Vientiane Stopover, 3 days

On arrival at Vientiane Airport, you are greeted by our guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer. We spend our time exploring the capital city of Laos, Vientiane. This laidback city stretching long the mighty Mekong River conjures up exotic images with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French influences. The initial history of Vientiane dates back the sixteenth century, but it left its legacy in form of few pagodas which are still standing in place after many struggles for the independence. The recent economic reform of Laos has made this small city undergoing some vast changes with growing ambition. However, the historic old quarter of Vientiane still houses many French colonial villas, boutique hotels, vibrant shop malls, open air restaurants and tree lined boulevards. We visit  Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane. This beautiful structure features remarkable frescoes and cloister wall where are laying almost 7,000 Buddha statues in all sizes. They have been made from wood, stone, and bronze and brought here  hundred years ago. Nearby is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. This sacred jade statue is currently displayed at  Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. We visit this landmark and enjoy a walk along the Mekong riverbank, a good place to enjoy drinks and explore the authentic local way of life.

Today, we continue exploring Vientiane with Patouxai, a version of own Arc de Triomphe. This imposing structure stands in Lane Xang Avenue and provides a beautiful view over the town center. The current national symbol of Laos That Luang Stupa which is  the  most venerable Buddhist monument. The golden stupa  of this structure was  built in Laos style but influenced by Buddhist beliefs. We follow it with a walk around the vibrant Morning Market, a flagship shopping destination in Vientiane. The market interior is crammed with shopping malls that sell everything from medicinal herbs, electronics equipment, silver jewellery, hand make  silks to everyday sundries. Heading out of the  town we drive past the giant Friendship Bridge which links Thailand and Laos, and continue to  the impressive Buddha Park. This landmark represents a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by a mystical monk on a parkland near the Mekong River. We walk around these huge images scattered amongst gardens and catch some wonderful photos. The traditional silk is regarded as Lao jewels, many of which are found at the Lao Textile Museum. We make stop at this this museum and see a large collection of beautiful  silk fabrics. The production technique is sophisticated and potentially one, requiring a high level of perseverance and artistic talent to create exquisite fabrics and natural colors.

There are no activities planned on this final day. You may have free time to continue your exploration of Vientiane City, do your last shopping or simply look back upon your trip images. The holiday comes to an end with a transfer to Vientiane Airport for  your departure.