills and past remote villages, offering photo-worthy views and cultural encounters.
Stop at Ban Kiu Kam Pone (a Khmu village) and Ban Son Boom (a Hmong village) to learn about hill tribe life. Near the end of the journey, visit a hidden Buddha Cave that once served as a secret hospital during the war. A short walk from here takes you to an abandoned Russian tank, a relic of the region’s turbulent history.
Arrive in Xiengkhuang (Phonsavan) by early evening.

Optional: Begin your day at the bustling Central Market before visiting the MAG (Mines Advisory Group) office to learn about ongoing efforts to clear unexploded ordnance from the area — a sobering yet important insight into Laos’ recent history.
Next, head to Jar Site 2 and take a scenic one-hour trek to Jar Site 3, where more than 150 ancient stone jars rest atop a quiet hill. Continue on to the historic town of Muang Khoun, once the provincial capital, where you’ll explore atmospheric ruins, including the That Fun stupa, Wat Phiawat, and a large seated Buddha.
On the return trip to Phonsavan, visit Jar Site 1 — the largest and most impressive, with over 300 massive jars scattered across the plateau.

Today, journey along rugged roads to the remote northeast, traveling through dramatic landscapes and stopping at ethnic Hmong and Khmu villages. Along the way, enjoy the unspoiled scenery and pause for photos.
At noon, arrive at Hintang Archaeological Site to view mysterious ancient menhirs (standing stones), whose origins remain unknown — possibly ancient burial markers or spiritual totems. Continue to Ban Sa Levy, known for its traditional Tai Phong weaving.
Arrive in Sam Neua by early evening.

Optional: Begin with a morning stroll around Sam Neua, visiting a local weaving showroom and the town’s riverside wet market.
Next, head to Viengxai, home to a vast network of limestone caves that sheltered over 23,000 people during the 1960s–70s war. These caves housed schools, hospitals, bakeries, offices, and even a theatre, forming an underground city used by the Pathet Lao.
After exploring key historical sites like the artillery cave with its sweeping views, take a peaceful walk through nearby, lesser-known caves and enjoy the serene karst scenery. Return to Sam Neua by late afternoon.

This morning, choose your preferred departure route:
Take a short domestic flight to Vientiane to extend your stay in the capital

Fly to Hanoi for the start of a Vietnam tour,

Or travel overland via the Na Meo border to reach Dien Bien Phu in northern Vietnam — a historic battlefield site and scenic gateway to northern Vietnam’s highlights.