Laos Tour > Laos Classic Tour  > 6days/5nights Along the Mekong to Luangprabang

6 DAYS JOURNEY BEYOND THE MEKONG

VIENTIANE – LUANG PRABANG – PAKBENG – HOUEI XAY

Private tour (DBM6): Daily departure from Vientiane with English, German or French speaking guides
(NB: Program also available in reverse direction with daily departure from Houei Xay)

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 WED:VIENTIANE – ARRIVAL (L,D)
Meet upon arrival at Vientiane Wattay airport or at Friendship Bridge, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Vientiane’s major attractions are the serene Buddhist monasteries that dominate the center of town. The city has kept its timeless charm with tree-lined avenues, brightly painted temples and quaint French architecture. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon visit Vat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Built in 1818, Vat Sisaket is the sole survivor of an invasion in 1828. Vat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and 6,840 Buddha images. Nearby is Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. Built in 1565, Ho Phra Keo has been used as a museum since 1970 and contains some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artifacts in the country. The main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo. One of the most photographed images of Vientiane is Patousay, the victory gate also known as Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Another famous Vientiane landmark is the That Luang Stupa. King Setthathirath built this great sacred stupa in 1566. Its central structure is 45 meters tall and echoes the curving lines of an elongated lotus. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Lord Buddha. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 2 THU: VIENTIANE – LUANG PRABANG        (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
If time permits, visit the Morning Market. The Morning Market (Talaat Sao) is known for its superior silk weaving, metal work, and woodcarving.
Transfer to the airport for Lao Airlines flight to Luang Prabang. Meet upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, transfer and check-in at the hotel. The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City. Lunch at local restaurant. Visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo, stylistically more Srilankalese than Lao. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines, dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors).  Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding view over the city. Sunset at Vat Prabaht Tai located along the Mekong River. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 3 FRI:LUANG PRABANG (B,L,D)
Early morning watch the alms giving to hundreds of monks along the main road. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace) displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family: photos, musical equipment and gifts received from foreign countries. Continue to visit Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous for the five – tiered roof of its wooden sim, and Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple. The sim of the Vat represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several chapels, including the Royal Funeral Chapel with an impressive 12-meter high funeral chariot. Lunch at local restaurant. Discover the old city and participate in a Baci ceremony, followed by a traditional dance show. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 4 SAT: LUANG PRABANG (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.Departure by road to the Khuang Xi Waterfalls. The waterfalls tumble over multi – tiered limestone formations into cool, clear pools ideal for swimming and relaxing. On the way to the waterfalls, visit the Khmu minority village of Ban Thapaene. Take a short walk around the village for a glimpse of their lifestyle. Picnic lunch nearby the waterfalls. Return to Luang Prabang. On the way, visit Ban Xom, a lowland Lao village known for its cotton production and Ban Xang Khong village to see how traditional Sa paper is made. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 5 SUN:LUANG PRABANG - PAKBENG – (BY NAVA MEKONG BOAT) (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.Early morning, transfer to Calao pier.  Board the Nava Mekong boat and cruise up the Mekong River towards Pakbeng. Brief stop to observe traditional processing of local rice alcohol. Continue to Pak Ou and visit the sacred Pak Ou caves, which house over a thousand Buddha statues. Lunch on board. Arrival in Pakbeng before sunset and check-in at the hotel. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 6 MON:PAKBENG – HOUEI XAY – CHIANG KHONG – (BY NAVA MEKONG BOAT) (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Board the Nava Mekong boat for the second leg of the cruise towards Houei Xay. Observe the rural life along the Mekong River banks with a stop en route at a Yao minority village.Lunch on board.  Arrive in Houei Xay around 04.00 PM and transfer out to Chiang Khong (border crossing to Thailand).

HOTEL ADDRESSES:

Our tour prices are inclusive of transfer and tour by air-conditioned car / minivan / coach with English, German or French speaking local guides (depending on tour type), traditional boat for river journey, entrance fees, meals as specified in the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), accommodation in twin shared rooms with private bathroom, domestic air tickets and domestic airport taxes, service charges, room tax and baggage handling.

Not included are arrival and departure flights, Laotian visa fee upon arrival (US $30 per person + two photos), International airport tax upon departure (US $10 per person), all other meals not mentioned above, drinks, tips and other personal expenditures such as telephone, laundry, and personal travel insurance.

NOTE: Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road and/or river conditions, flight schedules and room availability.