HIGHLIGHT OF LAOS BY ROAD – 8 DAYS
Itinerary
Download PDF Brochure- DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN VIENTIANE
Welcome to Vientiane, you will be picking up by local tour guide and transferred to hotel in Vientiane – the country’s charming capital, check in the hotel. In the afternoon, free to relax and enjoy an orientation walk around the hotel area or the guide will show you the river bank area where you could view the sun sink over the Mekong.
Overnight at the hotel in Vientiane.
Meals included: No meals. - DAY 2: VIENTIANE - CITY TOUR
Today we have a full day to explore Vientiane- the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Our visit will take you to the key sites: National Museum, WatSisaket - the city ‘s oldest surviving temple with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past, the next stop is Haw PhraKaeo. This large temple is beautiful both interior and exterior, it was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani trees.
In the afternoon a stop at the older part of Morning market is recommended before the visit Pha That Luang. The giant golden stupa is a sight to see as the bright gold holds a sharp contrast to the pure blue sky. Next you will go to climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai. The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling and once at the top you can see for miles around Vientiane.
Overnight at the hotel in Vientiane.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 3: VIENTIANE - VANG VIENG
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then head north to the sleepy riverside hamlet of Vang Vieng, a small town next to the Nam Song River that is surrounded by jagged limestone karsts. En-route, we stop to visit Ban Bor, a village where natural salt is produced.
Upon arrival in Vang Vieng, check in your hotel and relax.
In the afternoon, we will take a small boat cruise on Song river which through the Bank of the river and paddy fields to the Tham Jang caves with the beautiful and famous limestone caverns surrounded by forest. Along the way, you will experience the local life in the village and learn about their daily lifestyle. You will have chance to refresh with the small natural pool in front of the caves. Return to the town in the late afternoon.
Overnight at the hotel in Vang Vieng.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 4: VANG VIENG - LUANG PRABANG
Today we drive from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, passing through Laos’ pristine countryside. This is long drive (approximately 7 - 8 hours) with spectacular view of Lao rain forest and the mountain ranges. Along the way we will stop for photo opportunities and visit various hill tribe villages.
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check in & relax or explore the town by your own way.
Overnight at the hotel in Luang Prabang.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG - A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
After breakfast we will start this city sightseeing tour around Luang Prabang town. We visit the vegetable market and we will visit the former king’s palace, which is now a Royal Palace Museum. Many items nicely displayed include rare furniture, traditional costumes and arts, jewelry, ornaments as well as working tools and utensils of the early part of the 20th century. Then we embark on a tour of this enthralling town to visit WatXieng Thong - the Golden City monastery, which dates back to the 16th century and is considered to be the finest in Laos. Then we visit the impressive stupa of WatVisoun and the shrine of WatAham, Wat Mai and climb up to the top of Phousi Hill for the marvelous panoramic views of the town sunset at Mekong River. Later that day, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight at the hotel in Luang Prabang.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU CAVE
Transfer to the local pier of Luang Prabang to embark on a traditional boat trip upstream on the Mekong River to visit Pak Ou caves. En route, stop over to visit Ban XangHai where distillation sticky rice wine can be seen. Gently cruise up the Mekong River to admire the startling collection of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes nestled deep in the massive limestone caverns of the Pak Ou Cave. Dine on fabulous Lao cuisine while anchored beneath the limestone karsts on a tranquil stretch of river. On the return cruise, stop at small villages to see the production of traditional Lao textiles and Sa paper by local artisans. This evening is at your leisure to explore the city or relax at your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Luang Prabang.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG - KHUANG SI WATERFALL
This morning you may want to wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice.
Today we will enjoy a short visit through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. You will have a chance to make the most of beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages. Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Sitting under the shade of big trees, swimming or jumping up and down in the pools can be relaxing and enjoyable. The water tumbles down a large drop and cascades gently in to several cool, clear pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch next to the falls before returning to Luang Prabang.
Back to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre for insight in to the countries various ethnic groups and traditional crafts. Your tour will provide you with information in to the wonders of Laos, enhancing your understanding of this little-known country and its people.
Overnight at the hotel in Luang Prabang.
Meals included: Breakfast. - DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE
Have breakfast at the hotel then enjoy a free morning before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home!
Meals included: Breakfast.
Price Includes
- All accommodation with daily breakfast
- All private transportation and transfers
- All domestic flights
- All sightseeing tickets/ entrance fees
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Local English speaking guides
- Cruise or boat trip as per program
- Mineral water on coach
Price Excludes
- International flights arrival to and departure
- Early check in or late check out at all hotels
- Personal expenditures such as beverage, laundry services, telephone calls
- Peak season or public holidays surcharge (if any)
- Tipping/ Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Laos visa fee
- Other services not mentioned above