Classic Laos Tour – 4 days

Destinations: Vientiane/Luang Prabang

A tour combining the two magical cities takes you through the history of the land of a million elephants. Laos is still very much undiscovered and after decades of isolation, tourists are able to experience Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret. Highlights of this tour include exploring the unique temple architecture of Luang Prabang, the astonishing views over the city from the top of Mount Phousi and visiting the national buildings in Vientiane.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, G = Guide

Day 1: Arrival at Vientiane (D, G)

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiene is a fascinating capital, with a fusion of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. This charming and easygoing city will provide a smooth introduction to Laos. After a short rest, an orientation walk of the Lao Capital is a pleasant way to spend the day, strolling around some of the city’s most historical sites and seeing some of the French colonial architecture. You’ll observe the sunset by the Mekong Riverside until the late evening. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane/Luang Prabang (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former 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, you will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. From there, you’ll visit the central or  ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place for browsing antiques, handmade textiles and gifts.

In the afternoon, you’ll spend the rest of this day touring the Lao capital, visiting the National Museum (closed Tuesday) formerly known as the Revolutionary Museum, which exhibits artifacts, photos and legends of Laos’s history fighters and leaders from the ancient times to the new revolution period. You’ll then board the short flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City of Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best – preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to your hotel. After a short rest, we stroll around the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of textiles made by the local and the hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. You’ll then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful and panoramic sunset over the ancient city and the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou cave (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. You’ll then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, you’ll stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun and Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Departure (G)

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. Later, we visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace.  It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. There will also be time for us to look around the Central Market. After visiting these sights in the morning, there may be free time (depending on your flight) to venture into town and stroll around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.

Price in US$ per person:

Our price includes:

•         Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room.
•         Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above
•         Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver.
•         One way domestic flight tickets: Vientiane – Luang Prabang including domestic airport taxes.
•         Boats cruise as programme.
•         The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary
•         Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
•         Lunches and dinners, as specified, in the good local restaurants, picnics where suitable restaurants are not available.
•         VAT and other taxes

Our price does not include:

•         International flight tickets and airport tax.
•         Visa stamping fee on arrival US$30.00/pax
•         Dinners, except as specified above.
•         Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
•         Insurance.

Hotel list for Two-Stars standard:

•         Vientiane: Asian Pavilion Hotel (** located in the centre of Vientiane) or similar
•         Luang Prabang: Sanakeo hotel (** located in the city centre) or similar

Hotel list for Three-Stars standard:

•         Vientiane: Inter City Hotel (*** beautifully decorated with antiques and artifacts; located in the heart of the city) or similar
•         Luang Prabang: Sala Prabang Hotel (*** on the banks of the Mekong River and consists of well restored small colonial houses) or similar

Hotel list for Four-Stars standard:

•         Vientiane: Novotel Hotel (**** located close to both the centre of Vientiane and the airport) or similar
•         Luang Prabang: Villa Santi Hotel (**** located in the heart of the World Heritage Site with walking distance to many historical sight seeing places) or similar

Hotel list for Five-Stars standard:

•         Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel (***** located in the heart of bustling Vientiane, built in the early part of the last century, circa 1932, and painstakingly restored to its former imperial glory) or similar
•         Luang Prabang: La Résidence Phou Vao Hotel (***** a luxury spa hotel with breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding World Heritage town of Luang Prabang) or similar