4-day Laos classic tour covers the 2 main cities of
Laos that are the capital of Vientiane and the ancient city of Luang Prabang.
Some of the highlights includes Buddha Park, Pak Ou caves, Kuang Si waterfalls,
and the mighty Mekong river.
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and
transferred to check in the hotel.
After a soft rest, we will first visit the major
sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple 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
Lao’s national icon, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we
stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is
well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
End your tour of the capital along the banks of the
Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a
cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.
The welcome dinner will be served at the local
restaurant with the traditional dance and folk song, the best chance to
experience the local culture. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meal: Dinner.
Tour included: Private transportation with English speaking guide,
entrance fee, welcome dinner with traditional dance and folk song, accommodation.
In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang,
which is very famous for its supernatural power. After that drive to Buddha
Park which takes around 45 minutes away. On the way, stop and take photos of
the Friendship Bridge which was built by the Australian government in 1994 and
links Laos and Thailand.
Arrive at Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll
around the park. Also known as Xieng
Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
The quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the
slightly eccentric sculptures which were built in 1958 by a Laos’s shaman. The
concrete sculptures are bizarre but intriguing, sitting majestically in the
peaceful park.
After visiting Buddha Park, start the
drive back to Vientiane. En route, stop at Mai Savanh to explore the
traditional textiles of the Lao people. This shop specializes in high quality
silk products and involves several families in their process, from the northern
province of Luang Nam Tha Province and the southern provinces of Attapeu and
Sekong. (Note: Mai Savanh is closed on Saturday & Sunday)
In the afternoon, visit COPE, an
association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides
in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the
lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts
underway to clear them.
We then transfer out to take the flight
to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Luang
Prabang.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch.
Breakfast at hotel.
In the morning, we embark on a cruise upstream on the
Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil
countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, a 16th century cave
monastery filled with thousands of Buddha images, which locates 25 Kilometers
North of Luang Prabang in the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong
river.
In the afternoon, we will drive south to Kuang Si
waterfalls, which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers
leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing
downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with
both tourists and locals
We will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue
Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of
poachers and traffickers.
On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short
visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the
Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners
and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every
half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang
Prabang
Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in
Luang Prabang.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch.
Tour included: Private transportation with English speaking guide,
entrance fee, lunch, accommodation.
Wake up as the sun rises, we will
prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms
giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart
from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents
sitting quietly on the streets.
From there, we will visit the
temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground,
the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable,
to fish, or chicken. This is the best way to experience the taste of local life.
After breakfast, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi
for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic
sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, you will visit Royal
Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King
Sisavang Vong and his family.
Your city tour continues with a visit to the magnificent
Wat Xiengthong, a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a
sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life
‘glass montage on the rear temple wall.
If time permits, we will take a short walk around the
small streets of city center, watching the life of local people.
We then transfer out to the airport to take the
departure flight.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch.
Tour
included: Private transportation with English
speaking guide, entrance fee, lunch.