Laos / 9 days Overland Laos
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Experiencing the beauty and serenity of Luang Prabang, spiritual centre and former capital of Laos.Witnessing an ancient Buddhist offering to hundred of orange-robed monks as the sun rises over the mountains beyond Luang Prabang.Enjoying the nature at Kuangsi waterfalls.Cruising on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou caves and its mass of Buddha statues.Having a look over the stunning limestone landscapes of Vang Vieng from the Nam Song river.Discovering the hidden charms of Vientiane.Tasting one of the most famous coffee of the World.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 - Luang Prabang Arrival
Upon arrival to Luang Prabang airport, you will be met by your Laos guide and expedited through customs. After all formalities are completed, transfer to your hotel for check-in and a chance to freshen up. Rest of the day, free time at leisure. At the end of the day, climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside and get back to your hotel by the evening hilltribe market where you may find plenty of local souvenirs to buy such as handicraft, textile. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 2 - Pak Ou Caves & Luang Prabang (B,L) (B,L)
After breakfast, start with the morning visit by the most photographed temple: Wat Xieng Thong. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple has been erected in 1560 by King Setthathirat while the library has been added in 1828 This morning (1030), board the « Nava Mekong » traditional river boat with its unique configuration that will enable you to enjoy a leisurely paced cruise up and down the mystical Mekong River. As you leave the peninsula of Luang Prabang behind you, you witness rural life and peaceful sceneries on the banks of the river as you cruise upstream. After just a bit more than an hour, you reach Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou River giving its name to the location. In these 2 caves are displayed hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities around mid April. The venue offers amateur photographers endless possibilities. The boat then keeps cruising in the vicinity of the caves and will moor during lunch time at the foot of beautiful limestone cliffs. A selection of typical Lao dishes will be served onboard. Cruise back to Luang Prabang and return in the early afternoon. The city tour begins in the afternoon with your guide who will enable you to learn more about this town registered on the World Heritage Patrimony List since 1995. Your tour starts at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Your walk continue to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief (closed on Tuesdays). During Pimai, the lao new year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple. Then, our walk will conduct us to Wat Sensoukarahm, build in 1718 with its beautiful dazzling golden façade. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3 - Luang Prabang & Kuangsi (B) (B)
A very special (optional) dawn visit – highly recommended - before breakfast to witness the long lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from Luang Prabang residents. Back to the hotel for breakfast. In the morning, Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, entirely rebuilt after being destroyed in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit it takes its name from. You will continue by Wat Aham where we can find the altar of the 2 genius of Luang Prabang and then go to Wat That where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa. During the afternoon, you will visit Kuangsi Waterfalls, located at 32 km from Luang Prabang. These waterfalls run through a multilevel limestone formations in the jungle into a series of turquoise blue pools where you may bathing at the foot of the falls if the weather is nice (please wear a sarong, no naked bodies). On the way back to your hotel, stop at 2 ethnic villages to learn more about their local daily life. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4 - Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng (B) (B)
After breakfast, morning depart for a drive down spectacular Route 13 towards Vang Vieng (7 to 8 hours). Stop in Kasi, the center of a fruit-growing area. Continue to Vang Vieng, nestled along the Nam Song River and framed by spectacular karst formations housing numerous caves. Visit of Tham Jam Cave in the afternoon and stroll through town along the Nam Song River. If timing permits, visit of the organic farm, 3km northwards of Vang Vieng where traditional gardening ways are maintaining in order to produce fresh vegetable and fruits. Vang Vieng is a famous place between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, surrounding by an amazing limestone relief where you may visit some caves. If the town losts a part of its soul, do not hesitate to move a little bit away to enjoy the local daily life. Besides the banks of the Nam Song River, you may have a lot of opportunities for trekking and caving as well to learn about the local mythology regarding the name of the caves. Do not forget your sunset upon the river! Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 5 - Vang Vieng - Vientiane (B) (B)
After breakfast, drive to Nam Gum lake (about 2 hours). Nam Ngum Lake is the largest lake in Laos and you can enjoy there great sceneries. This artificial lake was built to produce electricity and was indeed the first hydroelectric dam ever built in Laos: the dam generates 160 Mega Watts of electric power (Electricity being one of the most significant source of income in Laos). Lunch by the lakeside (not included). We advise you have the fresh and grilled fish from the lake. Then take a boat cruise on the lake and enjoy the scenery of mountains, hills, beautiful forests and islands. Fishing is also a significant activity on the lake and you will have the opportunity to see the fishermen on their boats, fishing with hoop nets, nets and lines. After your cruise, transfer to Vientiane with a visit at the salt mine of Ban Kheune and at the typical local market of Kilometer 15 (Don Mak Kai). Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 6 - Vientiane (B) (B)
After breakfast, the day will be used to discover the hidden charm of Vientiane which means the city of “sandal wood”. Vientiane is one of the quietest capital in the world, far away from the usual bustle and hustle Asian capitals, far from the real-estate frenzy of the regional megalopolis. Wat Sisaket: the only temple left intact after the Siamese invasion in 1828. One of the most beautiful temple of the capital with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue with Wat Phra Keo, used as a religious museum where are displayed Lao and Khmer works of art. Just besides, have a look to the Presidential Palace (former French governor Palace. No visit). The next place is Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane which is the guardian of the spirit of the city. Among this location, you will find an angkorian pillar. It is said that, you should turn around 3 times by formulating a wish. If that one becomes true, you have to bring back some offerings. Lunch (not included): recommended Makphet, a vocational restaurant that aims to re-integrate street children. Afternoon will be used to visit the Patuxay monument (the Lao Arc de Triomphe), also called Anousavari. From its roof enjoy a panoramic sight over the city. Then, pursue to the That Luang constructed by King Setthethirat, the holiest place in Laos where you may enjoy the sunlight on the golden structure. Then, you will discover another speciality of Laos: coffee. Laos has one of the most famous coffees of the world that grown in the Boloven Plateau in Southern Laos. Here, you will learn and see how it is roasted and blended. Overnight in Vientiane
Day 7 - Depart Vientiane (B) (B)
After breakfast, free at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Option - Day 2
As the day comes to a close, participate in a traditional Baci ceremony. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in the Laos culture and are used to celebrate a special occasion- whether a wedding, an annual festival, or as a welcome. Price per group (in USD): 1-3 pax: 52USD 4-6 pax: 64USD 7-10 pax: 75USD 11-15 pax: 87USD 16-20 pax: 98USD 21-25 pax: 115USD 26-30 pax: 133USD
Option - Day 3
Stop at Ock Pop Tock, a shop specialized into local textile preservation issues and that is working closely with locals to promote traditional weaving. Then, after a visit, you will state the amazing location of the shop and it’s a real great place to enjoy a sunset drink overlooking the Mekong. Rates: 10US$/ person
Includes:
- Internationaland national flights
- Accommodation at selected hotels based on Single, Double/Twin Room with breakfast.
- Meals as indicated in itinerary. B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner.
- English Speaking Local Guide
- All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary
- Land transportation with driver in the itinerary (could be by tuktuk for short transfers)
- Boat trip as mentioned in the program
- All permissions and local taxes
Excludes:
- Alcoholic drinks & drinks at mealtime + Optional visits + Personal expenses (Telephone, laundry...)
- Visa stamping fee for Laos (visa on arrival, valid 30 days: 30 to 42US$ upon client’s nationality + 1 photo. Passport has to be valid at least 6 months after departure date of the country). Subject to change without prior notice
- Extension visa 2 USD/day/Pax. Subject to change without prior notice
- ATTENTION: Visa on arrival pay more 1 USD/Pax every Saturday and Sunday
- Personal travel insurance (should include helicopter evacuation for Laos & repatriation)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide, driver, boat crew & hotels’ porters
- Meals other than those mentioned above
- Other services not clearly indicated in the Package Inclusion above
Remarks:
- Compulsory dinners apply for Christmas & New Year Eve (24 & 31 December) at Grand Luang Prabang. (at extra cost, not included in the fares mentioned in above tables). Set diner: 30US$/ person and 15US$ per person for child under 12
- Peak Season surcharge of 35US$ per room per night applicable during 24 december- 01 January (inclusive) at Maison Souvannaphoum. Minimum 3 nights stay required during the mentioned period. Compulsory dinners apply for Christmas & New Year Eve (24 & 31 December) at Greenpark. (at extra cost, not included in the fares mentioned in above tables). Set diner: 50US$/ person
- This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your biking or trekking guide will have the final say.
- Price based on 2 pax
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Why choose us?
- Service focused
- No hidden fees
- Value for money
- Native English and French speaking
- China-wide departures
- Flexibility and Expertise
