6D5N Vientiane-Phonsavan-Luang Prabang-Vientiane 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 - 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 3: 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. Free & easy after that and discover the Night market.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 4: 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 5: Pak Ou Caves - Kuang Si Waterfalls
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 – fly to Vientiane
Have breakfast at the hotel then enjoy a free morning before driving to the Luang Prabang International Airport to catch your domestic departure flight back to Vientiane.
Meal: Breakfast.
Tour price includes:
• Domestic flight: Vientiane - Xieng Khouang in Day 2
• Domestic flight: Luang Prabang - Vientiane - in Day 6
• 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