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IMAGE OF LAOS
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Code: |
LAP 04 |
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Routes: |
Vientiane - Haw Phra Kaew
- That Luang Stupa - Luang Prabang - Wat
Xieng Thong - Mekong Cruise - Weaving
Village
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Duration: |
5 Days |
Itinerary in brief
Day 1 : ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE
Day 2 : VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG
Day 3 : LUANG PRABANG - PAKOU -
LUANG PRABANG
Day 4 : LUANG PRABANG -
VIENTIANE
Day 5 : VIENTIANE -
DEPARTURE
 Laos
is the least populated of the Indochinese countries, and
perhaps the most beautiful. Devoutly Buddhist and
largely undeveloped, Laos offers travellers a chance to
experience rich traditions, natural beauty. Our trip to
this intriguing country includes time in Luang Prabang,
a perfectly preserved blend of rustic colonial
architecture and gilded monasteries, and in the laidback
riverside city of Vientiane .
Detail Itinerary
DAY 1:
ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE
On arrival at Wattay Airport or
Friendship Bridge, you are met and transferred to our
centrally located hotel. On the banks of the Mekong
River, Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital
of Laos. This small city conjures up exotic images, with
the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese,
French influences. After a short rest, we enjoy our city
tour, seeing Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still
standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features
remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. A next stop is
the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which
previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We
also visit the imposing Patouxai Monument well known as
Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe before continuing to
the great sacred structure and symbol of Laos, That
Luang Stupa. O/N in Vientiane.
DAY 2:
VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG
The royal capital of the
former Lane Xang Kingdom, Luang Prabang with its
gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and
stunning mountain backdrop retains an unique charm
rarely found in all Asia. This morning we take a short
flight to Luang Prabang. There is plenty to see in this
delightful town, some of which are the impressive stupa
of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai with
five tiered roofs. We include these sights in a half day
guided tour which ends with a climb to Phousi Hill for a
beautiful sunset view of the town and the Mekong
River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag
way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of
Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)
DAY
3: LUANG PRABANG - PAKOU - LUANG PRABANG
Today we continue seeing this
town with the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles
at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The
temple structures are decorated in various ways with
gilded stuccoes and doorways while the main sim has a
marvellous 'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall.
We board a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong
River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to visit the
distillation of local rice wine. Upon leaving this
village we wave our wave through the stunning mountain
landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. They are
crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues
of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout
villagers. After the river trip we drive towards
Ban Phanom and visit the hand weaving. O/N in Luang
Brabang. (B,L)
DAY 4: LUANG
PRABANG - VIENTIANE
The exploration of Luang
Prabang would not be complete without a visit to the
national museum at the former Royal Palace. This
interesting structure displays a lovely collection of
treasures and artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao
culture dating from the days of the early kings right
through the last sovereign. We then spend our time
wandering through the charming streets until
transferring to the airport for a short flight back to
Vientiane. On arrival we head out to see the impressive
Friendship Bridge which links Laos and Thailand, and the
Buddha Park. This landmark represents a blend of
Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk
on a parkland located by the Mekong River. A perfect way
to round off the day is to watch the spectacular sunset
over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. O/N in
Vientiane. (B)
DAY 5:
VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE
There is a free time for your
own exploration of the city and catching up on
some shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer
to the airport for departure. (B)
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HOTELS USED ON
THIS TRIP |
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CITY/ AREA
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Standard Class
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First Class
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Superior Class
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Luang Prabang
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Phousi hotel,
Manoluck hotel
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Villa Santi hotel,
Villa Santi Resort
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Phouvao Pansea
hotel, Grand Luang Prabang hotel
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Vientiane
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Lanexang hotel |
Novotel hotel |
Lao Plaza hotell |
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HOTEL NOTES
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