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
• Some weaving villages surrounding Luang Prabang

HIGHLIGHTS

• Exploring some of the oldest temples in Vientiane and Luang Prabang
• Take a relaxing boat trip to the sacred Pak Ou caves
• Visit the weaving villages which is considered as base ground of Laos textile

ITINERARY

[Day 1] Vientiane Arrival
Meals: dinner | Accommodation: hotel

On your arrival at Wattay airport, you will be welcomed by our friendly tour guide then transferred downtown for check-in at your hotel. Free time at your leisure.
Tonight, we will enjoy a special dinner at NA DAO restaurant. Here, you will have a chance to talk with an American expert at Carol Cassidy shop and learn about the diversity of Laotian weaving motifs from her workshop. Carol remained in Laos and formed the Lao Textiles Studio which offers job opportunities for over 40 weavers creating natural dyed, woven silk pieces reflecting traditional Lao design reinterpreted.

[Day 2] Vientiane City Tour
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: hotel

Today is a textile exploration day when we will visit various villages specializing in cloth dying and weaving at Ban Nong Bouathong as well as other craft and textile shops in Vientiane.

If time permits, we can 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 for the rest of day at leisure.

[Day 3] Vientiane – Luang Prabang
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: hotel

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Wattay airport for flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at the charming World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, meet up with your guide and have a transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time.

This afternoon is for exploration of famous weaving villages in the outskirt of Luang Prabang. Ban Phanom "Thai Lu " is well-known for its weaving tradition passed down from generations to generations and observe how locals work spiritedly. Leaving this village, we go to another villages of Ban XiengLek and Xangkhong nestled along Mekong river where sounds from looms working diligently all day long are heard. You can stop for a chat with local people to know more about their daily life.

Get back to your hotel for refreshment before heading out for dinner. Then enjoy an interesting welcoming Baci ceremony at a well-preserved house with many local participants.
Overnight at your hotel.

[Day 4] Luang Prabang – Weaving Villages
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: hotel

Early risers can join with local people to give food to hundreds of Buddhist monks returning from morning prayers, then take a stroll to the nearby market before back to hotel for breakfast.

After that, we take a drive to famous sites in the city such as Royal Palace which is now the National Museum. 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. Later, 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.

Then 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. An interesting talk with silk weaving experts at Ock Pop Tok weaving centre about all weaving & dying techniques is followed by an hour cocktail sunset cruise on the Mighty Mekong river.
Overnight at your hotel.

[Day 5] Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Weaving Villages
Meals: breakfast and lunch| Accommodation: hotel

After breakfast at your hotel, we drive to the outskirt to the mysterious Pak Ou cave by the side of a limestone cliff and opposite the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves which are repositories for thousands of Buddha images ranging from mere centimeters to two meters in height. Then we head to Ban Nanyang village of Lu minority who originally came from China in late 18th century. This village still keep its own tradition of weaving technique for special pattern products. Make a call at local houses to have better understanding of their daily life and effort to keep unique culture features from generations to generations.
Back to your hotel for another night in the charming town.

[Day 6] Luang Prabang Departure
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: N/A

Breakfast at your hotel and have free time at your leisure before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Trip ends.

Notes:
- 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.

PRICE PER PERSON (Valid until 31 Dec 2012)

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Included

• Accommodation
• Meals as specified
• Boat trip as specified
• Domestic flight VTE-LPQ (inclusive of airport tax)
• Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
• English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees
• 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)
• Personal insurance

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