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LAOS OVERVIEW
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Code: |
LAP 05 |
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Routes: |
Vientiane - Haw Phra Kaew
- That Luang Stupa - Luang Prabang - Wat
Xieng Thong - Mekong Cruise - Weaving
Village - Khouang Si Waterfalls |
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Duration: |
6 Days |
Itinerary in brief
Day 1 : ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE
Day 2 : VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG
Day 3 : LUANG PRABANG - PAKOU -
LUANG PRABANG
Day 4 : LUANG PRABANG -
PAKOU - LUANG PRABANG
Day 5 : LUANG
PRABANG - VIENTIANE
Day 6 : VIENTIANE -
DEPARTURE
 This
is a comprehensive itinerary, designed to
discover Vientiane's major attractions and the World
Heritage listed site of Luang Prabang. Apart from
Buddhist monasteries and significant monuments, we soak
up the cool atmosphere of the scenic Khouang Si
waterfalls and explore some nearby hill tribes villages.
Detail Itinerary
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)
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HOTELS USED ON
THIS TRIP |
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CITY/ AREA
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Standard Class
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First Class
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Superior Class
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Luang Prabang
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Phousi hotel,
Manoluck hotel
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Villa Santi hotel,
Villa Santi Resort
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Phouvao Pansea
hotel, Grand Luang Prabang hotel
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Vientiane
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Lanexang hotel |
Novotel hotel |
Lao Plaza hotell |
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HOTEL NOTES
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