Twin Cities of Laos

Arrive in Vientiane, where a guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, head out for a short afternoon orientation tour, beginning at the Patuxai monument, Laos's answer to the Arc de Triomphe, with panoramic views from the top, followed by a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in the country. Overnight in Vientiane.

Spend the morning uncovering Vientiane's hidden charms, beginning at the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the capital's most beautiful temples, and continuing to Wat Phra Keo, now a religious museum housing Khmer and Lao artworks, close to the Presidential Palace, a glimpse into the city's colonial history from the outside. Visit Wat Simuang, the city's most venerated temple, before a Lao-style lunch. In the afternoon, visit the COPE Centre, an organisation supporting landmine and UXO survivors, offering an in-depth look at the lasting impact of unexploded ordnance in Laos. Fly or take the train to Luang Prabang, where a guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel, with the rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Begin at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, for an in-depth history of Laos, then continue on foot to Wat Mai, known for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukharam, with its dazzling golden facade, finishing the morning at Wat Xieng Thong, Laos's most photographed temple. Break for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple in the city, and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to the country's ethnic minorities, with displays of traditional costumes, tools and artefacts. In the evening, take part in the Baci, one of Laos's oldest traditions, a blend of animist and Buddhist belief used to call escaped spirits back to the body, and an important ceremony held before major life events such as weddings, births, travel and farewells. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Early risers can witness the dawn alms-giving ceremony, as long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot through the streets collecting offerings from residents. After breakfast, depart for Kuang Si Waterfalls, relaxing beside the falls or exploring the surrounding jungle on foot, with a steep track to the top for the more adventurous and turquoise pools at the base perfect for a swim. On the way back, make an optional stop at a sanctuary caring for Asiatic black bears rescued from poaching, and the Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise producing sustainable cheese alongside a menagerie of playful animals, finishing with a homemade ice cream. Return to the hotel with time at leisure. In the late afternoon, head to Mount Phousi to climb its 328 steps in time for sunset, with stunning panoramic views from the summit, before a stop at the Night Market on the way back to the hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Transfer to Luang Prabang's sleepy jetty and board the Nava Mekong, a traditional wooden river boat with wide, open-air seating, for a leisurely cruise upstream past limestone mountains, fishing boats and riverside villages. After around two hours, dock at Pak Ou Caves, where more than 4,000 Buddha images have been tucked into the cave's nooks and crannies over the centuries, considered one of the most important spiritual sites in Laos. Cruise back downstream, with a delicious lunch of Lao specialties served onboard, and dock back in Luang Prabang in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy free time at leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time to visit the Heritage Information Centre, learning about the programs underway to preserve Luang Prabang's historic buildings, bringing your journey through Laos's twin cities to a close.