TRIP
FEATURES
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Name
of the trip: Surprises of Laos |
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Trip
Code: VNLT-LPT-08 (Reference Code) |
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Duration: 9 days and 8
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: Luang Prabang City |
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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
This tour is full of pleasant surprises.
Prepare for a unique experience as we take in the ancient
national sites of Vientiane, the idyllic tranquil town of Vang
Vieng and the charming laid-back city Luang Prabang. Time is
spent at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfalls where you can
refresh yourself in the cool pools. We trek through some hill
tribe villages to meet the fascinating local people.
Experience a rural homestay spending an evening enjoying a
local dinner and sampling the local produce of Lao rice wine.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 1: Arrival – Vientiane
On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you will be met and
transferred to your hotel. Located on the banks of the Mekong
River, 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 freshening up, we start visiting some
the major sights; including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket, an
amazing structure featuring remarkable frescoes and Buddha
images. We also visit 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
The journey begins as we depart Vientiane and drive along one
of the most scenic routes in the whole of Asia to Vang Vieng,
a small town which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River.
Its stunning scenery with limestone outcrops remains
unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of
tourism. After checking into your hotel, we absorb the
breathtaking mountain landscape and explore the famous cave of
Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century as a
hideout from the Chinese invaders. Overnight in Vang Vieng (B)
Day 3: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang
Today we depart early for our journey by road to Luang
Prabang. The road conditions are very poor; however the
stunning mountain scenery makes it worthwhile. We arrive in
Luang Prabang this afternoon and have time to stroll around to
catch our first glimpse of the sleepy town. This enchanting
town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial
architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed
by UNESCO to be “the best preserved traditional city in
South East Asia”. There is little traffic on Luang
Prabang’s roads and you will see monks dressed in orange
robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas shading
themselves from the sun. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)
Day 4: Luang Prabang – City Tour
It is worth a visit to the National Museum (closed Tuesdays)
at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection
of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating
from the days of the early kings right through the last
sovereign. Today we explore some of the major sights in this
faboulous city, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun,
the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene
and Wat Mai. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent
Wat Xiengthong, its exterior architecture is remarkable with
decorated guilded stuccoes and doorways, a “tree of life”
mosaic pattern set in coloured glass on the back wall and its
three tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground representing
classical Laotian architecture. A visit to Luang Prabang would
be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount
Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded
stupa and to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its
glowing reflection on the Mekong River. From there, we explore
the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of
handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people
surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Ban Paklung
The extremely beautiful mountain region around Luang Prabang
is ideal for an adventurous trekking expedition. After
breakfast, we cross the mighty Mekong River and visit one of
the famous caves in Luang Prabang before walking to local
villages of three kinds of ethnic minority groups of Laos of
Ban Chane and Ban Pha Phet. The Khmu hill tribe people reside
here; they have a primitive and basic lifestyle. After an
enjoyable stop at Ban Pha Phet, we continue our trek and
embark on a boat for a leisurely trip to Paklung where we are
fortunate to be the guests of a friendly Lao family. This
evening we will join the family for a local dinner and
experience the hospitality of the villagers. The accommodation
is very simple and dormitory style with no western facilities.
Overnight at Ban Paklung villager’s house (Home stay). (B)
Day 6: Ban Paklung – Khouangsi Waterfalls
Today we bid farewell to the Lao family and begin our full day
trek, using local tracks and passing through various hill
villages from Ban Jong to Ban Long Phu. We continue to walk
through many different villages where we are sure to attract
attention from many ethnic minorities, as visitors do not
frequently encounter this area. On arrival at Ban
Saluen, we cross the Mekong River again and walk towards the
famous Khouangsi Waterfalls, where water tumbles over
multi-tiered limestone formations into a cool and crystal
clear pool, making it a perfect place to relax after spending
the day trekking. Overnight at Ban Thapene near Khouangsi
Waterfall (B)
Day 7: Ban Long Phu – Ban Long Lao
Today we continue venturing into beautiful areas surrounding
Luang Prabang. We walk up mountainsides passing through
forests, streams and rice fields. The trek is challenging;
however some physical preparation will enable you to maximize
your enjoyment from the walk. We arrive at Ban Long Lao by
late afternoon and have time to walk around this little
village, observing the lifestyle of the local people. Here we
will be honored guests at a villager’s home and you can even
sample their homemade rice wine! Overnight at Ban Long Lao
villager’s house (Home stay) (B)
Day 8: Ban Long Lao – Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we spend half our day trekking, passing
through several small hill villages. On arrival at Ban Xieng
Mouak, we board local transport, a Tuk Tuk for a short drive
back to Luang Prabang. The rest of the day is free at your
leisure for your own exploration of the town and to catch up
on some shopping. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)
Day 9: Luang Prabang – Departure
There is free time for you to explore the town further or to
relax before your transfer to the airport for departure. (B) |
Vientiane City
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