Highlights of Laos- 7 days

ITINERARY:

Day 1:

Vietiane:

Welcome to Laos! Airport arrival transfer and hotel check in. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight in Vietiane.

Day 2:

Vietiane 

After breakfast we explore the charming and laid-back capital of Laos with a city tour. We visit the oldest Buddhist monastery temple in the country – Wat Si Saket – and the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, built to house the famed Emerald Buddha. Today it serves as the national museum of religious art. Learn about Laos’ tragic past and present suffering at the COPE Centre, an organization that works with victims of unexploded bombs and mines. Next visit Pha That Luang, the most important monument in Laos and a symbol of both Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty.

We also stop to view the imposing Patuxay monument – Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe. Later in the afternoon enjoy time exploring the hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures scattered throughout Buddha Park. End the day with a sunset dinner besides the Mekong River.

Overnight in Vieiane.

Day 3

Vietiane – Vang Vieng 

We leave the capital early and journey north through lush countryside to Vang Vieng. Along the way we visit Ban Keun, famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine whiskey distillation. A next stop is the busy and colourful market of Thalat, where local hill tribes come to trade and shop and also visit the archaeological site of Vang Xang that dates back to the 11th century. Arriving at Vang Vieng, nestled on the banks of the Nam Song River is our delightfully rustic and rural hotel. The remainder of the day offers free time, perhaps opt to explore the local caves or take a bicycle ride through the surrounding countryside.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 4:

Vang Vieng –Luang Prabang:

This morning we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang once used by the local people as a hideout during Chinese invasions. We observe the lifestyles of the local people at Ban Huai Ngai village before making our way further north to the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang  Prabang.

Day 5 :

Luang Prabang 

Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. Then a morning tour, takes in the highlights of Luang Prapang – the fabulous UNESCO Listed former royal capital. Sightseeing includes the ancient temples of Wat Visoun and Wat Aham, Ock Pop Tok weaving centre and the beautifully ornate former Royal Palace. In the afternoon we stop at ethnic minority villages before arriving at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 6:

Luang Prabang (B,L)

We head out of town to a local farm to learn about rice production. After lunch we cruise up the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou caves crammed with Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, stopping Ban Xanghai village en route to sample local rice wine. Returning to Luang Prabang we stop at Ban Phanom village – known for its hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 7:

Departure 

Spend the morning further exploring this delightful city before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Vientiane – the laid back capital, Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, the COPE Centre, That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument and the Buddha Park

Vang Xang – an 11th century archaeological site

Luang Prabang – the UNESCO Listed former royal capital, Temples of Visoun, Ahan and Sene, a weaving centre, the former Royal Palace and superb views from Mount Phousi

Pak Ou Caves – crammed with Buddha statues

Thalat Market and ethnic minority villages

Vang Vieng – a picturesque riverside village, Tham Jang Caves, Ban Huai Ngai village

Khouangsi Waterfall – breathtaking scenery

INCLUDED:

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners

Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 7

Excursion to Khouangsi Waterfall and ethnic minority villages

Escorted by English speaking Lao tour guide

6 nights 4 star and special class hotels

Guided sightseeing – Vientiane, Vang Xang, Vang Vieng, Tham Jang Caves and Luang Prabang

Cruise along the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves

All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles