Laos highlights

5 days

A great chance to discover the highlights of Laos, a hidden gem of Asia. The five day vacation will offer you an opportunity to experience Laos culture. Against a setting of Buddhist monuments and crumbling French colonial architecture in Luang Prabang, we encounter welcoming locals who have often had little contact with foreigners. Vientiane, unlike most capital cities, is bathed in tranquility, with the pace and mood of a large country town. Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, it is home to many historic Buddhist temples and monuments, After years turmoil, Laos is beginning to open its doors to adventurous travellers looking to explore this beautiful part of the world. When you travel to Laos you can be assured of a warm welcome.

highlights

* Attractive Vientiane with its old town along the Mekong River and ancient temples

* Explore the hidden treasures of Luang Prabang

* Leisurely boat ride on the Mekong River to the holy caves of Pac Ou.

* A spectacular panorama from the top of Phousi Hill and visit the weaving village of Ban Phanom

itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in reality. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Please note that our brochure is usually released by the end of each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. It is very important that you print a final copy of your Trip Dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 1 Vientiane arrival

You are met on arrival at Vientiane Airport and transferred to your hotel. Rest of your day is free at leisure. Just take your to discover this beautiful city. Life in Vientiane is relaxed with daily affairs conducted at a slow pace. There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, for the less energetic, by jumbo. Visit Laos' most important national monument, Pha That Luang, or meander down dusty riverside tracks to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. A visit to Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is a chance to look for local treasures. A great way to round off the day is by enjoying a spectacular sunset over the Mekong at one of the many stilt restaurants along the riverbank.

Meal inclusions: None

Overnight: Sabaidee hotel (3 star)

Day 2 Vientiane sightseeing

Today there will be a tour of Vientiane. Although it is a capital city, Vientiane has a feel of a small provincial town. The wide boulevards are almost devoid of traffic, and with its many temples, the city retain the feel of another age. We will see the major temples including the oldest Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous, sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, In the evening, following the meal you can enjoy an evening stroll along the banks of the Mekong River....

Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch

Overnight: Sabaidee hotel (3 star)

Day 3 Luang Prabang

This morning we transfer to the airport for the short domestic flight to Luang Prabang. A city known for its beautiful scenery and high numbers of ancient temples. Upon arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility 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. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Market, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang....

Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch

Overnight: The Chang Inn Hotel (3 star)

Day 4 Luang Prabang sightseeing

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the distillation of local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. You will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local village of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well known weaving village, return to the city by late evening, for observing the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath...

Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch

Overnight: The Chang Inn Hotel (3 star)

Day 5 Departure

Today is at your leisure in Luang Prabang City. You are free for more exploration before transfer to airport for the flight home. Extra nights can be added in Luang Prabang.

Meal inclusions: Breakfast

Tour Includes:
• Accommodation with daily breakfasts
• Extra meals as per the itinerary
• Private AC transportation
• Other transfers within the journey as described in the program
• Local English speaking tour guide on day trips and excursions
• Entrance fees and permits where applicable during guided time
• Flight tickets: Vientiane - Luang Prabang
Tour does not include:
• Other airfares and taxes and visas
• Entrance fees and permits during free time
• Personal expenses such as: Telephone, laundry, and bar bills.
• Food & drinks not mentioned within the itinerary
• Tips & Personal expenses
• Travel insurance (compulsory)

General Notes:
• Tailormade Vietnam Holidays reserves the right to alter or revise the prices and the itinerary when circumstances beyond the company's control deem it necessary.
• Accommodation in hotels is subject to availability. If the listed hotels are fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered at the same level.
• If there are any requests regarding special meals, dietary requirements, early check in, late check out, adjoining room and so on, please inform the company when booking. Such requests are subject to confirmation and availability.

Before you travel it is essential that you read carefully this dossier which you can download from our website.

We regularly update our dossiers. Please check our website to ensure that you have the most up to date copy

The itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with care and provided in good faith. However it may be subject to change, and DOES NOT form part of a contract between the client and Tailormade Vietnam Holidays