Day 1: Arrive Vientiane / Afternoon Sightseeing Tour
Arrive at Wattay International Airport, after entry formalities meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon meet your guide and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vientiane, the capital city and seat of government sits in a bend of the Mekong River amidst fertile alluvial plains. Vientiane (pronounced 'Wieng Chan' by the locals) is a laid-back city with interesting wats and lively markets. Tour highlights will include Ho Pha Keo, the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy, Wat Si Saket with more than 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images, the Patuxai, a large monument in the style of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and Pha That Luang (Great Sacred Reliquary or Great Stupa) the most important national monument in Laos.
Overnight at the Don Chan Palace (or similar). |
|
Day 2: Vientiane to Vang Vieng (B)
Breakfast at hotel. This morning drive overland to the south through the scenic province of Vientiane. Enjoy a boat trip on Nam Ngum Lake. Continue overland to Vang Vieng.
Overnight at the Thavoonsouk Bungalows (or similar).
|
Day 3: Vang Vieng to Xieng Khuang (CB)
Continental breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing around Vang Vieng with short trek through rice paddies, stopping at a H'mong village. By vehicle from Vang Vieng to Xieng Khuang
Two nights’ accommodations at the Phou Phadeng Auberge (or similar).
|
Day 4: Plain Of Jars Sightseeing (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Today explore the Plain Of Jars, a large area extending around Phonsavanh from the south-west to the north-east where huge stone jars (up to 1 ton each) of unknown origin are scattered about in at least a dozen groupings. It is one of the most intriguing sights in Laos. Also visit the local town and market area.
|
Day 5: Xieng Khuang to Luang Prabang (B)
Breakfast at hotel. This morning visit the local open-air market. Continue overland to Luang Prabang.
Three nights’ accommodations at the Santi Resort & Spa (or similar).
|
Day 6: Luang Prabang (B)
Breakfast at hotel.Today enjoy a sightseeing tour around Luang Prabang. Tour highlights will include Wat Xieng Thong on the banks of the Mekong River, Wat Wisunalat the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang and Wat That Luang where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred.
|
Day 7: Luang Prabang / Pak Ou Caves (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Today enjoy a 1-hour boat ride up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves. These two caves (Tham Thing - lower cave and Tham Phum) located in the steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong River and Ou River. They are full of Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes. Also visit a village near the caves once famous known as a 'Jar-Maker Village' and nowadays the community fill the jars (which come from elsewhere) with láo-láo, the local rice whisky. Return to Luang Prabang, visit the National Museum and walk to the top of Phou Si Hill for an excellent view of the town. |
Day 8: Depart Luang Prabang (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer (driver, no guide) to the airport for your onward flight.
|
