Welcome to Laos, arrive at Vietiane, meet your guide and drive to the hotel, overnight in Vientiane.
Inclusions: Airport pick up and local guide
Pick up time:TBA
Hotel: Holiday Inn Hotel
After breakfast, explore Vientiane capital by visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket 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 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.
Visit COPE Centre. COPE’s mission is to help people with mobility-related disabilities move on by supporting access to physical rehabilitation services in the Lao PDR. Wat Si Muang is one of Vientiane’s most popular sites of worship, and offers a fascinating insight into how old animist beliefs have blended seamlessly with Theravada Buddhism.
According to local legend, when the temple was being built in 1563 a young pregnant woman named Si Muang volunteered to sacrifice herself to appease the angry spirits. She threw herself into a hole in the ground where the building’s central pillar was to be placed, and was crushed when the massive pillar was lowered into position. This central pillar also formed the centre of the town that was springing up around Wat Si Muang, which to this day is revered as the ‘mother temple’ of Vientiane
Then drive to the buddha, the park was started in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat. Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat was a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism. His unique perspective was influenced by a Hindu rishi under whom he studied in Vietnam. After the revolution in 1975, anxious about the repercussions of the rule of Pathet Lao, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai. Both parks are located right next to the Thai-Lao border (Mekong river), only a few kilometres apart from each other, and the tallest structures of the Buddha Park can actually be seen from the Thai side of Mekong.
Inclusions: Transport, guide, entrance fee and lunch
Pick up time: 830AM
Hotel: Holiday Inn Hotel
After breakfast, Free and relax before driving to visit Lao Textile Museum. Lao is quite well known for its silk woven products. The country’s Silk fabric is appreciated for its exquisite beauty and fine workmanship. The technique used is sophisticated and potentially one of the most complex weaving techniques that exists. It requires a high level of perseverance and artistic talent to create exquisite fabrics, whose colors are natural products dyes.
After lunch at a local restaurant , drive to the Vang Vang on private transport (approximately 3hrs), arrive at Vang Vieng in the afternoon free and relax. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
After lunch, drive to the Vang Vang on private transport (approximately 3hrs), arrive at Vang Vieng in the afternoon free and relax. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Inclusions: Transport, guide and lunch
Pick up time: 830AM
Hotel: Amari Vang Vieng Hotel
After breakfast, Visit Tham Jang, a cave southwest of Vang Vieng, Laos. A bridge over the Nam Song River and then a long staircase leads to a spring about 50 meters (160 feet) inside the cave. The cave was used as a bunker during the Chinese Ho invasion in the early 19th century.
Lunch at a local Restaurant. Then depart the city 14 km north to the impressive Tham Xang (Elephant Cave), located on the banks of the Nam Song River. It is an important Buddhist temple and gets its name from the remarkable limestone formations in the cave.
We then hike 2 km to the Hmong village of Phathao. The journey there leads through rice fields and vegetable gardens. Upon arrival there is transport to take us back to Vang Vieng. Drive to visit Blue Lagoon Number 3. We then take a small boat along the Nam Song River to enjoy the breathtaking views along the banks. Overnight in Vang Vieng
Inclusions: Transport, guide, entrance fee and lunch
Pick up time: 830AM
Hotel: Amari Vang Vieng Hotel
After breakfast free and relax before driving to the Vang Vieng Train station, take a train up to Luang Prabang.
Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang train duration 1 Hour.
Important Information: A copy of the passport is required for train bookings. Sharp objects such as pocket knives, as well as spray bottles including aerosols and sprays, are not allowed on high-speed trains in Laos. We recommend bringing sunscreen and insect repellent in non-spray form, as sprays will be confiscated at the train station.
Check-in at your hotel.
Inclusions: Transport, guide and second class train ticket
Optional Activity: Early morning Hot-Air balloon (Price not included in tour cost)
Pick up time: TBA
Hotel: Villa Maly Boutique Hotel
Wake up before dawn to witness and witness the offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then visit the morning market before returning to the hotel for breakfast. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered).
After breakfast, our visit start with Wat Mai temple (“New Monastery” built in 1796). It was given its present name following the restoration undertaken in 1821 by King Manthathourat. The most striking feature of the temple is the gilded relief panels covering the front facade. The panels tell the story of the highest incarnation of the Buddha — Vessentara. The gilded doorframes merge into the relief panel, forming what looks like a monolithic wall of gold. Next to Wat Mai temple is the National Museum which used to be the Royal Palace (Haw Kham). Your guide will help explain some information as you tour the museum. It houses the Royal throne of the Lane Xang kingdom in its original splendor, and many other religious treasures. After the museum you will take another ride to visit Wat Visoun. This temple was constructed during the reign of King Visounarat around 1520. In 1942, it was turned into a Museum of Religious Arts, and houses collections of Buddha images and religious artifacts from the fourteenth century. Lunch at a local Restaurant.
After a ride along the Nam Khan river to Wat Xieng Thong. This is one of the most important temples in the entire country of Laos and the most important one in Luang prabang. Until 1975, when the Communist Party gained control over Laos, Wat Xieng Thong was a royal temple, supported by the royal family. During the 1960s Wat Xieng Thong was completely remodeled and redecorated, becoming the splendid temple we see today.
To finish the day we will climb the steps of Phou Si hill, to the top, which is studded with many small temples and shrines. The gilded stupa at the top of the hill is built on a large rock outcropping. An old opening in the base of the rock was sealed up to prevent vandalism. Next to the stupa is a small wiharn (chapel) for prayers. Visit the night market before returning to your hotel.
Inclusions: Transport, guide, entrance fee and lunch
Pick up time: 830AM
Hotel: Villa Maly Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, transfer to the Kuang Si Waterfall, a short walk past the entrance gate, before reaching the pools, is a bear rescue center. A number of Asiatic black bears rescued from poachers and illegal wildlife trade live in an enclosure with lots of trees, swings and other things to play with. The center is supported by the Free the Bears Fund, a charity working to protect bears in several Asian countries and to save them from the bear bile farms where they are milked for bear bile used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Returning to town on the way, make a short visit Ock Pop Tok shop – The Living Crafts Centre which has to be one of the most beautiful spots in Luang Prabang, observing local people working at the looms at work at the hands of Ock Pop Tok’s incredibly talented craftspeople.
Take a traditional slow boat for the trip on the Mekong River. This majestic river runs from the Tibetan Plateau through China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. It is the world’s 10th longest river, with an estimated length of 4,909km. The name Mekong derived from Lao and Thai and reflects those peoples’ understanding of the Mekong as their “Mother River.” The Mekong basin is the second richest area of biodiversity in the world, exceeded only by the Amazon. Protected by the Mother River, Laos remains one of Asia’s most unvisited and unchanged countries. Lunch served on the boat.
We will stop to visit the holy Tam Ting Caves (also called the Pak Ou caves), where the Nam Ou river meets the Mekong. This is a site of ancient spiritual significance. It was here, during the 15th century, that the animistic religions were peacefully united with Buddhism. Within the two caves of Tam Ting are stupas, shrines, and carvings of Buddha. Over 4,000 wooden figures of Buddha, many highly ornate, stand within the natural limestone caves, testament to the skill of Lao craftsmen centuries ago.
Continuing along the river, we will visit some local villages: Ban Xang Hai where you can see rice whisky (Lou Lao) being distilled and taste the local product;.and Ban Xang Khong, where Lao craftspeople make saa paper from the bark of mulberry trees. Return to Luang Prabang.
Inclusions: Transport, guide, entrance fee and lunch
Pick up time: 830AM
Hotel: Villa Maly Boutique Hotel
Today is a free day for you to relax at the hotel, enjoy a massage or venture out and explore further. The guides will be on hand to assist you with any options or questions you may have.
Hotel: Villa Maly Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, drive to the Luang Prabang Airport. Bid your new friends goodbye as you board for your onward flight.
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