| Visiting
both Vientiane and Luang Prabang, this tour provides a small snapshot
of this delightful landlocked country, providing a remarkable contrast
to the frenetic pace of other South East Asian nations.
DAY 1 Depart the UK today on your overnight flight with
Thai Airways via Bangkok and onwards with Bangkok Airways arriving
in Luang Prabang the afternoon the next day. On arrival in Luang
Prabang take time to check into your chosen hotel before starting
your tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang. This
sleepy town comes crowded with important historical significance
to its surrounding countries. Its village feel provides a sense
of welcoming as you explore the town and its riverside setting.
Start your tour with a visit to the Thai influenced Wat Vixoune
and That Makmo, also known as the watermelon stupa. Proceed onwards
to Wat Xieng Thong located between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers.
This temple dates back to the 16th Century and was built by King
Sethathirat, its sweeping roofs and colourful glass panels reflect
classic Lao temple architecture and is Luang Prabang’s most
picturesque temple. Later this afternoon ascend to the top of Mount
Phousi for a bird’s eye view of this remarkably green town
and its mountainous backdrop. Enjoy this evening at leisure to explore
as you wish.
DAY 3 Learn more about the Lao nation at the National
Museum, once the former royal palace before transferring to the
local jetty for your morning boat trip to the caves of Pak Ou. Travelling
upstream on the Mekong by traditional boat you will experience life
by the river en route to the cave temples and their many images
of the Buddha. Stop off at local villages placed close to the riverbank
and experience the daily life of the Lao people. Visit Tham Ting
and Tham Phoum caves with their many Buddha statues and enjoy lunch
at a local restaurant near to the caves. Return to Luang Prabang
this afternoon and stop off at the local village of Ban Xang Khong,
famous for making handmade paper. On arrival into Luang Prabang
take a leisurely stroll around this small town to visit the H’mong
Market or the boutique shops. Your evening is again at leisure,
choose to dine at one of the many local or French restaurants within
the town.
DAY 4 Cross
the Mekong once more today walking through Xieng Mene village and
onwards to Wat Longkhoune, a renovated temple with delightful mural
paintings. Walk to the hillside setting of Wat Chomphet to enjoy
the view of the rivers and town below. Return to Luang Prabang mid
morning. Travel by car late morning to the Kuang Si waterfall. This
picturesque waterfall remains a firm favourite with journeying Lao
or Thai tourists at weekends, where large freshwater pools prove
ideal for taking a dip. Explore the surrounding forest and enjoy
a picnic lunch by the falls. This afternoon visit the H’mong
village at Ban Na Ouane and the Khmou village at Ban Tha Pen, learn
a little about these Lao minority groups and see how they live.
Journey back to Luang Prabang late afternoon and enjoy your evening
at leisure once more.
DAY 5 Explore a little more of Luang Prabang this
morning with a visit to the colourful central market. Proceed to
Wat Mai with its five tiered roof and exquisitely carved veranda.
Enjoy a delightful lunch and spend the remainder of the afternoon
at leisure to explore or relax back at the hotel. Early evening
depart Luang Prabang for your journey south by Lao Airlines to the
capital city – Vientiane. Explore this small city at leisure.
This evening choose to dine in or out at one of the many restaurants.
DAY 6 Today explore the capital. Start your tour
with a visit to the colourful market of Thong Khan Kham, see the
many stalls selling fresh produce and clothing imported from China.
Continue to the oldest temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket, built in
1818 and visit the former royal temple of Ho Phra Keo. See the many
flower stalls of Wat Si Muang and enjoy lunch at Kua Lao restaurant
to sample traditional Lao food. This afternoon continue your tour
to That Luang and its 150 feet stupa, the most revered shrine within
Laos. Pass through Patouxay (Victory Monument) then enjoy free time
to explore Vientiane’s central market Talat Sao. Enjoy a short
walk along the banks of the Mekong River before returning to your
hotel for dinner. Your evening is again free to explore or relax.
DAY 7 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and choose to
spend time at leisure before your onward flight via Bangkok with
Thai Airways arriving in the UK on Monday. Alternatively choose
to extend your stay in Phuket for four or more nights.
MEAL PLAN: Breakfast and lunch daily Day 3 to Day 6. Breakfast only
on Day 7.
ESCORTED: The Classic Laos tour is accompanied by a local guide
from Day 2 to Day 7. The Tour Includes:
- Accommodation in a choice of medium class, first class or deluxe
hotels
- Transport by airconditioned coach or minibus
- Sightseeing where specified and entrance fees
- An English speaking guide
EXTENSIONS: Fly Thai Airways to Phuket via Bangkok for four or more
nights at the Bay Hotel. Alternatively fly Thai Airways to Koh Samui
via Bangkok for four nights or more at the Imperial Boathouse.
TRAVEL TIPS: The tourism infrastructure in Laos is not as developed
as in many other Far East destinations. Transport may be subject
to change or delay.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above tours is subject to change dependant on
flight confirmations, road conditions and room availability. |
