Laos Experience
A land of lotus eaters, landlocked nation in South East Asia, Laos is traversed by the Mekong River and known for mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries. Laos traces its historic and cultural identity to the kingdom of Lan Xang Hom Khao (Kingdom of a Million Elephants Under the White Parasol), which existed for four centuries as one of the largest kingdoms in Southeast Asia.
I would rather own little and see the world than own the world and see little of it.
Alexander Sattler
Overview
- Destination: Laos
- Nearest City (Airport): Vientiane, Luang Prabang
- Dates: On request
- Duration: 4D/3N (customisable on request)
- Months: October to May
- Level: Easy
- Guide: Available
- Price: On request
Experience
The Laos experience starts from the capital city of Vientiane. This is the site of the That Luang monument, where a reliquary reportedly houses the Buddha’s breastbone, plus the Patuxai war memorial and Talat Sao (Morning Market), a complex jammed with food, clothes and craft stalls, and an amazing Mekong riverside.
We would then fly to UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang. We will climb top of Mount Phousi to see a panoramic view of the city and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
We would board a cruise boat to explore mystifying Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.
If there is time (at least two days), one should visit the mysterious plain of jars. It is a megalithic archaeological landscape in Laos. It consists of thousands of stone jars scattered around the upland valleys and the lower foothills of the central plain of the Xiangkhoang Plateau.
Itinerary
- Day 1 / Arrival in Vientiane
- Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. An orientation walk of Lao Capital is a pleasant way to spend the day, strolling around some of the city’s most historical sites and seeing some of the French colonial architecture. We will observe sunset by the Mekong riverside and experience the lifestyle of the local people. Overnight in Vientiane.
- Day 2 / Vientiane – Luang Prabang
- After breakfast we will visit the central market known as the ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place for browsing antiques, handmade textiles and gifts. From there, we will visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. We then board our short flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang. On arrival, transfer to hotel. After a short rest, we will climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable view of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful and panoramic sunset over the ancient and once royal city and the Mekong River. We then will stroll around the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of textiles made by the local and the hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
- Day 3 / Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave
- An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. We enjoy a short-guided tour to see the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We board a cruise boat on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On the way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan before we see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun, which once belonged to a royal family patronage near by Sackarine Caves. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
- Day 4 / Luang Prabang
- Following breakfast, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. We then visit the silver smith’s and Fine Arts School and the Central Market, which is not to be missed. Transfer to the airport for our flight.
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Private transportation in private air-conditioned car.
- Accommodation in twin shared rooms.
- English speaking guide.
- Admission fee to indicated sights.
- Boat trip as stated above sight.
- Meals: daily breakfast at hotel.
- Government tax and service charge.
- Luggage handling.
Exclusions
- Travel insurance (compulsory).
- Domestic airfare and airport tax in Laos.
- International airfare and airport tax to & from Laos.
- No early check in or late check out (except as indicated).
- Beverages and other meals do not indicate in the program.
- Single room (quoted separately).
- Visa stamping fee to Laos, if any.
- Optional excursions and entrance fees and permits during free time.
- Additional transportation required due to any emergency situation.
- Tipping/ Gratuities.
- Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills, shopping.
- Excess luggage charges.
- Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.
Map
Book or Personalize
Its interesting, isn’t it?
Its now time to go out there and experience.
Join today.
Book Now
Hope you liked it. Do you want to request some changes and personalize the Experience – in terms of date of travel, exclusive group, additional facilities and any other? If yes, then
Personalize Here
