Vientiane stopover 3 days

Overview:

Tour information: 

• Tour code: T54DD02
• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Departure: On request
• Group size: 2-14 pax
• Transport: car
• Route: Vientiane Airport - City - Vientiane Departure

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Vientiane arrival

Meet upon arrival at Vientiane Wattay airport or at Friendship Bridge, 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 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 2: City tour (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Vang Xang archeological site. The name means Elephant Palace, a reference to an elephant graveyard found in the vicinity. The site, which consists of a cluster of 10 high-relief Buddha sculptures on cliffs, is usually assigned to an 11th century Mon provenance. Continue to the beautiful Dane Pha pink sandstone canyon, a holy site since the Mon times. Walk along the canyon to see the Buddha images carved on the cliffs.

Visit the famous weaving village of Ban Phone Ngeun, whose inhabitants come from Samneua, and then a Hmong village at Km 52. Continue to Nam Ngum Lake and take a boat trip (approx 2 hours) to explore the lush vegetation along the backwaters. Drive back to Vientiane by route N0 10th. Stopover to visit the salt extraction at Ban Keun. On the way, visit Thousand Bamboo Garden where you can visit the textile museum known as Ho Mounthaentaeng displays various types of textiles from different ways of weaving. The gallery also has a rich collection of Lao basketries. Lao textile is the pride of Lao people, which is unique and individual. They also give you a lecture of the weeping history. (Note: The museum is currently opened from Wednesday to Sunday from  10:00 – 16 :00 . Apart of above days and times, please call 020-560 7292) Arrive Vientiane at late afternoon.

Accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 3: Vientiane departure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the COPE, During the Vietnam War, the conflict spilled over into Laos in a secret war leaving it the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita. Many of these bombs and other devices did not explode at the time. So, even though the war ended in 1975, the country is still littered with a significant amount of UXO (unexploded ordnance) which also contributes to poverty, hunger and disability on a daily basis.

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

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Inclusions:

Exclusions:

• Laotian visa fee upon arrival (USD 30 / pax + 2 photos).
• Separate (L = Lunch, D = Dinner) as a supplement. 
• Domestic flight Luang Prabang / Vientiane.
• Domestic airport tax.
• Departure airport in Luang Prabang
• International air ticket: Arrival / Departure.
• Drinks, tips and other personal expenditures such as telephone, laundry …
• Gala dinner and Christmas Eve.
• Personal travel insurance.