VB205: VIENTIANE – LUANG PRABANG (4 Days / 3 Nights)

Day 1 : Arrival – Vientiane (city tour) – Luang Prabang

Arrive in Vientiane at Wattay airport. Afternoon, visit Wat Sisaket (built in 1818 with about 10,000 Buddha images). Nearby is HawPhra Kaew (built in 1565), once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. Continue to visit one of the most photographed images of Vientiane PATOUSAY, the victory gate also known as ANOUSAVARI (CONSTRUCTED IN 1958). Visit the famous Vientiane landmark THAT LUANG STUPA (Built in 1566 by king Setthathirath. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Lord Buddha. Then transfer to the airport for flight to Luang Prabang, the crown jewel of Laos. It is a sleepy town which has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. Magical and charming, Luang Prabang is a destination that every traveler has to see once in their lifetime. In 1995, Luang Prabang was voted by UNESCO as a world heritage city. Arrive in Luang Prabang and accommodation. 

DAY 2 : Luang Prabang – City Tour(B)

Breakfast in the morning, visit WAT VISOUN, the site of the impressive THAT MAKMO stupa. Walk to WAT AHAM which was the city’s major tutelaryshrine, dedicated to DEVETA LUANG (spirit) and PU GNEU YA GNEU (ancestors).On PHOUSI HILL, overlooking the heart of the city and offering excellent views, are several temples. Taking the 350 steps to the top of the hill you will find WAT PHOUSI and WAT MAI. The latter temple, built in 1796, has a five-tiered roof and a wooden sim in the standard Luang Prabang style. In the afternoon, drive to Kouangsi waterfall. Return to Luang Prabang and accommodation. 

DAY 3 : Luang Prabang – City Tour(B)

BREAKFAST, in the morning, visit WAT XIENGTHONG, the most beautiful  temple in the city, with the rear wall of the Sim featuring an impressive ” tree of life “mosaic set in a red background and a richly decorated wooden column that supports a ceilling vested with DHARMA wheels. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Bouddha images which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the compound’s east gate stands the royal funeral chapel. Inside is an impressive 12-meter high royal funeral chariot and various funeral urns of each royal family member. The gilt panel on the exterior depicts a semi-erotic episode from the Ramayana. Next, take a traditional boat trip upstream on the Mekong River to visit the famous PAK OU CAVES, housing thousands of Bouddha statues. On the way, stop at Ban xanghai, a village where people produce Lao liquor(rice wine). After, cross the Mekong River and have a picnic lunch in a bamboo cottage overlooking the beautiful scenery at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou Rivers. In the afternoon, return to Luang Prabang and continue by car to Ban Phanom, a weaving village populated by LU minority people that originally came from Sipsongpanna in Southern China. Almost all of the villagers are skilled weavers Finished items can be bought in this village and ACCOMMODATION

Inclusive of above prices:

• Transportation in private
• Accommodation in twin shared room
• English speaking guide
• Admission fee to indicated sights
• Meals: daily breakfast at hotel
• Gov’s tax and service charge
• Luggage handling and drinking water 

Exclusive of above prices:

• Visa stamping fee on arrival
• All air tickets in/to/from Laos
• Travel Insurance in all kinds
• Lunch or dinner unless where stated
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Other foreign language guide
• Peak tourist season or special event rates
• Tip, drinks and other personal expenses