The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Vientiane, at 8:30am for morning departure or 1:30pm for afternoon departure. The first stop of the day is the serene Wat Si Saket temple, the only temple left intact after the Thai invasion of 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in Vientiane and its teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, a religious museum that displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Next, visit the Presidential Palace to admire the colonial architecture from the outside and learn about the building which once served as the French governor’s palace. After the palace, head towards COPE, an association working to help local landmine victims. At the center, learn about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances in the area and the efforts underway to clear them. Make your way to the Patuxay monument next, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, climb the stairs to the roof and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Continue on towards That Luang, the holiest site in Laos, constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century. Watch how the stunning temple glistens as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire, before the return journey to your hotel at the end of the tour.