Steeped in history and filled with beautiful scenery, Laos is quickly emerging as one of Asia's favorite destinations. This week-long tour connects the country's two capitals: from the spiritual and cultural capital of Luang Prabang to the administrative capital of Vientiane. Visit temples, natural wonders, museums and more as you discover the history and wonders of Laos with Exotissimo's expert guides.

Set on a peninsula along the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang has a sleepy feel to it as the waters meander along the tree-lined banks. The city is home to thousands of monks and is evidenced by the hundreds of temples that dot the roads and small laneways of the town. Wake up early one morning to watch the serene alms-collecting ceremony where the towns' monks barefoot down the sidewalks to collect offerings from the locals. The line of bright orange robes swish by, dramatically contrasting to the green trees and white buildings behind them. 

Whilst in Luang Prabang, visit the Traditional Arts and Ethics Centre to learn about the multitude of ethnic minorities in the country. The Heritage Information Centre will provide insight in to the ongoing conservation projects in this UNESCO World Heritage City. Continue your exploration of Laos culture with a cooking class, a fun way to experience the fresh local cuisine.

Venture away from the main part of Luang Prabang with a trip out to the Kuang Sii waterfalls, where you can swim in the blue waters.  Travel up the Mekong by private boat to Pak Ou, where thousands of Buddha statues fill the limestone caves.  Spend a night in the peaceful Kamu Lodge, where you can try your hand at planting rice, traditional fishing methods, or simply relax and soak in the scenery of the countryside.

The final stop of your trip is Vientiane, the administrative capital. Although bigger and busier than its northern counterpart, Vientiane is still very sleepy compared to the other capital cities of Asia. A city tour unlocks the hidden charm of Vientiane. Temples such as Sisaket, Simvang, and Phra Keo have an understated elegance and are nestled in courtyards filled with frangipani trees. See the bizarre Patuxai monument, a Lao version of the Arc de Triomphe, and the golden stupa of That Luang, one of Laos' most important religious sites. Learn about one of Laos' delicacies as you watch local coffee being roasted and blended.

Nobody knows the secrets of Laos like Exotissimo. Unlock the secrets of the country with this fabulous 'Linking Capitals' tour.

Arrive in to Luang Prabang, Laos' cultural and spiritual capital. Transfer to your hotel and then enjoy an orientation tour of this UNESCO World Heritage city. As the day comes to a close, climb the 300 stairs to the top of Mount Phousi for beautiful panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Should you wish, visit the evening hill tribe market where colorful fabrics and gorgeous textiles are for sale.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy a city tour through the tree-lined streets of Luang Prabang. Visit the town's most magnificent temples, including the resplendent Wat Xieng Thong. Learn about Laos' different ethic groups at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre and the country's history at the National Museum, which is housed in the former Royal Palace. Cross the mighty Mekong River to Wat Chompet to watch the sun set over this charming city.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

This morning, a cooking class will introduce you to the ingredients and methods used to create some of the Laos people's favorite dishes. The hands-on class is a fun way to learn about Lao cooking and you get to enjoy the results at lunch as you dine on your own dishes. Spend the afternoon on the outskirts of the city as you visit some ethnic minority villages and the crystal clear waters of Kuang Sii Waterfall.

Your overnight stay in Luang Prabang.

For early risers, there is the chance to witness a spectacular Buddhist ceremony when long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk along the streets to receive offerings from local residents. After breakfast, travel by boat along the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Here, thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues are crammed into the two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff. Continue up the river to the Kamu Lodge, an eco-oriented lodge where you can experience optional activities such as rice planting, gold panning and fishing in the Mekong. A unique way to truly experience the Lao culture!

Overnight at Kamu Lodge.

After a relaxing morning at the lodge, head back to Luang Prabang by boat and visit the Heritage Information Centre. Here you will learn about the importance of preserving the unique heritage and culture of Luang Prabang and the different methods used for that purpose. Afterwards, visit a weaving village to see traditional Lao textiles being created by hand and then on to the unique forest retreat of Wat Pa Phon Pao. A short evening flight takes you in to Vientiane, the capital city.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, the day will be used to discover the hidden charm of Vientiane. This sleepy capital is far away from the bustle and hustle the other Asian capitals. Your city tour includes several spectacular temples, from the Buddha-filled Wat Sisaket, to the most venerated Wat Simuang, to the religious museum at Wat Phra Keo. Visit Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe, Patuxay, and marvel at the golden stupa of That Luang. 

Overnight in Vientiane

After breakfast, the day is free at your leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.