Description

From Vientiane-Luang Prabang Tour (6D5N)

 

 

At a Glance

Laos, Land of a Million Elephants

• Day 01, Arrival-Vientiane
• Day 02, Vientiane
• Day 03, Vientiane – Luang Prabang
• Day 04, Luang Prabang
• Day 05, Luang Prabang
• Day 06, Departure-Luang Prabang

 

Day 1 . Arrival in Vientiane

Welcome to Laos! – Arrival in Vientiane.

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.

Vientiane’s unhurried air reflects its status as South-east Asia’s smallest capital. Old French colonial villas mix with tranquil Buddhist temples in this quaint diminutive city nestled on the banks of the Mekong.

Transfer to the hotel by air-conditioned vehicle and time for leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals included: 

 

Day 2 . Vientiane – Buddha Park – City tour 

Excursion to the open-air museum Wat Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park) with an interesting collection of original statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities.

Visit the capital Vientiane. Wat Ho Pha Keo, once a temple of the Lao royal family, built in 1565, now converted into a museum, with beautiful Buddhist sculptures. Next to Wat Si Saket was built in 1818 in the Bangkok style. The interior walls of the monastery are littered with more than 2,000 small niches containing Buddhas made of silver and ceramics.

Continue to the boulevard is Patuxai, a monumental building inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. That Luang Stupa (Great Holy Relic) was built between the 11th and 13th centuries and is considered a national monument of Laos.

Visit the night market on the banks of the Mekong River with a diverse range of Lao goods.

Overnight in Vientiane

Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 3 . Vientiane – Luang Prabang

Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to the airport and flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang by QV101 at 11.30-12.15. Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (6 km) to your hotel.

In the charming UNESCO-protected town of Luang Prabang, golden Buddha images adorn gilded temples with sweeping roofs, while saffron-clad monks drift silently by. 

Time at your leisure 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 . Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – City tour 

Let’s get spiritual as we follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims to the Pak Ou Caves. These ancient limestone caves are crammed full of thousands of Buddha statues, many broken and crumbling, covered in dust and cobwebs. But first, relax on a cruise upstream the Mekong River observing life on the sleepy riverbanks. If there’s time, we’ll stop at a village where the eye-watering Lao Lao whisky is made. Be warned, it’s potent! Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is a charming town filled with heritage buildings, colonial villas and gilded temples.

Wat Xieng Thong: Wat Xieng Thong was built in 1560 and situated on the banks of the Mekong River, it is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang and shows the typical Lao art style with old religious artifacts and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art.

Wat Visunalat (Wat Visoun) and That Makmo: Wat Visunalat (Wat Visoun) was built in 1513 during the reign of Chao Wisunalat, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries. Also visit That Makmo, one of the more unusually shaped stupas in Luang Prabang. It is affectionately called by many locals as That Makmo, meaning Watermelon Stupa, on account of its rotund shape.

Wat Aham: Explore Wat Aham, an old temple known for its two enormous banyan trees.

Mount Phousi for sunset: Climb 328 steps starting from the entrance on the opposite side of National Museum, or 410 steps on the other side of Khan River to the small temples atop Phou Si. The hill is 150m high and sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river.

Transfer to/from Talat Night Market (Hmong Market).

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 5 . Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall

5.30: Early this morning, give alms to the monks before starting your tour of Luang Prabang. Begin your excursion with a visit to the local market to see the bustle and activity of the early morning. 

We’ll then go to see the rich treasures in the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Check out the royal family’s private quarters. They have been preserved just as they were when the royal family were forced to leave. Nearby is Hor Phra Bang, an ornate temple housing a sacred Buddha shrouded in legends. At New Year, the Buddha is carried to Wat Mai. So, we’ll go there too!

Pack your swimsuit for a unique swimming experience at the spectacular Kuang Si Falls. Water tumbles over limestone rocks into numerous turquoise pools that are used as natural swimming holes. It’s refreshingly chilly and impossible to resist! On the way back to Luang Prabang stop for a walk around a local village. Once there, take also the opportunity to visit the Bear Rescue Center founded by “Free the Bears” Foundation. The Foundation helps to rescue bears held in horrifying conditions throughout Asia, and regularly milked for their bito be used in traditional medicines. It also provides ongoing care to hundreds of rescued bears and operates rescued bear sanctuaries in several countries. 

17:00 – 18:00 Experience Petanque with Locals

Elderly locals gather in the evenings to play their favourite game, Petanque. This game originated in the South of France in the early 1900’s is played widely across the country. Join in a game with a local group, and as a way of saying “thanks”, surprise them with some snacks and “Beer Lao” we’ve brought with us.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 6 . Luang Prabang – Departure 

Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport by air-conditioned vehicle (6 km).