6D5N Vientiane-Phonsavan-Luang Prabang-Phousi Holy Hill Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Vientiane arrival
On
arrival in Vientiane, you will be welcomed by local tour guide and get transferred
to hotel in Vientiane – the country’s charming capital, with its laidback riverside
ambience, and alluring monuments. Free at your leisure in the rest of day. It
is recommended to have an orientation walk around the hotel area along the
river bank where you could view the sun sink over the Mekong.
Meals:
N/A.
Accommodation:
Hotel in Vientiane.
Day 2: Vientiane city tour
Today
we have a full day to explore Vientiane - the charming and fascinating capital
of Laos,
one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing
mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences.
Our visit will take you to the key sites: National Museum, Wat Sisaket - the city’s
oldest surviving temple with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously
authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past.
The next stop is Haw Phra Kaeo. This large temple is beautiful both interior
and exterior,
it was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani
trees. In
the afternoon a stop at the older part of Morning Market is recommended before
the visit Pha That Luang. The giant golden stupa is a sight to see as the
bright gold holds a sharp contrast to the pure blue sky. Next you will go to
climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai.
The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling and once at the top you
can see
for miles around Vientiane. Next
go to Buddha Park and explore (see picture above).
Meals:
Breakfast.
Accommodation:
Hotel in Vientiane.
Day 3: Vientiane - fly to Phonsavan - Plain of Jars
We
board a short afternoon flight to Xiengkhouang, which was devastated by
American
bombing
between 1964 and 1973. Spend
the afternoon to explore the mysterious archeological wonderland: the Plain of
Jars. Explore
Site 1, 2 & 3 of the ancient and mysterious Plain of Jars: an enchanting
archeological site,
where hundreds of large stone jars lie scattered about the plateau.
Meals:
Breakfast.
Accommodation:
Hotel in Phonsavan.
Day 4: Phonsavan - Luang Prabang
Today
we drive from Xieng Khuang to Luang Prabang, passing through Laos’ pristine
countryside.
This is long drive (approximately 7 - 8 hours) with spectacular view of Lao
rain
forest and the mountain ranges. Along the way we will stop for photo
opportunities
and
visit various hill tribe villages. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check
in. In the
afternoon,
visit main highlights of Luang Prabang and discover the Night market.
Meals:
Breakfast.
Accommodation:
Hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang city tour
This
morning you may want to wake up early and participate in the daily early
morning
ritual
of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings
from
the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. (You can have a self
arrangement
for
this activity). Following
breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the former king’s palace, which is now a Royal
Palace Museum. Many items nicely displayed include rare furniture, traditional
costumes
and arts, jewelry, ornaments as well as working tools and utensils of the early
part
of the 20th century. Then we embark on a tour of this
enthralling town to visit Wat
Xieng
Thong, the Golden City Monastery, which dates back to the 16th century and is
considered
to be the finest in Laos. Furthermore, we visit the fine temples of Wat Mai,
Wat
Visoun.
Later that day, we adjourn to the Phousi Holy Hill to enjoy the marvelous
panoramic
views of the town at sunset.
Meals:
Breakfast.
Accommodation:
Hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 6:
Luang Prabang - Departure
Have breakfast
at the hotel then enjoy a free morning before driving to the airport to catch
your departure
flight home.
Meal:
Breakfast.
Tour price includes:
• Domestic flight: Vientiane - Xieng
Khouang
• Accommodation with daily breakfast
at selected hotels
•
Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary
•
Services of a private driver and air-conditioned vehicles
•
Service of English speaking guides in every location
•
Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
•
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
Tour price excludes:
•
International flights
•
Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
•
Early check-in and late check-out at hotels.
•
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
•
Tips for guides and drivers
•
Personal travel insurance
•
Laos Visa (more at http://www.laostravel.com/visa.html)
To join this tour, please email us: worldheritage101@yahoo.com