On the trails of Laotian history

After your hotel breakfast, you begin at 8:30 AM discovering the main monuments of Vientiane, a small, peaceful capital full of charm. You start with the That Luang (Pha That Luang), the most revered stupa in the country, then discover Patuxay, Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe. You continue towards Vat Sisaket, before visiting Ho Phra Keo, which once housed the Emerald Buddha, now preserved in Bangkok.

Your morning ends at the COPE exhibition center, where you can better understand the consequences of the Second Indochina War and the devastation that UXOs continue to inflict on local populations.

For lunch, you head to Doi Ka Noi restaurant, located slightly away from the city center and committed to sustainable development. Laos's first establishment of its kind to follow the slow food movement, it offers authentic and delicious Lao cuisine. Here, there is no fixed menu: dishes change daily according to products available at the market, the season, and the wishes of chef Noy.

In the afternoon, you discover a flagship activity of Lao culture: Muay Lao, close to Thai boxing and practiced with feet, fists, and knees. You learn more about this sport before participating in an accessible training session, where rigor and concentration blend with a convivial moment to share with family.

At the end of the day, you join a local sauna to discover another Lao tradition: the medicinal herbal sauna. A true gathering place, it allows you to meet with friends or family, or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation. You alternate between steam bath and patio, where you can chat over a herbal infusion, before taking a cold shower. You can also observe local habits around body and skin care, notably the use of creams and tamarind-based products.

Dinner on your own.

The day begins with the discovery of the first site of the Plain of Jars. Among the many sites that make up this complex, only three are accessible to the public. You explore in particular Thong Hai Hin, which brings together 250 jars weighing from 600 kg to 6 tonnes, before continuing with a visit to the two other sites.

Lunch in the form of a picnic.

Around 1 p.m., you head to the Mulberries farm to discover local life around silk and its artisanal manufacturing methods. Laotian silk belongs to the family of wild silks and is distinguished by its rougher and less smooth appearance. All stages of its production are carried out manually. You will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop of your choice to better understand this craft.

Returning to Xieng Khouang around 4:30 p.m., you visit the MAG exhibition centre to better understand the consequences of the bombings related to recent conflicts in the region.

Local dinner on site.

You board a pirogue for approximately 1 hour 50 minutes of navigation on the Nam Nern River. As you drift along the water, you may have the opportunity to spot lizards and various bird species. Upon arrival at the camp, you settle into your bamboo huts.

Lunch.

You then discover the tiger conservation and protection project and the actions being carried out in the region.

In the mid-afternoon, you resume navigation upstream on the river. Accompanied by local hunters and rangers, you set off on a forest walk to a mudflat.

You continue your navigation to a sandbank where you have your dinner around a campfire. This time is dedicated to sharing local tales and legends, as well as preparing for the night safari: animals likely to be observed and rules of conduct to follow.

Once night falls, you set off again by pirogue for the night safari. The engine is turned off and only your guide uses his flashlight to observe the riverbanks and spot animals. When an animal is spotted, you can turn on your own lamps. With a bit of luck, you may observe sambar deer, porcupines, otters or muntjacs, among other animals. Silence is essential and communication is done by signs so as not to disturb the wildlife.

This night safari project helps raise awareness of the protection and conservation of wildlife in the region. For each animal spotted, a bonus included in the safari price is awarded to residents of the 14 villages participating in the project, to encourage wildlife preservation and combat illegal trade and poaching.

After the safari, you return to the camp to spend the night.

Optionally, you can wake up early to attend the alms-giving ceremony to the monks of Luang Prabang, between 5:30 and 6 am. Before returning to your hotel, you also have the opportunity to make a detour to the morning market.

After included breakfast, you set out to discover the main monuments of Luang Prabang. You first visit Wat Xieng Thong, located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. This emblematic temple of the city is distinguished by its local architecture and constitutes an important pilgrimage site.

You continue with a visit to the National Museum, former Royal Palace, then to Vat Mai. At Vat Xieng Mouane, its training center allows you to discover different crafts dedicated to Buddhist art. You then walk along the facade of the French Institute of Luang Prabang, former residence of comedian Pierre Desproges.

The discovery continues at Ock Pop Tok, a center dedicated to promoting products from traditional textile craftsmanship of Laos.

Lunch included on site.

In the afternoon, you can choose to visit an ethnology museum, closed on Mondays, to better understand the ethnic and cultural diversity of Laos.

You also have the opportunity to participate in a wooden spinning top making workshop. Very popular with Hmong children, this game is also played by adults in throwing competitions. You make your own spinning top before being able to play with the villagers.

Late in the afternoon, you head to Vat Prabat Tai to admire the sunset over the Mekong River.

Optionally, you can also play a game of boules with the locals.

Dinner on your own. The Tamarind restaurant notably offers fresh products and dishes inspired by traditional Lao cuisine.

Hotel breakfast included.

At 8:30 AM, accompanied by your guide, head towards the Nam Khan River valley to reach the elephant camp. Upon arrival, a presentation of the camp and its elephants allows you to learn more about their living conditions, diet, veterinary care and well-being. You will then set off for a forest walk alongside an Asian elephant.

Optionally, you can make a detour to Tad Sae Waterfall, depending on the season, preferably between July and December when the pools are filled with water.

Buffet lunch at the camp included.