Visit cultural attractions, including museums and important temples. Learn about Buddhism and its central role in Lao culture. Explore markets, visit hill tribe villages, meet silk weavers and contemporary textile designers, and take a memorable cruise on the Mekong, visiting craft villages and caves filled with Buddha statues. Upon request, we are also happy to incorporate special touring such as hiking, a cooking class, a visit to a private home, photography excursions, attending alms processions, and more. This tour combines nicely with touring elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Day 01: ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE
On arrival in Vientiane, meet your guide and transfer to your centrally located hotel. After a short rest, take a sightseeing of the capital’s temples, including Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha. On the way to the sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane ’s own Arc de Triumph. Watch the sunset and spend the evening by the Mekong Riverside. Overnight in Vientiane
Day 02: VIENTIANE - XIENGKHUANG ( Breakfast )
Take the short afternoon flight to Xieng khouang, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival, visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site containing hundreds of large stone jars littered all over the plateau. Then explore the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people who have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Overnight in Phonsavanh.
Day 03: XIENGKHOUANG - LUANG PRABANG ( by road ) ( Breakfast )
Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hilltribe people barter and exchange merchandises. We then head out towards Luang Prabang. Enroute we stop off to see the Buddha images in Thampra, a site more than 200 years old, and various Hmong and hilltribe minority villages along the way. After a photo stop, we continue driving uphill, enjoying the splendid natural scenery of the mountains, the forest and landscape. The journey will take us over mountainous regions until we approach Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful traditional towns in Asia.
After checking into your hotel, if time permits, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse a lovely selection of handmade textiles, made by the local people and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight at Luang Prabang
Day 04: LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU CAVE ( Breakfast )
Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temples of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where local rice wine is produced. On return, we take a short drive to another small village Ban Phanom, which is famous for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 05: LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE ( Breakfast )
After breakfast, we visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. There will also be time for us to look around the Central Market. You wil then be transferred to the airport for your flight.
Note: The above prices are excluded peak season from 22 Dec – 03 Jan and special event New Year Eve, X,mas Eve…
Tour price includes:
Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
Domestic airticket with airport tax: LPQ-VTE (US$80/pax )
Accommodation in twin shared room
Boat trip as stated in above sights
English speaking guide (each city)
Admission fee to indicated sights
Meals: as stated in above sights
Gov’t tax and service charge
Luggage handling and drinking water
Tour price excludes:
Visa stamping fee on arrival
Int’l airport departure tax
Int’l air tickets to / from Laos
Travel Insurance in all kinds
Single room (quoted separately)
Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others |
