DAY
1: ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE
On
arrival at Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge, you are met
and transferred to our centrally located hotel. On the banks
of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the charming and fascinating
capital of Laos. This small city conjures up exotic images,
with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French
influences. After a short rest, we start our city tour with
Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane.
This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha
statues. The following sight is the former royal temple of Haw
Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha
Image. We also visit the imposing Patouxai Monument well known
as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe before continuing to the
great sacred structure and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa.
O/N in Vientiane.
DAY
2: VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG
The
royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, Luang
Prabang with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial
architecture and stunning mountain backdrop retains an
unique charm rarely found in all Asia. This morning we take a
short flight to Luang Prabang. There is plenty to see in
this delightful town, some of which are the impressive stupa
of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai with five
tiered roofs. We include these sights in a half day guided
tour which ends with a climb to Phousi Hill for a beautiful
sunset view of the town and the Mekong River. There
are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to
the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N in
Luang Prabang. (B)
DAY
3: LUANG PRABANG - PAKOU - LUANG PRABANG
Today
we continue seeing this town with the magnificent Wat Xieng
Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam
Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various
ways with gilded stuccoes as well as doorways and the main sim
has a marvellous 'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall.
We embark on a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong
River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to see the
distillation of local rice wine. Upon leaving this village we
wave our wave through the stunning mountain landscape to the
mysterious Pak Ou Caves. They are crammed with thousands
of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes,
all brought there by devout villagers. After the river trip we
drive towards Ban Phanom and visit the hand
weaving. O/N in Luang Brabang. (B,L)
DAY
4: LUANG PRABANG - KHOUANG SI WATERFALLS
Heading
out of town we embark on a drive south and pass the verdant
and rugged scenery to the bustling market of Phosi that sells
a wide array of local goods and handicrafts. The mountainous
region around Luang Prabang is also home of many ethnic groups
containing Lao Loum, Khmu, Hmong. Along the way we have a
chance to visit Ban Xom, Ban Lao Soung, Ban Ou and Ban
Thapene which provide a deep insight into their simple
lifestyle. Our main stop is the beautiful Khouang Si
Falls which are surrounded by lush forest. The waterfall
tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool
and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape
when the heat becomes unbearable. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)
DAY
5: LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE
The
exploration of Luang Prabang would not be complete without a
visit to the national museum at the former Royal Palace. This
interesting structure displays a lovely collection of
treasures and artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture
dating from the days of the early kings right through the last
sovereign. We also have time to enjoy a walk through the
charming streets before catching a flight back to Vientiane.
After checking into hotel we transfer out to see the Buddha
Park, a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by
mystical monk on a parkland located by the Mekong River and
the impressive Friendship Bridge which links Laos and
Thailand. A perfect way to round off the day is to watch the
spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of riverside
bars. O/N in Vientiane. (B)
DAY
6: VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE
There
is a free time for your own exploration of the city and
catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after your
transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
