The capital city of Laos, Vientiane still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colorful markets. Tour the different highlights of the city, including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; Wat Si Saket; and Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs.

Day 1: Arrive in Vientiane
Note: All Museums in Vientiane close on weekends. Say “Sabbai Dee” (Hello) while arriving in Laos and you will receive warm smiles from the friendly locals. Hugging a bend of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a quaint and easygoing place compared to other frenetic capitals in the region. Meet with your guide upon arrival. Stroll about the city to admire French colonial architecture sitting next to gilded temples. Spend your day visiting to the city’s major historic sites including the serene Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple that survived the Siamese war of 1828 and boasting over 8,000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue that today contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and artifacts found in and around Vientiane; That Luang Stupa, the symbol of Laos and whose original, smaller stupa contain a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; and the Patouxay (the Arc de Triomphe), built recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars of the past and offering a sweeping view of the city from the top. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane
Embark on one-hour drive southeast of the city to Buddha Park, a fanciful sculpture garden full of Buddhist and religious images dating back over 500 years. Of particular interest is a giant concrete pumpkin, its three-level interior representing hell, earth and heaven. Return to your hotel to relax before visiting the weaving home-studio of Mrs. Carol Cassidy, an American textiles expert who arrived in Vientiane in 1989 as part of a United Nations project to promote traditional weaving, and who since set up the Lao Textiles Studio. The Studio today has over 40 weavers creating naturally dyed and woven silk pieces reflecting traditional Lao designs. End the day watching sunset on the bank of Mekong River. Overnight in Vientiane (B).

Day 3: Departure
Explore the city at your leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of services