Laos Tour > Laos Classique Tour  > Along the Mekong to Luangprabang

5 DAYS ALONG THE MEKONG  TO LUANG PRABANG

HOUEI XAY – PAKBENG – LUANG PRABANG

Private tour (MT5): Daily departure from Houei Xay with English, German or French speaking guide

ITINERARY:

DAY 1:HOUEI XAY – PAKBENG (L,D)
 Meet upon arrival at Houei Xay immigration checkpoint and transfer to the boat pier. Embark on a traditional wooden riverboat. Cruise down the Mekong River, “Mother of Waters”. The mighty river has maintained its untamed character with rapids and pristine forests along each bank.  En route, visit the Hmong minority village of Ban Houeilampen, which is home to 50 families. Hmong women are renowned for their beautiful embroidered costumes and their impressive silver jewelry. Lunch on board.  Arrival in Pakbeng in the afternoon. This rustic town-village sits on a steep hillside and offers spectacular views over the Mekong River. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 2: PAKBENG – LUANG PRABANG (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.Continue the cruise towards Luang Prabang. Lunch on board. En route, stop at Pak Ou and visit the sacred caves which house over a thousand Buddha statues. Arrival in Luang Prabang, 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 Southeast 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. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG (B.L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.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. Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding view over the city. Continue to visit Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous for the five – tiered roof of its wooden sim. Lunch at local restaurant.Visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple. The sim of the Vat represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with its roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal Funeral Chapel. Inside are an impressive 12-meter high funeral   chariot   and various funeral urns of each Royal Family’s member. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana. Sunset at Vat Prabaht Tai located along the Mekong River. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by road to the Khuang Xi Waterfalls (30 kms, approx. 1 hour drive). 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 for a glimpse into 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. Stop at Ban Xang Khong village to see how traditional Sa paper is made. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 5:LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. 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. Then stroll through the lively Central Market where the ethnic minorities of the surroundings come daily. Lunch at local restaurant. Transfer to the airport for departure (air-ticket not included in tour price).

HOTEL ADDRESSES:

Our tour prices are inclusive of transfer and tour by air-conditioned car / minivan / coach with English, German or French speaking local guide, boat trip, entrance fees, meals as specified in the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), accommodation in twin shared rooms with private bathroom, 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.