Highlights of Laos
6 days - Vientiane, Luang Prabang
6 days - Vientiane, Luang Prabang
This tour explores the highlights of Laos: Vientiane, the modern-day capital and economic center of the country, and Luang Prabang, once the royal capital of the Kingdom of Laos. Vientiane, located near the border of Thailand, still retains a relaxed charm, and features tree-lined boulevards, interesting temples, and colorful markets. Besides by flight, it can be reached by crossing the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai City in Thailand. The northern province of Luang Prabang is certainly one of Laos's crown jewels, and no visit to Laos would complete with spending some time there. A quiet, lulling peacefulness permeates the city, from the beautiful temples to the warm smiles of the friendly residents. Each morning a long procession of saffron-robed monks take alms from the locals along the main street, while provisions for the day, some quite exotic in nature, are purchased at the morning market. When not touring, a favorite past time of travelers is simply enjoying a coffee and snack in one of the lovely cafes, soaking in the atmosphere of daily life in the postcard-like surroundings. Touring by day includes beautiful temples to discover, an interesting stroll through the morning market, an excursion up on the Mekong River to the fantastic Pak Ou Caves, and a visit to some local villages. In the evening there are many excellent restaurants to choose from in town or along the riverside.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Vientiane. Arrive at Vientiane Wattay Airport and transfer to sedan to your hotel in Vientiane. Time permitting visit Wat Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park), an open-air museum featuring a collection of whimsical but compelling statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods.
Day 2: Vientiane. Tour the capital city of Laos today. Highlights include That Luang, the gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps the country's most important national monument; Ho Pha Keo, a former royal temple with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; Wat Si Saket, Vientiane's oldest surviving monastery built in Thai-style. Also see Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe; it is nicknamed the "vertical runway" because the money the U.S. gave to Laos to build the city airport was used to build this monument instead. Finish the day at Talaat Sao Market, the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 3: Luang Prabang. Fly to Luang Prabang. Begin your tour with visits to some of Luang Prabang's most important temples; Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries, Wat Aham, known for it's two large banyan trees, and Wat Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of all monasteries and temples in the city. From there, stroll down the main street, and time permitting stop at some of the many temples that line it's sides. Finish the day at Mount Phousi for a beautiful sunset view over the temples and rivers. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Luang Prabang. Visit Phousy Market this morning, followed by a visit to the National Museum (Royal Palace), a turn-of-the century royal residence which has been preserved as it was when the royal family lived there. Continue to Wat Mai, constructed in 1821, it is Luang Prabang's largest and perhaps most photographed temple due to it's rich decoration. Afterwards embark on a boat excursion up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Luang Prabang. Travel by road to visit the local village of Ban Muang Khai. Continue by road to Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. There is a chance to swim in the clear water, or simply relax in the natural environment. Finish with a visit to Ban Tha Pene, a nearby Khmu village. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 6: Depart Luang Prabang. Transfer to Luang Prabang Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (5), and four lunches.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $1,490.
Day 1: Vientiane. Arrive at Vientiane Wattay Airport and transfer to sedan to your hotel in Vientiane. Time permitting visit Wat Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park), an open-air museum featuring a collection of whimsical but compelling statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods.
Day 2: Vientiane. Tour the capital city of Laos today. Highlights include That Luang, the gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps the country's most important national monument; Ho Pha Keo, a former royal temple with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; Wat Si Saket, Vientiane's oldest surviving monastery built in Thai-style. Also see Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe; it is nicknamed the "vertical runway" because the money the U.S. gave to Laos to build the city airport was used to build this monument instead. Finish the day at Talaat Sao Market, the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 3: Luang Prabang. Fly to Luang Prabang. Begin your tour with visits to some of Luang Prabang's most important temples; Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries, Wat Aham, known for it's two large banyan trees, and Wat Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of all monasteries and temples in the city. From there, stroll down the main street, and time permitting stop at some of the many temples that line it's sides. Finish the day at Mount Phousi for a beautiful sunset view over the temples and rivers. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Luang Prabang. Visit Phousy Market this morning, followed by a visit to the National Museum (Royal Palace), a turn-of-the century royal residence which has been preserved as it was when the royal family lived there. Continue to Wat Mai, constructed in 1821, it is Luang Prabang's largest and perhaps most photographed temple due to it's rich decoration. Afterwards embark on a boat excursion up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Luang Prabang. Travel by road to visit the local village of Ban Muang Khai. Continue by road to Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. There is a chance to swim in the clear water, or simply relax in the natural environment. Finish with a visit to Ban Tha Pene, a nearby Khmu village. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 6: Depart Luang Prabang. Transfer to Luang Prabang Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (5), and four lunches.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $1,490.
Our deluxe Laos tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
