GLIMPSES OF LAOS
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
DAY 1 Arrival – Luang Prabang
DAY 2 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves
After breakfast embark for a slow boat trip to Pak Ou Caves which is located 32 km up-river and along the way stop for visit the whisky village and observe the process villagers use to make Lau Lao (rice whisk) then continue the cave where over a thousand budha images are kept. After visiting the cave, sail downstream back to Luang Prabang for lunch then take the short drive to Ban Xangkhong (weaving village & Mulberry paper pressing village).
DAY 3 Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls
Very early (5:45 am) transfer by car to Ban Vat Sean to discreetly observe long lines of monks collecting alms’s ceremony then back to your hotel for breakfast. We then leave the hotel by car for the 29 km drive to Kuang Si waterfalls through lush unspoilt countryside well know as the most beautyfull falls in the whole region and on the way stop at Ban Naouan (ethnic minority Hmong village). After enjoying a refreshing swim or two in the natural turquoise pools of Kuang Si, drive back to town late afternoon.
DAY 4 Luang Prabang – Vientiane
After breakfast, visit the former Royal Palace and the morning market before transfer to the airport for your hour long internal flight to Vientiane. On arrival in the new capital transfer to your chosen hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring this very relaxed and atmospheric city at leisure.
DAY 5 Vientiane – City Tour
After breakfast visit the city’s most important temples such Wat Sisaket , Wat Phrakeo, Wat Pha That Luang and the Patu Xay landmark Victory Monument. After lunch we visit the morning market and drive to the famous and very unusual Buddha park located 27 Km out of town. Back to the hotel, evening at leisure.
DAY 6 Vientiane – Pakse – Tat Lo
After early breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Pakse. Upon arrival meet our guide, then excursion by road (known as the old coffee road ) toward Tat Lo on the Boleven Plateau. Stop over at Km 35 to visit the famous Tat Fan waterfalls and ethnic villages in the surrounding countryside. Overnight at Tat Lo.
DAY 7 Tat Lo – Champasack – Khong Island
In the morning, take a drive to Champasack to visit Wat Phou (Khmer ruins dating back the 11th century and seen as the most important site of its kind after Angkor) then take a drive toward Kong Island. On the way visit the local Phasouay waterfalls and minority villages such Alak and Katou. Continue our trip through the Mekong Island Delta to Kong Island. Overnight at Kong Island in typical colonial lodge.
DAY 8 Khong Island – Phou Asa – Pakse
A half day is devoted to exploring freely Kong Island. We recommend that you hire a bycicle to make the most of the tropical countryside. In the evening drive to Pakse and on the way visit Phou Asa for some elephant riding. Overnight at chosen colonial Hotel.
DAY 8 Pakse – Departure
After breakfast, free time at your leisure. Exploring and shopping until the time to transfer to the airport
COST INCLUDES
• Accommodation at hotel based on twin sharing
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Sight seeing as described in the itinerary including all admission fees.
• Local English or French speaking guides
COST EXCLUDES
• Flight and aiport taxes
• Visa fee
• Travel insurance
• Meals other than those mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses such as tips, bar bills, laundry and telephone charges
HOTELS AROUND LAOS