Laos Classic Tour - 5 days

Overview:

Tour information: 

• Tour code: T54DD05
• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Departure: On request
• Group size: 2-14 pax
• Transport: car
• Route: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Khuang Si Waterfall –  Vientiane – That Luang Stupa – Vientiane departure

Itinerary:

DAY 1: LUANG PRBNG – ARRIVAL

Meet upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, transfer and check-in at the hotel. The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City. Visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo, stylistically more Srilankalese than Lao. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines, dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors). Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding view over the city. Continue to visit Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous for the five – tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard of Luang Prabang style. Sunset at Vat Prabaht Tai located along the Mekong River.  Accommodation at the hotel

DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple. The sim of the Vat represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal Funeral Chapel. Inside are an impressive 12-meter high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of each Royal Family’s member. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana. Then board a traditional boat for a trip upstream the Mekong River to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou housing thousands of statues representing Lord Buddha. Return to Luang Prabang by boat and continue by car to visit Ban Phanom, a weaving village populated by Thai Lu that originally came from Sipsongpanna in Southern China. Accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 3; LUANG PRABANG – KHUANG SI (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by road to the Khuang Xi Waterfalls (30 kms, approx. 1 hour drive). The waterfalls tumble over multi – tiered limestone formations into cool, clear pools ideal for swimming and relaxing. On the way to the waterfalls, visit the Khmu minority village of Ban Thapaene for a glimpse into their lifestyle.  Return to Luang Prabang. On the way, visit Ban Xom, a lowland Lao village known for its cotton production. Stop at Ban Xang Khong village to see how traditional Sa paper is made. Accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE (B/-/-) Flight

Breakfast. Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace) displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family. Then stroll through the lively Central Market where the ethnic minorities of the surroundings come daily. Transfer to the airport for Lao Airlines flight to Vientiane. Meet upon arrival at Vientiane Wattay airport, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Vientiane’s major attractions are the serene Buddhist monasteries that dominate the center of town. The city has kept its timeless charm with tree-lined avenues, brightly painted temples and quaint French architecture. P.M. Visit Vat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Built in 1818, Vat Sisaket is the sole survivor of an invasion in 1828. Vat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and 6,840 Buddha images. Nearby is Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. Built in 1565, Ho Phra Keo has been used as a museum since 1970 and contains some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artifacts in the country. The main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo. One of the most photographed images of Vientiane is Patousay, the victory gate also known as Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Another famous Vientiane landmark is the That Luang Stupa. King Setthathirath built this great sacred stupa in 1566. Its central structure is 45 meters tall and echoes the curving lines of an elongated lotus. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Lord Buddha. Accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 5 : VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE  (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel. If time permits Continue to visit the Morning Market (Talat Sao), known for its superior silk weaving, metal work, and woodcarving. Transfer to the airport for departure. End tour