A Laos Adventure (07 Days)
Vientiane | Vang Vieng | Xieng Khuang | Luang Prabang
Day 1 : Vientiane
Arrival in Vientiane
Sightseeing in Vientiane
The capital city and seat of government sits in a bend of the Mekong River
amidst fertile alluvial plains. Vientiane (pronounced 'Wieng Chan' by the
locals) is a laid-back city with interesting wats and lively markets.
Ho Pha Keo : the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy built in 1565 by
King Setthathirat and now converted into a museum containing some of the
best examples of Buddhist sculptures found in Laos.
Wat Si Saket : constructed in 1818 by King Anouvong in the early Bangkok
style, small niches are carved into its interior walls, containing more than
2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images.
Patuxai : a large monument in the style of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris,
the huge arch at the end of Thanon Lan Xang has a stairway that leads to the
top levels of the monument, providing a good view of the city.
Pha That Luang : built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, it is the
most important national monument in Laos, a symbol of both the Buddhist
religion and Lao sovereignty.
Overnight in Vientiane
Day 2 : Vientiane - Vang Vieng
By vehicle from Vientiane to Vang Vieng with a boat trip on Nam Ngum Lake
Drive to the south through the scenic province of Vientiane. The climate is
pleasant and the views are nice, with mountains and cliffs along the first
part of the journey.
Nam Ngum Lake : the beautiful scenery around the Nam Ngum River and its
green valley is enhanced by the presence of a vast, spectacular lake. This
is a man-made reservoir for a hydroelectric power dam that generates most of
the electricity sold to Thailand.
Overnight in Vang Vieng (B/B)
Day 3 : Vang Vieng - Xieng Khuang
Sightseeing around Vang Vieng with short trek
This small town north of Vientiane is nestled in a scenic bend in the Nam
Song River. The west bank of the river is lined with tunnels and caverns and
the limestone cliffs are beautiful. Enjoy a short trek through rice paddies,
stopping at a H'mong village.
By vehicle from Vang Vieng to Xieng Khuang
Overnight in Xieng Khuang. (B/B)
Day 4 : Xieng Khuang
Sightseeing in the Plain of Jars and Muang Khoun
Plain Of Jars : large area extending around Phonsavanh from the south-west
to the north-east where huge jars (up to 1000kg each) of unknown origin are
scattered about in at least a dozen groupings. It is one of the most
intriguing sights in Laos.
Muang Khoun : The ancient capital that was founded by Chao Noi Muang and
was a stronghold for the Xieng Khouang royal family was destroyed during the
Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao
houses and a market area. It has an impressive location as it is surrounded
by mountains.
Overnight in Xieng Khuang (B/B)
Day 5 : Xieng Khuang - Luang Prabang
Visit the local marketVisit this lively open-air local market.By vehicle
from Xieng Khuang to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B/B)
Day 6 : Luang Prabang
Sightseeing in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom, is famous
for its historic temples and beautiful setting surrounded by mountains. In
1995 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wat Xieng Thong : built in 1560 and situated on the banks of the Mekong
River, it is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang and shows the
typical Lao art style with old religious artifacts and some ancient
masterpieces of Lao art.
WAT WISUNALAT (Vat Visoun): built in 1513 during the reign of Chao
Wisunalat, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a
collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Wat Mai : constructed in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, it
was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriarch of the Buddhist
clergy).
Wat That Luang : the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the
large central stupa, which was erected in 1910. The inside of the huge sim
dating back to 1820 contains a few Luang Prabang Buddhas and other
artifacts.
Wat Saen : Thai style wat built in 1718 and restored in 1957. The abbot
Ajannn Khamjan who was ordained here in 1940 is one of the most revered
monks in Luang Prabang and perhaps in all of Laos.
Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B/B)
Day 7 : Luang Prabang
Excursion by boat to the Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves : this are two caves (Tham Thing - lower cave and Tham Phum)
located in the steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong River and Ou
River. They are full of Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes.
Ban Xang Hai : located near the Pak Ou Caves, this village was once a
'Jar-Maker Village' and nowaDays the community fill the jars (which come
from elsewhere) with láo-láo, the local rice whisky.
National Museum : located on the banks of the Mekong River, it was
constructed as Royal Palace between 1904 and 1909 and toDay houses the Royal
throne of the Lan Xang Kingdom and many other pieces of regalia and
religious treasures.(closed on TuesDays)
Phousi : the temples on the upper slopes of the 100m-high Phousi were
constructed recently, but it is likely that previously there were other
temples on this important hill. From the top there is an excellent view of
the town.
Transfer to hotel. (B/B)
End of Service
Package Includes :
- English speaking guide
- accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent.
- Meals according to itinerary.
- Boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary.
- Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle (complimentary cold towels
and drinking water).
- Sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary
Package Exclusions :
- All flights
- All entrance fees to monuments, camera fees, porterage and tips, mineral
water, laundry, telephone or any other expense personal in nature.
- Visa fees, airport taxes
- Personal Insurance, we strongly suggest that the passenger’s take
out there own insurance before departing for Laos.
- Drinks and lunches/dinner except where mentioned
- Items of a personal nature
- Driver and guide gratuities
- All entrance fees and excursions not mentioned above
- Porterage at hotels and airports
- Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as bad weather,
natural calamities (landslides, floods), flight delays, excess baggage,
rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots,
strikes, war, airline or hotel policies etc.
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