VIENTIANE / PHONSAVANH /

LUANG PRABANG

 

(7 Days / 6 Nights)

We will always try to accommodate the needs of the traveller.

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Day 1     Vientiane                  
Upon arrival you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.  Overnight in Vientiane 

 

Day 2    Vientiane – Half day City tour & Buddha Park             Breakfast
Today,  explore the city by visiting the oldest wat in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a museum of arts and antiques.  We then travel up Lanexang Avenue you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument, which resembles its Parisian inspiration, the Arc de Triomphe.  The climb to the top offers great views over Vientiane.   We continue onwards down Rue Singha 23 to Laos’ National icon, and most important religious building the golden stupa of That Luang.  The final visit of the morning will be the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War area.

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In the afternoon,  visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the banks of the Mekong River.   By no means historic – Buddha Park was built in the 1950’s by a self styled ‘holy man’ – the park features some very photogenic and unusual sculptures, including a huge reclining Buddha, and a giant pumpkin.  Upon returning to Vientiane you have the option of stopping at the Lao Disabled Womens Centre, which provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos.  The women here are friendly, and its interesting to have a chat with them to find out about their lives.   A spectacular view of the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day.   Overnight in Vientiane 

 

Day 3      Vientiane -  Phonsavanh – Plain of Jarrs                   Breakfast 
Free at leisure, before being transferred to the airport for your flight.        

Upon arrival in Phonsavan,  transfer to your hotel for check-in.   Afterwards,  drive out to Jar Site 1, the largest site.  Then return to Phonsavan town, and visit the Mines Action Group (or MAG) office to learn about the important work they do in clearing land mines and unexploded ordnance in the area.  
Overnight in Phonsavanh at Vansana    

Day 4    Phonsavanh  -  Luang Prabang                           Breakfast, Lunch
An early start to visit  the interesting Central Market, and then drive out to the ancient town of Muang Khoun, the former provincial capital, where you can explore the ruins of a number of ancient pagodas in the Lanna style and Wat Phiawat, a ruined temple containing a huge sitting Buddha.  You then begin your long, but scenic drive to Luang Prabang.  En route stop at Ban Somboun, a Hmong village.  Following lunch at the small market town of Phou Khoun,  stop to visit Ban Kiu Kharm Pom, a friendly Khmu village, and Ban Nam Ming, which offers nice views from its bridge and an opportunity to stretch your legs.  Arrive in Luang Prabang by early evening.    Overnight in Luang Prabang  

 

Day 5    Luang Prabang  -  Half day City tour & Khoung Si        Breakfast
After breakfast,  start a half day city tour with a visit to the quaint Royal Palace Museum, which gives a good overview of the local history.  Then stop at Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Next,  visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style. Continue to the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives a great insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. 

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In the afternoon visit the local Phosi Market, where all the locals shop.

Your guide will show and explain the diverse offerings on display.

Stop at Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving centre. Here, enjoy  a guided tour

explaining the process of silk weaving. Then drive out of the town,

to visit Khmu, Hmong and Lao Loum villages, representing the main

ethnic groups of Laos. Then continue to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall

where one can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool or walk

along the forest trails.   Next to the falls is a Bear Rescue Centre, that does

a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear.  

Finally gradually return to Luang Prabang.     Overnight in Luang Prabang  

 

Day 6     Luang Prabang  -  Half day Pak Ou                    Breakfast
After breakfast,  board a private boat for a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, and enjoy a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. First stop is the village of Ban Muangkeo and take a short trek to reach the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes.   Ten return to Luang Prabang by boat, stopping at Ban Nongxai, an artisans village.  Arrive back in Luang Prabang in time for lunch.  Afternoon is free at leisure. 
Overnight in Luang Prabang  

 

Day 7    Luang Prabang                           Breakfast
At leisure before being transferred to airport for departure flight.
 

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