LS-8
: 6 Days/5 Nights Essential Laos
Vientiane
- Xieng Khouang - Luang Prabang - Mekong River - Pak Ou Cave - Vientiane
Contact person : Mary
at mary@asiatravel.com
Tel : (66-2) 677-6240 to 5 (6 lines), Fax : (66-2) 677-6246 to 7 (2 lines)
Pre-booking enquiries
or to book a room
| 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. |
| Day 2: Vientiane - Xieng Khouang |
| Today we continue seeing the town with a short drive 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. The next destination of our trip will be Xieng Khouang via a short flight (QV 401, 15h30 - 16h00 ) from Vientiane. The remote province of Xieng Khouang was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival we drive out to visit the "Plan of Jars" , an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. Overnight in Xieng Khouang. (B) |
| Day 3: Xieng Khouang - Luang Prabang (Overland) |
| Upon leaving the town we set off on a short drive to explore the province's old capital of Muang Khun and the nearby villages. They are home of the Hmong hilltribe people who are very poor but possess an interesting culture and a colourful history. We drive towards Luang Prabang. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long , but we can can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. We arrive in Luang Prabang by late afternoon and enjoy a walk to catch our first glimpse of the town. Overnight at Luang Prabang. (B) |
| Day 4: Luang Prabang - Pakou - Luang Prabang |
| The tranquillity and charm of Luang Prabang with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. We enjoy a full day guided tour , seeing the city's oldest temple of Wat Wisunalat and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. Heading out of this sight, we continue seeing the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. The national museum is not to be missed. This masterpiece in a tranquil setting of the former Royal Palace, 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 then climb up to the top of Phousi Hill for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong river. Overnight in Luang Brabang. (B,L) |
| Day 5: Luang Prabang - Pakou - Vientiane |
| Today we board a boat cruising upstream on the Mekong River with stopover at Ban Xang Hai where villagers make potent local rice wine. The cruise will pass the stunning mountain landscape, also giving us an enjoyable visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. After the river trip we visit the famous hand weaving village of Ban Phanom where shoppers can try their hand at bargaining. The remainder of the day will be free for your own exploration of the town before transferring to airport for flight back to the capital city. On arrival you are met and transferred to hotel. The perfect way to round off our day is to watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. Overnight 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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Tour
Cost in US Dollar per person (Minimum of 2 person)
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Group
size
|
Standard
|
First
Class
|
Superior
|
Deluxe
|
|
2
pax
|
715
|
805
|
859
|
1,044
|
|
3-5
pax
|
582
|
672
|
728
|
915
|
|
6-9
pax
|
507
|
598
|
652
|
842
|
|
10-14
pax
|
434
|
525
|
578
|
772
|
|
15-19
pax
|
412
|
504
|
558
|
750
|
|
20
pax & up
|
420
|
510
|
562
|
758
|
|
Single
suppl.
|
95
|
175
|
222
|
407
|
|
Full
board suppl.
|
108
|
124
|
147
|
167
|
|
Included :
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Not included :
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Trip note :
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Pre-booking enquiries or to book a room