Laos > Culture & History Tours

Glimpse of Laos

Landlocked by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Burma, Laos is truly the 'Hidden Heart of Asia' and offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of old South East Asia. On this trip you will experience Laos' s two major cities, Vientiane and Luang Prabang as well as get a memorable introduction to a fascinating country seemingly lost in time

HIGHLIGHTS

. Luang Prabang
. Phousi Hill
. Wat Xieng Thong
. National Museum
. Pakou Caves

. Ban Xanghai
. Ban Phanom
. Vientiane
. That Luang Stupa
. Wat Sisaket

LENGHTH: 4 days / 3 nights

 

GRADE:

 

TRANSPORTATION:

 

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Luang Prabang
On arrival at Luang Prabang Airport , you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, Luang Prabang with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, retains an unique charm rarely found in all Asia. There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai. We visit these sites in a half day guided tour before embarking on a climb up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panoramic view from the town center to the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Today we continue seeing this charming town with the famous Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes ,doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang Prabang. We board a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to visit the distillation of potent local rice wine. Upon leaving this riverside village we wave our way through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. They are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. We explore these famous grottos and cruise back to Luang Prabang Town. On arrival we catch a short drive to Ban Phanom , a well known weaving village of the Tai Lue people who used to make royal silk weaving textiles for the Lao former royal family. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 3: Luang Prabang - Vientiane
The former Royal Palace has been turned into a national museum. This interesting structure displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We visit this museum and enjoy a walk tour around the old quarter streets. The following destination of our trip is Vientiane via a short flight from Luang Prabang. Upon arrival we begin to explore the capital city of Laos. The first stop is Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Afterwards we continue driving to Patouxai. This imposing monument standing in Lane Xang Avenue, is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe and provides a stunning views of the city. We round off our day with a visit to the great sacred masterpiece and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. O/N in Vientiane. (B)

Day 4: Vientiane - Departure
The vibrant central market in the heart of Vientiane sells a wide away of local treasures. We explore this famous trading center and the town center on a morning walking tour. The sightseeing tour is all depending on your departure time. The trip ends after your transfer to Wattay Airport for departure. (B)

TRIP NOTE:
- LAOS IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMOODATION IS SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.

- THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

- THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

- THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

 

 

TRIP PRICE IN US$ PER PERSON

GLIMPSE OF LAOS

Group Size of

Standard Class

First Class

Superior Class

Deluxe Class

2 - 3 Pers.

US$379

US$432

US$470

US$581

4 - 6 Pers.

US$323

US$376

US$414

US$525

7 – 10 Pers.

US$280

US$334

US$371

US$483

11 Pers. & up

US$261

US$314

US$352

US$463

Single room sup.

US$62/pers

US$102/pers

US$130/pers

US$210/pers

Full board sup.

US$50/pers

US$55/pers

US$61/pers

US$66/pers

 

INCLUDING

+ Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver

+ Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner

+ Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar one

+ English or French speaking guide

+ Entrance fee to indicated sights

+ Boat trip in Luang Prabang

+ Domestic flight Luang Prabang - Vientiane

NOT INCLUDING

Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in/ out of Laos, any optional additional tours or activities during free time,surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner

HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP

 

LIST OF HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP
( Click To View Your Hotels)

STANDARD CLASS

FIRST CLASS

SUPERIOR CLASS

DELUXE CLASS

Luang Prabang

Manoluck Hotel (ROH), Haysoke Hotel  or similar one

Muang Luang Hotel (ROH), Le Parasol Blanc Hotel (ROH), Phousi Hotel (Del.room) or similar one

Grand Luang Prabang Hotel (Del.room), Villa Santi Resort (Del.room), Villa Santi Hotel (Del.room) or similar one

Maison Souvanaphoum Hotel (Verandah room) or similar one

Vientiane

Inter City Hotel , Laos Orchid Hotel   or similar one

Novotel Hotel , Don Chan Palace Hotel   or similar one

Laos Plaza Hotel (Sup.room), Green Park Hotel (Del.room) or similar one

Settha Palace Hotel (Del.room) or similar one

Hotel Notes

 

 

 

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