Laos Stopover - 4 days

Overview:

Tour information: 

• Tour code: T54DD04
• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Departure: On request
• Group size: 2-14 pax
• Transport: car
• Route: Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Pak Ou Cave - Vat Xieng Thong – That Luang Stupa - Vientiane departure

Itinerary:

DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – 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). Visit Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous for the five – tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard of Luang Prabang style.  Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding view over the city, and sunset. Accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE (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 riverboat 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. Sunset at Vat Sipraphouthabath and a long the Mekhong River. Accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE (B/-/-) Flight

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace) displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family: photos, musical equipment and gifts received from foreign countries. Next, visit the old quarter to discover the daily lifestyle of villagers. 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. 

In the afternoon visit 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. Special displays include antique brass drums and palm leaf manuscripts. The main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo. Nearby is Vat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Built in 1818, Vat Sisaket is the sole survivor of an invasion in 1828. All other temples in the city have undergone extensive restoration. Vat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and 6,840 Buddha images. 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, considered as the national symbol, 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 local restaurant.

DAY 4: VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE: (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Morning Market and nearby Ethnic Handicraft Market. The Morning Market (Talaat Sao) is known for its superior silk weaving, metal work and woodcarving.

After the war ended in 1975, the country is still littered with a significant amount of UXO's (unexploded ordnance) which.

If time permit Visit COPE stands for Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise and provides prosthetics and mobility devices for those people who require them, free of charge if they cannot afford to pay for them. An interactive exhibit about the UXO problem tells how UXO affects communities, with stories of injured people and their experiences through their rehabilitation process. It also supplies Information to people about services available, training and support to local staff to provide a high quality service, and assistance in developing longer term strategies for sustainability so that the service will always be here! The visitor’s centre is a free museum/exhibition. Then transfer to the airport for flight departure. End tour

Inclusions:

• Accommodation as above mentioned with daily breakfast: 3 stars hotel

• Meals as specified in the program ( B = Breakfast) 

• Transfers and tours as per program with private A / C vehicles (car, van or coach).

• Services of English speaking guides for transfers, visits and tours.

• Entrance fees as per itinerary.

• Service charge, room tax and baggage handling.

• Flight ticket: Luang Prabang - Vientiane

Exclusions:

• Laotian visa fee upon arrival (USD 30 / pax + 2 photos).
• Meals
• Insurance
• Personal expense does not include in program (laundry, telephone, shopping…)
• International flight tickets and airport tax
• Gala dinner and Christmas Eve.
• Personal travel insurance.