Laos Compact

Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Vientiane
Day 2: Vientiane - Luang Prabang
Day 3: Luang Prabang - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Elephant Riding - Trekking
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Departure

Starting in the capital, Vientiane, a sleepy yet charming town on the Mekong River with its old buildings still exuding the mood of the French colonial days, you fly to Luang Prabang. The royal palaces and temples tell the story of the rich Lao culture and heritage. Of the temples you explore the scenic Tadse waterfall and enjoy a short elephant ride through the forest.

Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Vientiane
On arrival at Wattay Airport you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is a small city conjuring up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We start our half day city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Afterwards we continue driving to the Patouxai. This imposing monument standing in Lane Xang Avenue, is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe and provides a stunning views of the city. We round off our day with a visit to the great sacred masterpiece and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. O/N in Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane - Luang Prabang
The bustling central market in the heart of Vientiane, sells a wide away of local treasures. We include this famous trading center in a walking tour around the town center before we board a flight to 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. There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai. We visit these sites in a half day guided tour and embark on a climb up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town center and the mighty 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 Caves - Luang Prabang
Today we continue seeing this charming town with the famous 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 ,doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang Prabang. We board a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to visit the distillation of potent local rice wine. Upon leaving this riverside village we wave our way 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. We explore these famous grottos and cruise back to Luang Prabang Town. On arrival we catch a short drive to Ban Phanom , a well known weaving village of the Tai Lue people who used to make royal silk weaving textiles for the Lao former royal family. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 4: Luang Prabang -Elephant Riding - Trekking
The mountainous areas around Luang Prabang Town are also home of many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls littered in dense jungle. Today we drive on a rugged road to Lao spirit resort just 15 km out of town. On arrival we see the Asian Elephants and begin a scenic ride of an hour and half along the Nam Khan River though the lush and green forests to the amazing Tad Sae waterfall. This is an enjoyable stop for lunch near the cascade. We get well off the beaten track as we walk through the forest. En route we make stopover at a Khmu Village to explore the simple lifestyle of villagers who are almost fishermen or farmers living from their slash and burn tradition. They even speak a different language but the guide are on hand to help you ask questions. We continue our walk along the mountain side past a new jungle camp before completing a super day. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 5: Luang Prabang - Departure
The exploration of Luang Prabang Town 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 spend our time to see this museum and enjoy a walk around the nearby old quarter streets or simply relax at riverside bar. The trip ends after your transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for departure. (B)

Inclusions:
Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar one + English or French speaking guide + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Boat trip in Luang Prabang + Domestic flight Vientiane - Luang Prabang + Elephant ride

Exclusions:
Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Laos, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner