6D5N Vientiane-Phonsavan-Luang Prabang-Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfall 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: Phousy Hill and discover the Night
market.
Meals:
Breakfast.
Accommodation:
Hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Pak Ou Caves - Kuang Si Waterfalls
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). After
breakfast, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Luang Prabang
and transfer to
the local pier to embark on a traditional boat trip upstream on the Mekong
River to visit Pak Ou caves. En route, stop over to visit Ban Xang Hai where
distillation sticky rice wine can be seen. Gently cruise up the Mekong River to
admire the startling collection of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all shapes
and sizes nestled deep in the massive limestone caverns of the Pak Ou Cave.
Dine on fabulous Lao cuisine while anchored beneath the limestone karsts on a
tranquil stretch of river. On the return cruise, stop at small villages to see
the production of traditional Lao textiles and Sa paper by local artisans. In the
afternoon we will enjoy a short visit through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si
Waterfalls. You will have a chance to make the most of beautiful landscapes of rice fields,
hills, and small villages. Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy
the beautiful
natural surroundings. Sitting under the shade of big trees and swimming or jumping up and
down in the pools can be relaxing and enjoyable. The water tumbles down a large drop
and cascades gently in to several cool, clear pools where you can enjoy a refreshing
swim. We drive back to the town in the late afternoon.
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)
• Laos Visa (more at http://www.laostravel.com/visa.html)
To join this tour, please email us: worldheritage101@yahoo.com