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Insights Into Northern Laos Tour

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This trip takes you from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang through the remote mountains to the plain of jars at Xieng Khuang. Continue south to Vang Vieng, famous for the Nam Song . .
Country: Laos
City: Luang Prabang To Vientiane
Duration: 10 Day(s) - 9 Night(s)
Tour Category: Classic Tours
Departure Date: Thu 01 Jan '99
Package Itinerary

This trip takes you from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang through the remote mountains to the plain of jars at Xieng Khuang. Continue south to Vang Vieng, famous for the Nam Song River set against the backdrop of limestone karsts. Then it’s onto the capital of Laos Vientiane.

Day 1: Welcome to the stunning UNESCO world heritage city of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquillity and charm of this UNESCO world heritage town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.

On arrival at the airport, you are welcomed and transferred to the hotel where you are free at your leisure to stroll around. Time permitting our guide can take you on a short walking tour of the town and a visit to the night market. Here you can browse a lovely collection and handmade textiles from the local and hill tribe people from the surrounding areas. If you prefer or are arriving late this can be done on the following day.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 2: Boat trip to Ban Chan & Pak-Ou Caves

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 Laos’s famous sticky rice.

After breakfast, board a cruise for an amazingly long tailboat journey along the Mekong River to where it meets the Nam-Ou River, stop at Ban Chan village just outside Luang Prabang famous for traditional pottery making here you will watch the process of pots being made on traditional ovens.

After Ban Chan, we continue to visit Wat Xiengman and Wat Longkhoun and continue by boat through the beautiful Laotian countryside passing by local villages before arriving at the fascinating Pak Ou caves, which in fact are a cave system of two interlinked caves, crammed full of Buddha statues left behind by pilgrims over generations.

Returning to Luang Prabang by boat you will stop at Ban Sanghai to observe the traditional process of rice wine distillation. Arrive back into Luang Prabang at around 5 pm

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 3: City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfall

Starting at 8 am visit Phou Si morning Market where you will see such variety of local products on offer

Luang Prabang is a fascinating historical city with a delightful mix of Buddhist temples and French Colonial buildings. In fact, it is still very much a rural kind of city in comparison to neighboring countries. Our first stop is Wat Visoun: which is a replica of an older Temple that was erected in the same place back in 1513, this Wat houses numerous religious art treasures.

Next, we head to Wat Xieng Thong a royal Wat built on the banks of the Mekong River in 1559 which has remained relatively undamaged by the various invasions mainly Chinese over the centuries.

This temple is decorated extensively with impressive carvings, murals, and mosaics. And visit the Laotian Royal Palace officially known as Haw Kham which was built during the French colonial era for the King and his family. The site was chosen so that official visitors to Luang Prabang could disembark from their river voyages directly by the palace and be received there.

In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown and the Palace was then converted into a National museum. Today it houses many artifacts that showcase the richness of Laotian culture. Continue to enjoy the atmosphere at Wat Mai built in 1796 and sits at the foot of Mount Phousi.

After lunch we continue to Khuang Si Waterfall and Bear Rescue Centre, about 30 minutes from Luang Prabang, the waterfall is set in a natural jungle setting and you will have plenty of time to relax or swim in its turquoise cool pools. Return to Luang Prabang time permitting climb Phousi Hill, with its 328 steps, it’s a rewarding walk as once at the summit you’ll have a fabulous panorama view over the town center and the mighty Mekong River and beyond.

In the evening explore the Street Night Bazaar, where you can find a lovely collection and handmade textiles from the local and hill tribe people from the surrounding areas.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 4: Luang Prabang to Xieng Khuang

After an early breakfast depart Luang Prabang and head through the beautiful countryside, along windy roads to XiengKhouang. Located in the mountainous lush surroundings, this is the area well known for the archaeological finds of the mystical Plain of Jars, stone structures, dating back to between 500 BC – 500 AD. (~5 – 6 hours by road 310 km)

Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jard (Standard Room)

Day 5: Plain of Jars and Cave

Spend the day exploring the Plain of Jars sites, these stone structures are shrouded in mystery, some relics found date back to 2000 BC, and from the times of the bronze and iron ages. It is believed that these jars were used through the centuries and by differing civilizations as part of funeral rituals. Take a short trek to Tai Dam and Lao Leum villages. Relax at the Thermal springs at Baw Yai and Tham-Piu-Cave where Lao lost over 200 people during the Indochina War.

Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jard (Standard Room)

Day 6: Xieng Khuang to Vang Vieng

After breakfast, we depart from Xieng Khuang towards VangVieng, a provincial town located by a river. Our journey continues through the mountainous scenery to VangVieng. VangVieng is a small rural village located in a stunning natural setting, with a backdrop of Limestone Mountains, set alongside the Nam Song River. On arrival into VangVieng check into the hotel where you are free at leisure (Takes 5 hours by road 275 km)
Accommodation: Inthira Vang Vieng (Deluxe Room)

Day 7: Tham Jang Cave and the Blue Lagoon

After breakfast discover the area around VangVieng. For those feeling energetic, why not take a short walk to Tham Jang Cave just one of the local caves in the area where the villagers of VangVieng hid out during the bombing of the Indochina Wars? You can also visit the Blue Lagoon and bathe in its crystal blue water.

Accommodation: Inthira Vang Vieng (Deluxe Room)

Day 8: Vang Vieng to Vientiane

After breakfast drive south from VangVieng, to the capital of Laos, Vientiane, where you will have lunch on arrival check into your hotel and after a short time to freshen up, head out to discover Vientiane. Visit the main temples and colonial monuments that give this city its amazing architectural and cultural contrast.
Visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest; Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

Visit the Royal temple of Wat Prakeo which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we’ll stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. (Takes 3 – 4 hours by road 165 km)

Accommodation: City Inn Vientiane (Deluxe Room)

Day 9: City Tour & Buddha Park

Today you’ll have an interesting trip to Buddha Park also known as Xieng Khuan. This art sculpture park is located about 27km southeast of Vientiane and is a great and intriguing place that children would very much like. Located in a meadow by the Mekong River the cement statues are both ornate and sometimes bizarre although admired for the artwork. After Buddha Park return back to town. On the way back there may be the possibility of stopping at the Beer Lao factory

Accommodation: City Inn Vientiane (Deluxe Room)

Day 10: Vientiane – Departure

After breakfast, you’re free at your leisure until your transfer to the airport or border for your departure

Price Includes:

Accommodation as mentioned in the Program
Private transport with AC
English speaking guide
All Entrance fees
All boat trip/boat ticket
Tuk Tuk / Songtrail as mention in program
Meals Breakfast only
Drinking water
Government Tax

Price Excludes:

Drinks
Alcohol
Visa fees/border fees
Internal flights
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Lunch & Dinner

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