TRIP
FEATURES
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Name
of the trip: Impressive Laos |
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Trip
Code: VNLT-LPT-04 (Reference Code) |
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Duration: 7
days and 6 nights |
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Trip
type: Private & Daily departure |
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Trip
Starts from: Vientiane City |
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Trip
Ends in: HoueiSay (border to Thailand) |
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Extension:
The trip can be extended if tourists want to visit
Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam pre/post of the trip. |
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Call to Book:
+84.91.2270058 |
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Required booking
time: At least 30 days in advance for group and 15
days for individual |
TRIP OVERVIEW
The traditions of Luang Prabang are unique throughout Asia,
the daily morning processions of the monks receiving alms from
the population is an extraordinary experience. Lao culture is
hugely indebted to Theravada Buddism and despite global
modernization Buddhist thinking still profoundly influences
much of Lao culture. Learning about the beautiful culture and
history is the most enriching aspect of your trip as we visit
many different ethnic minority villages, exploring enchanting
caves, temples and many other places of interest.
DETAILS OF THE TRIP
Day 1: Arrival –Vientiane
On arrival at Wattay Airport, you will be met and transferred
to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and
fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai,
Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences. A
city tour acquaints us with the capital and after a short
rest, we start visiting the major sights; including the oldest
Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha
statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which
previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to
Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred
structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity
to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which
is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Overnight
in Vientiane.
Day 2: Vientiane – Vang Vieng
We leave this wonderful town after breakfast for our journey
northbound on route no. 13. We will see some breathtaking
scenery enroute as we pass through spectacular countryside
towards the mountainous region. We make a stop along the way
at Vang Xang, a famous archeological site dating back to the
11th century. We reach our final destination in the afternoon,
the small town of Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of
the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with its limestone
outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with
the advent of tourism. On arrival at Vang Vieng, we cross the
Nam Song River to Tham Jang caves and then enjoy a short trek
through breathtaking mountain landscape to explore the Tam
None Cave and some hill villages. Today ends with a superb
panorama of the sunset reflecting over the Nam Song River.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 3: Vang Vieng - Lung Prabang
Today we will set off early driving up route 13TH north to
Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional
city in Southeast Asia. The roads are well paved along the way
for a smooth journey; we pass some stunning landscape scenery
with a mixture of steep terraced fields and hill villages, we
take a few photo stops at some small hill tribe village
enroute. Each hill tribe village in Laos has a different feel,
some are more prosperous than others but all have plenty of
life. The Muang Xieng Nguen village is our next stop and we
spend a short amount of time observing the local lifestyle
prior to reaching Luang Prabang. On arrival in Luang Prabang,
we have enough time to explore some landmarks, including the
impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the
city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the Wat Mai with five
tiered roofs. A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete
without ascending 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a
beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection
on the Mekong River. The zigzag path crosses over various
temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phou, another World
Heritage Site, recognized by UNESCO in 2002. In the evening,
we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely
selection of souvenirs and handmade textile made by local and
hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in
Luang Prabang (B)
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfall
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to
participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks
collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the
faithful residents. This procession is very unique in Laos,
being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the tradition.
From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you
will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local
tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and
hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional
handicrafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao
ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Hill tribe, Ban Ou,
Lowland Lao and Ban Thapene of Khmu village. After we head
towards the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can take a
dip in the large turquoise pools or walk along the forest
paths. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and
continue to Ban Phanom, a well-known tradional weaving
village, and then return to the city by late evening for
observing the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang
Prabang (B)
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Nong Khiow
Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest
temple, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong where you
can see the impressive “tree of life” mosaic pattern set
in coloured glass. Its exterior architecture is remarkable
with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing
classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise
upstream on the Mekong River, giving us a beautiful view of
the tranquil countryside. We take an interesting visit to the
mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are two linked caves crammed
with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various
shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at
the village of Ban Xang Hai, famous for the production of Lao
rice wine. We then continue by boat to Nong Khiow. Along the
way we stop to visit at Thai Lu village at Ban Pak Jak and the
weaving villages of Ban Nongkham and Ban Muang Souen before
arriving in Nong Khiow by the late afternoon. Nong Khiow is a
remote village situated by the KzOvernight banks of the river,
across a dramatic valley. The surrounding mountainous scenery
is stunning. Overnight in Nong Khiow.(B)
Day 6: Nong Khiow – Oudomxay – Pakbeng (Road)
We leave Nong Khiow after breakfast and drive towards
Oudomxay, the most mountainous area in Laos. The road
conditions are are partly good and poor, so it may be a rough
journey; however many villages dot the hillsides and the
undulating terrain makes this an interesting journey. Oudomxay
province is residence to a mixture of 23 ethnic minority
groups. We make a few rest stops along the way, which gives
you the opportunity to see the ethnic minority groups of
Hmong, Khmu, Black Thai and Lu; Hmong hilltribe people at Ban
Songja and Ban Jarong. The hill tribe people are unfailingly
friendly; welcoming you with waving hands and smilling faces.
On arrival at Oudomxay city, we head out the town to Pakbeng,
along the way, we visit some more Khmu, Tai Dam (Black Thai),
Hmong villages. Once we arrive at Pakbeng, we browse the daily
evening hill tribe market before checking in to your hotel.
Overnight in Pakbeng (B)
Day 7: Pakbeng – HoueiSay (Boat)
Today, we embark on a traditional boat upstream on the magical
Mekong River. This portion of the Mekong River is narrow but
both banks of the river are bordered with beautiful mountain
ranges and lush forests. Along the way, we observe the
peaceful river life and visit at Ban Houeilampen to visit the
Hmong hill tribe people, who are very poor but have a unique
culture. On arrival at HoueiSay, we board a ferryboat crossing
the Mekong River to Chiang khong in Thailand, where the tour
finishes (B) |
Vientiane City
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