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Discover Laos - Departs any day. |
| TOUR |
DAYS |
DEP. DATE |
PRICE
(per person twin share) |
| Land Only |
8 |
Any Day |
$1,425 |
|
Based on a minimum of 2 people |
Prices are subject to major currency fluctuations
Rate is subject to availability and is valid until 30 September 2012 |
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| Arrive in Luang Prabang. You will be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. The tranquillity and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. The remainder of today is at leisure. |
| This morning visit the Royal Palace Museum which hosts a range of interesting artefacts. Begin your walking tour, taking in some of Luang Prabangs hidden secrets, walking down the quiet back lanes leading to Wat Xiengthong. Along the way stop at Wat Chomkhong, which is known for its decorative carvings. This area contains a mix of beautiful old French Colonial buildings, and traditional old Lao houses, which you will have time to admire, along with a stop at the small but charming Wat Phapai. You also pass by the Fine Arts School, where you can see some of the quality artwork on display. Your final visit of the day is the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style. (B) |
| After breakfast, board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives you a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Your first stop is the village of Ban Muangkeo where you start a short trek to reach the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. En route, stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local specialty of rice wine is produced. In the afternoon transfer by road to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. Return to Luang Prabang by early evening in time for a sunset view over the Mekong. (B) |
| Start out early this morning for the drive to Xiengkhuang, famous for the ‘Plain of Jars’. The road follows a twisty mountain route, and you make your first stop at Houi Hei, which offers great views of the surrounding mountains. Then continue Ban Kiu Kam Pone, a Khmu village to explore, before arriving in Phou Khoun for lunch. Continue on the road into Xiengkhuang province, reaching the highest altitude of the day 1500m above sea level, just after Phou Khoun. You will make a stop at Ban Son Boom, a Hmong village. Your final stops of the day are a reminder that this region played a major part during the Vietnam War – as you visit a hidden Buddha Cave, that served as an army hospital during the war, then an optional stop to visit an old Russian tank. You will arrive at your hotel by early evening. (B) |
| This morning visit the Mines Action Group or MAG office to learn about the work they do in clearing land mines and unexploded ordnance in the area. Then transfer out to the picturesque Jar Site 2, and begin a 1 hour trek along the ridge to the impressive Jar Site 3, consisting of over around 150 jars located on top of a hill, offering great views over the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon visit Jar Site 1, the largest site, containing over 300 jars, before returning to your hotel by late afternoon. (B) |
| An early start this morning, visiting the interesting Central Market, then (time permitting) 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 and Wat Phiawat, a ruined temple containing a huge sitting Buddha. Return to Phonsavan Town, where you board your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of today is at leisure. (B) |
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Today you may wish to make an optional early start to visit the fascinating local market of Thongkhankham which is where the locals shop, and a wide variety of weird and wonderful foods are on offer. You will continue to explore Vientiane visiting 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. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. The final visit of the morning will be 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 Vietnam War era. An optional lunch can be taken at the excellent Mak Phet Restaurant, which helps to train disadvantaged youth for a career in the hospitality industry.
This afternoon we visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow. They were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. Upon returning to Vientiane you have the option of stopping at the Lao Disabled Womens Centre, which provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos. A spectacular view of the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. (B) |
| Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your holiday to take in Vietnam and/or Cambodia. (B) |
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