Treasures of Laos

How much for this trip? Rates are nett and quoted in USD per pax (Minimum 2 travellers are required to start the trip) Rates valid until 01 Dec 2008 Hotel  Category 2-4 persons Single Supplement Superior Class     First Class     Deluxe Class     Luxury Class     Inclusions : Accommodation (double/twin sharing) Private pick up and transfer (A/C van) English/French speaking tour guide Meals specified in tour program All Internal/domestic air tickets per program All entrance, permission and visiting fees Exclusions : Visa stamp fee upon arrival. Departure airport tax Meals which do not specify in the program Personal travel insurance in all kinds International flights to and from Laos All personal expenses All gratuities and tips to drivers and tour guide. List of Accommodation :  Superior Class ***  Vientiane City: Inter City Hotel  Luang Prabang: Auburge Hotel  Xieng Khouang: Manoluck Hotel  First Class ****  Vientiane City: Novotel Lao Hotel  Luang Prabang: Auburge Hotel  Xieng Khouang: Villa Santi Hotel  Deluxe Class *****  Vientiane City: Settha Palace  Luang Prabang: La Residence Phou Vao  Xieng Khouang: Sansana Hotel Other Package Tours :  Treasures of Laos (05 days and 04 days) Legends of Laos (06 days and 05 days) Icredible Laos (09 days and 08 days) Impressive Laos (07 days and 06 nights) Wonders of Luang Prabang (04 days) Lao Adventure Tours :  Laos Discovery (08 days and 07 nights) Laos Highlanders (11 days and 10 nights) Surprises of Laos (09 days and 08 nights) Unseen Hill Tribes (14 days and 13 nights) Tastes of Laos (11 days and 10 nights) Indochina Tours :  Highlights of Indochina (16 days and 15 nights) Heritages of Indochina (17 days and 16 nights) Best of Indochina (19 days and 18 nights) Highlights of Southeast Asia (21 days) Signatures of Indochina (21 days) Treasures of Indochina (16 days and 15 nights) Jewels of Indochina (19 days and 18 nights) Laos and Camabodia Exploration (11 days) Exotics of Indochina (23 days and 22 nights) Truly Asia (16 days and 15 nights) Enchanting Asia (19 days and 18 nights) Board Basis Descriptions : B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner Book this tour  Return to Previous Page

	Name of the trip: Treasures of Laos
	Trip Code: VNLT-LPT-01 (Reference Code)
	Duration: 05 days and 04 nights
	Trip type: Private & Daily departure
	Trip Starts from: Vientiane City
	Trip Ends in: Vientiane City
	Extension: The trip can be extended if tourists want to visit Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam pre/post of the trip.
	Call to Book: +84.91.2270058
	Required booking time: At least 30 days in advance for group and 15 days for individual

TRIP OVERVIEW

This tour takes you to Xiengkhouang, an area situated in the north of Laos, famous for the mysterious Plain of Jars which are stone jars in different sizes carved out of solid rock scattered all over a plateau. Its historical archaeology traces back more than 2500 – 5000 years, and its purpose is still unknown to acientists. The Indochina war began here in the secret land of Laos and on this tour you will see the after war-affects on ancient sites.

DETAILS OF THE TRIP

Day 1: Arrival –Vientiane
On arrival in the Laos capital of Vientiane, 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, and American influences. After a short rest, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the Wat Sisaket, the oldest 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 icon, the precious and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. The Mekong river side is the perfect place to end the day and admire the sunset. Overnight in Vientiane.
 
Day 2: Vientiane – Xiengkhouang (by flight)
We board a short afternoon flight to Xiengkhouang.  Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. We also have time, this afternoon seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hilltribe and Tai Dam people. They have an interesting local culture and a colourful history. Overnight in Phonsavanh (B)
 
Day 3: Xiengkhouang – Luang Prabang (by road)
Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hilltribe people barter and exchange merchandises. We then head out towards Luang Prabang.  Enroute we stop off to see the Buddha images in Thampra, a site more than 200 years old, and various Hmong and hilltribe minority villages along the way. After a photo stop, we continue driving uphill, enjoying the splendid natural scenery of the mountains, the forest and landscape. The journey will take us over mountainous regions until we approach Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful traditional towns in Asia.
 
After checking into your hotel, if time permits, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse a lovely selection of handmade textiles, made by the local people and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight at Luang Prabang (B)
 
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou cave
Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temples of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where local rice wine is produced. On return, we take a short drive to another small village Ban Phanom, which is famous for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)
 
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Departure
After breakfast, we visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace.  It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. There will also be time for us to look around the Central Market. You wil then be transferred to the airport for your flight. (B)