Beautiful Laos- 8 Days

ITINERARY:

Day 1:

Luang Prabang:

Welcome to Laos. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your guide and driver at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Late afternoon offers free time, take a walk around this quaint town and take the time to explore the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find an array of handmade textiles made by local villagers and the hill tribes of the area. A welcome dinner will be served at a local house accompanied by a traditional Baci ceremony.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2:

Luang Prabang 

Today discover the incredible Pak Ou Caves on a Mekong boat trip. Here, hundreds of tiny gilded statues of Buddha, worshipped for centuries teeter on stone shelves in the cave walls. Visits are also made to the local villages of Ban Xanghai and Ban Muangkeo.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3:

Luang Prabang

After breakfast explore Luang Prabang by bicycle, a fun and eco-friendly way of exploring the town visiting the temples of Wat Visun, Wat Aham and the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong, famed for its intricate mosaics and painted figurines. Visits to local villages where silk and Saa (Mulberry) Paper are made and from Phou Sy Mountain, witness Luang Prabang’s stunning temple tops fade as the sun sets.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4:

Luang Prabang – Vietiane 

This morning we journey to Tamarind Cafe where we will take part in an introductory lesson in cooking real Lao cuisine. We will tuk-tuk to Phou Sy market to buy our ingredients for the cooking class. Our chef teacher will share his knowledge on local ingredients while touring the market before travelling to our lakeside classroom outside of town where we will learn to prepare some local favourites such as khao niauw (sticky rice), oh paedek (soup with ground pork) and laarb kai (spicy Laotian chicken salad). Afterwards, we will have the chance to enjoy our creations.

Later today we make our way to the famous Khouang Si waterfall, visiting the Bear Sanctuary en-route before we have time for a relaxing swim or just relax by the water’s edge. Late afternoon we return to Luang Prabang and the airport for our flight to Vientiane.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 5:

Vietiane :

Today we visit the COPE educational centre, a compelling centre that teaches us about Laos’ Hidden War and the aid that is being given to help civilian victims of conflict. Afterwards we continue on to the unique Buddha Park or Xiang Khouan as it’s known locally, the park is filled with hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu statues creating a peaceful atmosphere.

On our way back to town we visit the Vientiane Orchid Centre which hosts one of the largest orchid collections in the world. Later, take a tour of Vientiane visiting Wat Sisaket, one of the oldest temples and home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and also visiting the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. En route to Lao’s national icon, That Luang Stupa, we pass the Patuxay Monument, known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 6:

Vietiane –Don Khing Island 

Today fly to Pakse, the laid back provincial capital of Champasack and drive to the ancient temple of Wat Phou, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos. Then enjoy the beautiful lush scenery as you take a boat across the Mekong to Khong Island. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring this sedate and picturesque island and its villages on foot or by bike.

Overnight in Don Khong Island

Day 7:

4000 Islands Boat Trip 

Set sail this morning on a scenic 4000 Islands boat trip, where you may spot the rare Irrawaddy Mekong Dolphin! After our boat ride we visit the famous waterfalls of Khone Phapeng.

Overnight in Pakse.

Day 8:

Pakse 

Explore Pakse town your own way. Arrangements come to an end after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Luang Prabang – the UNESCO Listed former royal capital, Temples of Visoun, Ahan and Sene, a weaving centre, the former Royal Palace, superb views from Mount Phousi

An introduction to Laos cuisine, shopping for ingredients in local markets and sampling the results.

Pakse – Provincial capital of Champasack where the Mekong and Sedon Rivers meet, Wat Phou, Khong Island – 1 of the 4000 islands dotting the Mekong

Pak Ou Caves – crammed with Buddha statues and Khouangsi Waterfall

Vientiane – the laid back capital, Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, the COPE Centre, That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument and the Buddha Park

Khone Phapeng – The largest waterfalls in South East Asia

INCLUDED:

Breakfast daily, 2 lunch, 1 dinner

Private boat trips on the Mekong in Luang Prabang and Pakse

Economy class flights Luang Prabang – Vientiane and Vientiane – Pakse

English speaking specialist guides at local sights

Transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicles

7 nights standard 3 star hotels. Superior (4 star) and deluxe (5 star) properties are also available

Airport arrival and departure transfers

Entrance fees to all included sights

Touring and excursions as per itinerary

NOT INCLUDED:

International flights and visa

Tipping – an entirely personal gesture