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Laos Travel

GENERAL INFORMATION

TRAVEL IDEA

MEKONG RIVER CRUISES

STAYS OF DISTINCTION

HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME

Laos map

Laos Map

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Since Laos only recently opened up, you have the opportunity to visit this very friendly country before it is "discovered" as a major tourist destination!

Laos Independent Travel Ideas

LAOS SHOWCASE

5 days

Welcome to Laos, 'Land of a million elephants' and one of the last places to see old Indochina. The pace of Laos is slow, its people are relaxed and friendly. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of Southeast Asia. Sabbai Dee and welcome.

Laos

Day 1. Arrive Vientiane. You are welcomed to the peaceful capital of Laos and transferred to your hotel. Vientiane's major attractions are the serene Buddhist monasteries that dominate the center of town. The city has kept its timeless charm with tree-lined avenues, brightly painted temples and quaint French architecture. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the hotel. This afternoon enjoy a city tour taking in Vat Sisaket. Built in 1818, Vat Sisaket is the sole survivor of an invasion in 1828. All other temples in the city have undergone extensive restoration.

Vat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and 6,840 Buddha images Nearby is Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. Built in 1565, Ho Phra Keo has been used as a museum since 1970 and contains some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artifacts in the country. Special displays include antique brass drums and palm leaf manuscripts. The main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok's Wat Phra Keo. Another famous Vientiane landmark is the That Luang Stupa. King Setthathirath built this great sacred stupa, considered as the national symbol, in 1566. LD

Day 2. Vientiane. This morning visit one of the most photographed images of Vientiane - Patousay, the victory gate also known as Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Continue on to the Talaat Sao - Vientiane's 'morning market' which is a wonderful venue for encountering the charming and fun-loving Laotians.

In the afternoon travel out of town to visit one of Laos' slightly stranger attractions - Xieng Khuan Buddha Park. Built in 1958 this park on the banks of the Mekong River is the site of a large collection of many kinds of Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures. Return to Vientiane and enjoy a cool drink on the banks of the Mekong as the sun sets. BLD

Day 3. Vientiane to Luang Prabang. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. You will be met by a representative upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness.

In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City. This afternoon visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo, stylistically more Srilankalese than Lao. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city's major tutelary shrines, dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors). Climb Phousi Hill for an outstanding view over the city. Enjoy the sunset at Vat Siphouthabath located along the Mekong River. BLD

Day 4. Luang Prabang - Pak Ou - Luang Prabang. This morning, visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered the most beautiful temple in Laos. The main sanctuary represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Then board a traditional wooden riverboat for a trip upstream the Mekong River to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou housing thousands of statues representing Lord Buddha.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant nearby the confluence between the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. In the afternoon, return to Luang Prabang by boat and continue by car to visit Ban Xang Khong, a weaving village where traditional Sa paper is also produced. BLD

Day 5. Luang Prabang. This morning there is the opportunity to start the day early with one of the most memorable sights of Luang Prabang. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food).

Your guide will explain the background behind this ritual which is still very much a part of everyday life and you will have the chance to make 'merit'. After breakfast, visit the National Museum (former King's Palace - closed on Tuesdays) displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family. Continue to visit nearby Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous for the five - tiered roof of its wooden sim. Return to your hotel, enjoy lunch then transfer to your next flight. BL

DEPARTURES:

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PRICES:

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PRICE INCLUDES:

Domestic air flight, return airport transfers, accommodation with private facilities, meals as shown by BLD, sightseeing as described in the itinerary.

HOTELS:

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