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Laos Trip

 
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Laos Serenity: Uncovering the Charming Landscapes

 Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Vientiane with our “Enchanting Vientiane Discovery” package tour. Explore the city’s oldest temple, Wat Sisaket, and marvel at its thousands of Buddha images from different countries. Visit the former royal temple, Wat Prakeo, and see the famous Emerald Buddha image.

Discover the sacred That Luang Stupa and capture memorable photos at the imposing Patuxay Monument. Experience the serenity of the Buddha Park, where Hindu and Buddhist sculptures from India are displayed. Enjoy the sunset on the Mekong River and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Street Night Market. Visit the Morning Market and the National Museum to explore local culture and history.

Gain insight into the art of traditional weaving at Carol Cassidy’s home-studio, and optionally visit the COPE educational center to learn about Laos’ Hidden War. With private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and excellent service, our package ensures a memorable and hassle-free experience in Vientiane.

Destination’s Activities

Day 1: Vientiane – Arrival

Welcome to Vientiane. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and then escort you to your hotel for check-in. Free at leisure at the rest of day on your own.

Overnight in Vientiane

 

Day 2: Vientiane – City tour & Buddha park (B)

After breakfast, we start to visit Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest temple. Dates back to 1818, Wat Sisaket is the most important heritage temple now standing in Laos. It houses thousands of Buddha images from many countries, long lost architectural styles, sculptures and paintings; Wat Prakeo, former royal temple of the Lao monarchy and originally built in 1565, is home to the Emerald Buddha image, Buddhist sculptures are displayed  along the perimeter wall, including a 6th to 9th century Dvaravati-style stone Buddha and several standing and sitting Buddhas. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

In the afternoon, we take a short drive out of the city to visit the Buddha Park where hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures brought from India are displayed.

Return to the city and enjoy the sunset on the Mekong River. You can exploring the Street Night Market at Anouvong Park in the evening.

Overnight in Vientiane

 

Day 3: Vientiane – Nam Ngum Lake (B, L)

Pick up at 07:00 am at Hotel’s Lobby.

This morning, we head out of Vientiane city and follow the Lao-China Express way and Lao-China Friendship Tunnel to Ban Tha Heua – Vang Vieng.

Upon arrival, we embark on a local boat for 2 hour cruising through hundreds of small islands. Lunch at Sanctuary Nam Ngum Resort or Lunch on boat.

Then we will drive back to Vientiane via Ban Phon Hong, then continue take the old road to Phone Mee Village where we have chance to stop to visit Pasand Handicraft center. We will also visit local markets (Koud Sam Baht market or Dong Khai market) where local people gather the wild animals and large selection of insects to sale.

We return to Vientiane by late afternoon or early evening (depends on the traffic).

Overnight in Vientiane      

Day 4: Vang Vieng – Exploration (B, L)

You’ll begin by meeting in the centre of town. The day will start with a 14km ride to the first cave, Tham Xang (Elephant Cave). The cave lies on the banks of the Nam Song River. It is an important Buddhist Temple and owes its name to a remarkable limestone formation. You will then pass through a small Lao farm and village with green rice fields. Afterwards, you will have the chance to swim in the clear, cool spring water that lies at the mouth of Tham Nam (Water Cave), where you can go tubing up to 500 metres inside of the cave.

The tubing is then followed by a free BBQ lunch aside Tham Nam (Water Cave). There will then be a 30 minute walk back to a village, where you’ll be picked up to begin your kayaking.

You’ll be driven to the starting point, Khmu Village, 10km North of VangVieng. The friendly English speaking guides will give you some paddle instructions before you start on this 3 hour kayaking trip.

Further down you’ll have the opportunity to stop at bars throughout the river, like the popular Fluid Bar & Restaurant, where you can relax by the river and get some refreshments or even a bite to eat if you’re hungry. It’s a great place to swim with fantastic views, or play a game such as snooker or table tennis with some fellow travellers.

Once the kayaking is completed, we’ll take a truck ride to the famous Blue Lagoon, where you will have the chance to swim in the lagoon or just relax in the small bamboo huts. Afterwards we will return back to Vang Vieng as the tour comes to a close.

Overnight in VangVieng

Day 5: Vang Vieng – Xieng Khouang (B)

Breakfast at hotel. We then heading out of Vang Vieng to Xieng Khouang, driving 6-7 hours through the wonderful natural scenery. En route, there will be plenty of opportunities for photos. Upon arrival in Xieng Khouang, be prepared to be wowed by the Site 1 of Plain of Jars, which is claimed to be created 1,500 years ago and of profound importance.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang

Day 6: Xieng Khouang – Plain of Jars (B, L)

This morning, get a feel for the local lifestyle in the Central Market. Then visit the UXO MAG (Mine Advisory Group) Exhibition Room. We then transfer out to the picturesque Jar Site 2, and the impressive Jar Site 3, consisting over around 150 jars located on top of a hill, offering great views over the surrounding countryside.  And then driving out to the ancient town of Muang Khoun, the former provincial capital, where you can explore the ruins of a number of ancient pagodas in the Lanna style That Fun sputa and Wat Phiawat, a ruined temple containing a huge sitting Buddha. 

Overnight in Xieng Khouang

Day 7: Xieng Khouang – Luang Prabang (B)

Breakfast at hotel, we then heading out of Xieng Khouang to Luang Prabang, through the wonderful natural scenery. En route, there will be plenty of opportunities for photos. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and free at leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 8: Luang Prabang – Ancient town & Arts (B, L)

You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the alms giving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered).

We then attend the Blessing Ceremony that is believed to bring you health, happiness and longevity, then take the opportunity to interact with the Monks at Wat Sibounheung before visiting the Morning Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.

In the mid morning, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign; the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.

Afterthat, we will visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (closed on Mondays) where you will learn more about local hill tribes in Laos. Next, we will visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name. Continue past Wat Aham, which was first built in the 1500s. Next, we visit the Ock Pop Tock weaving centre, an organization that is offering the weavers in the area the chance to earn a decent income through their weaving skills.

Late afternoon, we will climb up 328 steps 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. We then will explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 9: Luang Prabang – Rice experience – Khouangsi waterfall (B, L)

Breakfast at hotel.

Spend a morning on a community based living rice farm situated in the idyllic countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. Experience the life of a farmer and try your hand at some of the activities. Or just view it all from the comfort of our traditional Lao rice house balcony, which is surrounded by rice terraces and our organic vegetable farm. All can join in and there are great photo opportunities. While there, spend some time to visit some local handicraft workshops like bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. Finally, join a tour of the organic garden with explanation on how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine. Lunch at Living Land Farm.

After lunch, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority group at Ban Na Ouane Village, H’Mong Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible. Return to the city by late afternoon to catch the sunset at Wat Phabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 10: Luang Prabang – Boat trip to Pak Ou Cave – Drive to Nong Khiew (B, L)

In the morning, we transfer to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand-weaving and traditional Saa paper-making. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of 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 will make a stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. We will visit the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum which house hundreds of Buddha statues. Lunch at local restaurant. After that, continue drive to NongKhiew.

The rest of time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Nong Khiew

Day 11: Nong Khiew – Boat trip to Muang Ngoi (B, L)

Today, taking nice photos at Nong Khiew Brigde for unforgettable photos. After that We begin a boat trip up along Ou River about 1hour & half to Muang Ngoi. Arrive in Muang Ngoy, walking around the small town to see local lives and its beautiful landscape, relax, take nice photos. Late afternoon, cruise down along Ou river back to Nong Khiew. We then start hiking up to Pha Som Nang Nong Khiau View Point about 40 minutes hiking. You can see the stunning view of the town and beautiful landscape of the town and mountainous landscape nearby.

Overnight in Nong Khiew

Day 12: Nong Khiew (B)

Today you wake up early for breakfast and depart at 8.30am for the amazing 100 waterfall Trek. The trek starts with a short boat ride on the Nam Ou River before walking through small streams and rice paddies to get to the bottom of the 100 waterfalls. Have a traditional lunch while you relax and take in the beautiful views. After lunch, trek back along a small villagers trail (on the top of the 100 waterfalls) arriving back into Nong Khiew around 4pm.

Overnight in Nong Khiew

Day 13: Nong Khiew – Drive to Oudomxay (B)

This morning, we exploring the Phathok historical cave. That said, this cave was used as a bomb shelter by the villagers during the “Secret War.” It protected people from the bombs dropped in the village. Phathok Cave is just 30-minute walking from Nong Khiaw, and the walk is very scenic. The knowledgeable guide is there to clear any of your concerns about the secretive parts of Laos history and the hidden cave. While the cave itself is historic, the view of rice paddies and valley from here goes beyond your expectation.

We then drive to Oudomxay. Free at leisure.

Overnight in Oudomxay

Day 14: Oudomxay – Pak Nam Noy (B, L)

After breakfast, we drive to Pak Nam Noy and set off to visit an Akha ethnic group (also known as Ikor) one of the many ethnic groups in Laos. Your visit is a completely isolated Ikors village; this ethnic group originates from Yunnan in Southern China and settled in the mountainous areas of northern Laos over the last 200 years, make their own traditional clothing. The women grow and spin cotton or hemp to make cloth. They then use natural indigo dye, before weaving the thread into cloth and decorating it with colourful embroidery. To top it all off, women wear beautiful ornate headdresses.
You also learn about the daily life of the village and how the villagers still follow customs passed down through the centuries.

After that, we drive back to Oudomxay.

Overnight in Oudomxay

Day 15: Oudomxay – Luang Prabang – Departure (B)

After breakfast, we return to Luang Prabang for departure flight in the late afternoon.

Package Detail

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Laos

11 Days Up

31/01/2024

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Included

  • Private transportation in private air-conditioned
  • English speaking guides:
    • Luang Prabang (Day 1 – Day 4): 01 guide
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