Classic Laos
5 days - 4 nights
- Explore the capital, Vientiane, with its museums, temples and fantastic cuisine.
- Romance, charm, and spirituality abound along the banks of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers in beguiling Luang Prabang.
- Take a dip in the glowing ethereal pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls in Northern Laos, an hour outside of Luang Prabang.
- Board a private boat down the Nam Ou river for 30 minutes to Pak Ou Caves
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DAY 1: VIENTIANE ARRIVAL
Welcome to Vientiane, the city of the moon – an ancient city, situated on the bend on the left bank of the Mekong as the largest city and the capital of Laos, a private transfer to your hotel for check – in.
After refreshen then excursion by private car to visit the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and the Buddha Park, a display of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on parkland located by the Mekong River. A view of the Atacular sunset over the Mekong River is perfect way to finish the day and Overnight in Vientiane.
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DAY 2: VIENTIANE, FLY TO LUANG PRABANG
Breakfast at hotel. Your tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. Continue visiting Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace. Stop at Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, as it is considered the guardian of the spirit of the city. From here, travel on to nearby Pangkham Street, with its plethora of tailor shops, and Nam Phou Fountain. Here you can see how traditional areas of the city are embracing modernity.
In the afternoon visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them. Continue to the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Next, your tour takes you to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire. End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set.
It times to stransfer you to the Vientiane airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Meet on arrival at Luang Prabang airport, you are welcome to Luang Prabang and a private transfer to your hotel for check – in. Tthe rest of your day is free at leisure and overnight in Luang Prabang.
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DAY 3: DISCOVER PAKOU CAVE
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the boat piere then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.
After returning we disembark at Xiengthong pier then continued visiting the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
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DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG - KUANG SI WATERFALL
After breakfast, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign.
After that you have free time to explore town until lunch time at local restaurant, after lunch then take a short transfer through the Luang Prabang countryside to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Along the way, guests will drive through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills and small villages, with viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River. Stop en route at a small village which is home to one of the area’s many ethnic minorities.
Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, you can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The water tumbles down a large drop and cascades gently in to several cool, clear pools where guests can enjoy a refreshing swim. Transfer back to Luang Prabang this afternoon and continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking and free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Phrabang.
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DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE
After breakfast, free at leisure until our guide and car pick up at your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flights onwards.