Visiting friendly Laos capital city where many ancient monuments and stupas. Beside, this city boasts outstanding French colonial architecture and low level buildings that are spread out in the city, enhancing a cultural and relaxed atmosphere. Up there in Luang Prabang, you experience the ancient kingdom of Laos where traditionally remain uncharged in century. It is known as the 'Thousand Pagoda City', there are countless intriguing architectural highlights in the sleepy and once royal capital.

DESTINATIONS

• Vientiane, the delightfully friendly capital of Laos
• The charms of Luang Prabang and its major must-see sites

HIGHLIGHTS

• Exploring some of the city's oldest temples
• Take a relaxing boat trip to the sacred Pak Ou caves
• Enjoy a swim in the turquoise pools of Khuang Si Waterfall

ITINERARY

[Day 1] Luang Prabang Arrival
Meals: N/A | Accommodation: hotel

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be warmly welcomed by tour guide and transferred to downtown of the city. Luang Prabang, which was the first ancient capital of Lane Xang Kingdom, is a small charming city with temples remaining in the town and surrounding areas. We firstly visit National museum, the former Royal Palace which houses the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts received from foreign dignitaries. Next are Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts, and Wat Xiengthong which epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. After that, we will learn about diversified cultures of Laos' ethnic people from clothing, religious artifacts, household objects and tools which are displayed at private centre of Traditional Arts and Ethnology.
If you are interested in a relaxed time of enjoying sunset, we'll take you onboard Mekong Silk boat along the river for nice shots of beautiful scenery.

*** Sunset boat trip is upon request and at extra charge. Best time to take is from November to April.

[Day 2] Luang Prabang
Meals: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: hotel

For early risers before dawn, there is a good chance to participate in giving food (prepared by your guide) to hundreds of monks passing by with the alms bowl. Giving alms to monks is an early morning ritual dating back for generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning and then back to hotel for breakfast.

After that, we will drive to the pier for a 2-hour boat trip on Mekong river visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves where hundreds of gilded and wooden Buddha statues are housed inside a towering limestone cliff. On the way make a stop at the local primary school to get a glimpse of the education system and infrastructure. You are recommended to leave something practical for students such as books, school bags, clothes ...
Back to the downtown passing rural outskirt then have lunch at a local restaurant looking over the rivers T-junction.

Later, we will go to the charming village of Phone Say hiding itself along the Mekong river. Just half-an-hour walk from main road then you will find yourself in the peaceful area where almost women dwellers doing weaving textile while men doing fishing on the Mekong river. Make a call to local people for a better comprehension of daily life.
Overnight at your hotel.

[Day 3] Luang Prabang - Vientiane
Meals: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: hotel

Get away from the city and indulge yourself into the tranquility world of Kuangsi waterfall which is 30 km to the south of the town. Make a stop at the local market Talad Phosy to enjoy local daily life. Kuangsi waterfall is spectacular with its green surroundings as the national protected forest area. There is plenty of time for relaxing and a swim in the clear and cool water. It is also an ideal venue for the local families to rest at the weekend. Picnic lunch is served at the shady park nearby the water fall. Later on, we head back to Luang Prabang for fresh-up and then being transferred to the airport for a flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival in the capital city, be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for the rest of day at your own leisure.

[Day 4] Vientiane City Tour
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: hotel

Breakfast at hotel is followed by drive to Buddha Park located in the southeast of the city. It is a fanciful sculpture garden full of Buddhist and religious images dating back over 500 years. You will get fascinated by a giant concrete pumpkin whose 3-level interior represents Hell, Earth and Heaven. Next, we will visit some of Vientiane historic sites such as the infamous Wat Sisaket, the oldest and only temple that survived from the Siamese war in 1828. This is a wonderful Buddhism museums that displays more than 8000 Buddha statues. We continue with Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue and discover the collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in and around Vientiane. Last but not least is the visit to Vientiane landmark, the golden That Luang Stupa. This is the single most important monument in Laos that was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha.
Back to your hotel and have free time at your leisure.

[Day 5] Vientiane Departure
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: N/A

Free time at your leisure until our car comes and picks you up to the airport for your departure flight. End of service.

Note:
- With the Morning Alms Giving, if you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately, shoulder, chest and legs should be covered.
- As per local authority law, 22-seater coaster is not allowed to get into the old quarter except 13-seater minivan.
- National Museum is closed on Tuesdays, the private Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

PRICE PER PERSON (Valid until 31 Dec 2012)

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Included

• Accommodation
• Meals as specified
• Boat trip as specified
• Domestic flight LPQ-VTE (inclusive of airport tax)
• Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
• English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees and taxes
• Water & cold towel on sightseeing tour.
• Government fund and tax.

Not included

• International flight tickets and airport tax
• Visas
• Other meals
• Beverages, guide gratuities and personal expenses.
• Other foreign language guide
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Camera fees (if any)
• Surcharge in peak season (Christmas & New Year)

ACCOMMODATION

Mid-range
• Luang Prabang: New Daraphet Villa - Deluxe Room
• Vientiane: Sengtawan Riverside – Superior Room

Superior
• Luang Prabang: Villa Santi Hotel or Resort - Deluxe Room
• Vientiane: Don Chan Palace - Classic Room

Deluxe
• Luang Prabang: Maison Souvannaphoum – Garden Wing Room
• Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel – Deluxe Room