HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS 4 DAYS

Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Khuang Si Falls - Pak Ou Caves

The Lao People's Democratic Republic, or Lao PDR, is a country that moves to its own measure of time. Life flows along at a languid pace which mirrors the waters of the Mekong River that flows through the country. Towns are less hectic than elsewhere in Asia and the countryside is a rare combination of beauty and tranquility.

ITINERARY & PRICES

Day 1 Arrive Vientiane
Arrive in Vientiane and transfer to hotel. Your half day city tour begins with the oldest temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a museum of arts and antiques. Next, we visit the excellent COPE exhibition Centre, highlighting a much-overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day-to-day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the war. We then travel up Lanexang Avenue you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument, which resembles its Parisian inspiration, the Arc de Triomphe. The climb to the top offers great views over Vientiane. We continue onwards down Rue Singha 23 to Laos’ National icon, and most important religious building, the golden stupa of That Luang. We then return to your hotel with the afternoon free at leisure. Overnight in Vientiane at Salana Boutique City Inn (3 Star) or Laos Poet Hotel (4 Star) or Settha Palace Hotel (5 Star).

Day 2 Vientiane - Luang Prabang (flight) - Khuang Si Falls (B)
This morning, you will be met for a 30-minute transfer to the train station for your train journey to Luang Prabang. Go through officialities, and make yourself comfortable in the new train service, which is the first in Laos only started operations in December 2021. The trainline journeys through the lush and green flatlands of Vientiane province, before entering the Karst mountains of Northern Laos. A final tunnel brings us to the plain where this train station of Luang Prabang is nestled in the mountains. Disembark the train and exit the train station where your guide and driver will meet you for a short transfer to your hotel. Take an afternoon drive to Khuang Si Falls, where the waters tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Next to the falls is a Bear Rescue Centre, which does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear. On the way returning to Luang Prabang, there is an option to stop at Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving center where you will be explained how silk weaving process are done. Overnight in Luang Prabang at Le Sen Boutique Hotel (3 Star) or Victoria Xiengthong Palace hotel (4 Star) or Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel (5 Star).

Day 3 Luang Prabang - City tour and Pak Ou Caves (B)
We start today’s tour with a visit of the quaint Royal Palace Museum that provides a fine overview of the culture and history of this ancient city. We follow the quiet back lanes to the beautiful historical Heuan Chan Heritage House, taking in its historical items and architectural charms while learning about the connection it has with the Royal Palace. After a refreshing Iced Tea in the gardens, we continue our walk up the peninsula to the country’s most historic and enchanting temple, Wat Xiengthong. With its roof that sweeps low towards the ground, this temple's architecture best represents the classical Luang Prabang style. We wander the temple grounds before crossing the road to Wat Khili where this temple’s charming traditional library building houses an historic photo exhibition of Buddhist heritage. Our final visit this morning is the excellent ‘Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre’, which gives a great insight into the rich and diverse ethnic and cultural blend of Laos. Mid-afternoon we transfer to the peninsula boat landing, where we board a private boat for a cruise up the Mighty Mekong River. Enjoy the tranquil countryside passing by, until we reach the mysterious Pak Ou caves, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes We then cruise downstream while the sun sinks down behind the mountains. Take in the breathtaking sceneries before returning to Luang Prabang after sunset has passed. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4 Luang Prabang - Alms-Giving - Departure (B)
This morning, optionally, you may rise early (5.30am) if you wish to witness and partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’ or giving alms to the monks. This is a unique ritual still followed by the locals in Luang Prabang. We can also visit the local fresh market to see how the locals shop before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Depending on departure flight schedule, you may have additional free time for leisure, prior to being met by your guide for the short transfer to the airport. Transfer to airport for departure.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodations as listed or similar
• Meals as indicated
• Airfare for flight Vientiane - Luang Prabang (Subject to change unless issued)
• Transfers - arrival & departure
• Sightseeing as indicated with English-speaking local guides
• Entrance fees to monuments and included features

EXCLUSIONS
• Personal expenses, International airfare, Visa fees
• Customary gratitude to your guide and driver