Your journey begins by exploring Vientiane, Laos' modern capital.

Arriving into Vientiane you will have chance to relax and freshen up after your journey before being introduced to Laotian culture on a unique food tour. Starting off with a sundowner, your guide will take you through crowded street stalls and night markets where you will have the chance to try some very interesting and exotic Laotian cuisine.

Day two you embark on a guided tour through the hidden charms of Vientiane. Pay a visit to the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, before continuing to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, which is today used as a religious museum displaying a collection of both Khmer and Lao artworks. Then head to the centre of the city to see Patuxay monument, a replica of the Arc de Triomphe, before wrapping up the city tour with a visit to That Luang, a towering golden stupa built in the 16th century and Vientiane's holiest site which is often busy with local pilgrims. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious Lao-style lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon head to Carol Cassidy's Lao Textiles workshop where you will be welcomed with cocktails and canapés before having a private tour. Carol is an American textiles expert who arrived in Laos in 1989 to discover a “weaver's paradise”. Specialising in 100 percent hand-woven silk, Carol and the 40 Lao artisans she works with produce exquisitely crafted wall hangings, scarves, shawls and custom furnishing fabric. She blends her own artistry with ancient local techniques and traditions to create contemporary art.

Overnight: Settha Palace

Travel northwards from Vientiane into the dramatic mountainous region of Vang Vieng.

After a leisurely start on day three you will travel through the beautiful rural countryside to Vang Vieng, a small town located along the banks of the Nam Song River. Surrounded by limestone karst scenery, this is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque in Laos. The remainder of the day is at leisure to soak up the stunning vistas.

On day four you will enjoy a full day out to discover the beautiful surroundings of Vang Vieng. Travel out into the countryside visiting weaving villages, beautiful lagoons and stunning cave formations boasting vast caverns and impressive stalagmites. Enjoy lunch at an organic farm overlooking the Nam Song River before boarding a small boat for a short scenic cruise back to town.

Overnight: Riverside Boutique Resort

Continue to Laos' jewel, where you will explore the ancient UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang with a unique “insiders tour”.

On day five you will continue northwards driving through beautiful scenery to the spiritual capital of Laos, Luang Prabang. With numerous stops en route for lunch and to see spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore a little of the town independently.

Your guide will take you to the heart of Luang Prabang's distinguished heritage on day six, and introduce you to a number of different specialists on the town's history, culture and Buddhist background. Starting the day at the quaint Royal Palace Museum continue to Wat Xiengthong which is renowned for its beauty and is one the most important Buddhist temples on the town's peninsula. You will also have the rare opportunity to receive a blessing from one of the temple's head monks.

Afterwards, take a short stroll to the nearby Wat Khili. The temple's charming traditional library building houses an historic photo exhibition of Buddhist heritage, known as The Buddhist Archive of Photography. Here you will either meet the founder or Director who will give you unique access to the collection of original photographs and will personally guide you through the backrooms in which it is housed.

In the early afternoon, we will continue to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, where you will meet the co-founder for a unique Directors Tour, which will provide insight into the myriad Laos' ethnic cultures, their traditions and customs.

End the day with a short visit to Luang Prabang's oldest temple, Wat Visoun which dates back to 1503 before climbing the steps of Mt Phousi to glimpse at a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.

Day seven head out to the countryside for an open air cooking class with a five-star head chef. Travel to a local market where you will buy the ingredients before heading to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. Right next to the falls the cooking class will be set up where you will learn how to cook four individual Laotian dishes before sitting down to eat the fruits of your labour.

In the afternoon take an idyllic private sunset cruise on the Mekong River. Enjoy a bottle of Champagne and canapés while taking in the breath-taking sceneries while the sun sets behind the hills.

Overnight: Sofitel Luang Prabang

Enter into the fabled northern region of Muang La to explore ethnic minority villages, rolling hills and hot springs.

Leave early on the morning of day eight where you will travel first through rolling hills and along the Nam Ou River before the road twists and the scenery becomes increasingly mountainous. Here there is the opportunity to stop and explore some Hmong villages including Ban XongJa before continuing onto Muang La.

Head out for a full day cultural tour on day nine travelling by four wheeled drive vehicle along remote roads to visit isolated Ikhor and Hmong villages, two communities typical of Laos. The track along offers an incredible climb up 1000m which offers some great views and fantastic photo opportunities. Discover their habits, local culture and lifestyle before returning to the resort in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Muang La Resort

Continue through beautiful rural countryside back to the Mighty Mekong River at Pak Beng.

Day ten has a leisurely start before travelling by road through the stunning mountainous scenery to the small river town of Pak Beng. On arrival the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and soak up the atmosphere or the small town, the river and beautiful surrounding countryside.

Overnight: Luang Say Lodge

Take a scenic cruise down the Mekong River back to Luang Prabang.

After an early morning optional visit to the local market in Pak Beng on day 11, board a small but comfortable boat for the incredible picturesque journey along the Mekong River back to Luang Prabang. You will have a couple of short stops along the way to visit local villages before arriving at the Pak Ou Caves which contain 1000's of statues of Buddha. Back on board, continue to Luang Prabang before sunset.

After breakfast on day 12 you have time at leisure until it is time for you to depart for the airport and say farewell to this beautiful and fascinating country.

Overnight: Sofitel Luang Prabang