ITINEARY
DAY 01: VIENTIANE – ARRIVAL – CITY TOUR
On arrival, pick up by our local tour guide at Wattay airport and transfer to check in hotel. Standard check in time is 14h00, early check in upon availability. This afternoon, we start the city tour from Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest temple. Dates back to 1818, Wat Sisaket is the most important heritage temple now standing in Laos. It houses thousands of Buddha images from many countries, long lost architectural styles, sculptures and paintings. Continue to visit Wat Ho Phra keo, former royal temple of the Lao monarchy and originally built in 1565, and home to the Emerald Buddha image. Buddhist sculptures are displayed along the perimeter wall, including a 6th to 9th century Dvaravati-style stone Buddha and several standing and sitting Buddhas. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. We then enjoy sunset by a boat trip on the Mekong River. Overnight in Vientiane.
Overnight in Vientiane.
DAY 02: VIENTIANE – CITY – LUANG PRABANG (B)
After breakfast and check out hotel, visit the Buddha Park where hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures brought from India are displayed. After the visit, transfer to the Lao – China railway station, take the route to Luang Prabang. On arrival, pick up by our local tour guide and transfer to check in hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 03: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE (B)
An optional early start will give us the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. Continue to visit the Morning Market, where we will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.
After breakfast, we discover Luang Prabang from the National Museum at the former Royal Palace. The museum displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We will stop by Wat Mai (New Monastery) is one of the biggest and most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang. Its central position (in front of the night market and beside the Royal Palace) makes it one of the most visited temples of this ancient royal town. And next destination is Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Laotian architecture. a short rest before we visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name. Continue visit to The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre – the first exhibition space and fair trade store dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of Laos’ traditional arts and lifestyles.
We end the day by walking up Phousi Hill – the 328 steps lead to the summit and provides the finest panoramic sunset view.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
DAY 04: LUANG PRABANG – KUANGSI WATERFALLS (B)
This afternoon, we board a longtail boat to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Enjoy the panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as we cruise upstream the Mekong River. Along the way, we stop to visit Xang Hai Village where rice wine is distilled. On arrival, we visit two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. On the cruise trip back to Luang Prabang, we visit Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand-weaving and traditional Saa paper-making.
This afternoon, we transfer to visit Kuang Si waterfall. On the way, stop to visit Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay Village, Ban Ou village and Ban Thapene Village. On arrival at the waterfalls, take a leisure trek through the national park, passing by the Asian bear rescue center and many smaller waterfalls. Swimming in the cool and turquoise water is possible. Return to Luang Prabang and relax for the rest of the day.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 05: LUANG PRABANG – FREE TIME – DEAPRTURE (B)
After breakfast, at leisure until check out hotel and transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
Inclusion
- English-speaking tour guides
- Land transportation by air-con vehicles
- High speed train ticket (1 way: Vientiane – Luang Prabang)
- Accommodation 3*** based on Twin-shared room with breakfast
- Meals as mentioned in the program (no drinks)
- Boat trips and admissions as mentioned in the program
- Drinking water during the touring day (2 bottles/person/day)
Exclusion
- Airfare (international and domestic) and airport tax
- Visa services (Visa approval letter/Visa stamp fee/ Visa fast track)
- Early check-in/late check-out/ room upgrade surcharge
- Main meals (Lunch / Dinner) (Option haft board or full board, set menu USD $8-10/pax/meal)
- Drinks, and other personal expenses (phone call, laundry, tipping etc.)
- Any services not mentioned in the program
- Tip for driver/local guide: USD $5/day/pax
