Vientiane, beautiful town of Lung Prabang, Mekong cruise,
Khouang Si Waterfalls, hill tribe villages. 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.
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. Overnight in Vientiane.
Overnight : at hotel
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.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
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. Overnight in Luang Brabang.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast/Lunch
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 Waterfalls 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. Overnight
in Luang Prabang.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
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. Overnight in Vientiane.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
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. Meals : Breakfast
