5 DAYS VIENTIANE – LUANG
PRABANG
Private tour (DVL5): Daily
departure from Vientiane with English, German or French speaking guides
ITINERARY:
DAY 1:
VIENTIANE – ARRIVAL (L,D)
Meet upon arrival at Vientiane Wattay
airport, 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. All other temples in the city have
undergone extensive restoration. 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. Special displays include antique brass drums and palm leaf
manuscripts. 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, considered as the national
symbol, 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:
VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
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. Continue to visit Vat Mai, built in 1796,
famous for the five – tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard of
Luang Prabang style. Sunset at Vat
Prabaht Tai located along
the Mekong River. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
DAY 3;
LUANG PRABANG (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit 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 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.
Then board a traditional boat for a trip upstream the Mekong River to visit
the famous caves of Pak Ou housing
thousands of statues representing Lord Buddha. Picnic lunch at a bamboo
cottage overlooking the confluence between the Mekong and Nam Ou
rivers. Return to Luang Prabang by boat and continue by car to visit Ban
Phanom, a weaving village
populated by Thai Lu that originally came from Sipsongpanna in Southern
China. 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.Picnic lunch
nearby the waterfalls. Return to Luang Prabang. En route, visit Ban
Xom 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:
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. 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.
HOTEL ADDRESSES:
|
Superior
Category |
|
|
Novotel Hotel |
Unit 9
Samsenthai Road, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-21)
213 570-1 / Fax: (856-21) 213 572 |
|
Muang Luang
Hotel |
Bounkhong Road,
Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-71)
212 791 / Fax: (856-71) 212 790 |
|
First Category |
|
|
Lao Plaza Hotel |
63 Samsenthai
Road, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-21)
218 800-1 / Fax: (856-21) 218 808-9 |
|
Villa Santi
Hotel |
Sakkarine Road,
Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-71)
252 157 / Fax: (856-71) 252 158 |
|
Deluxe Category |
|
|
Settha Palace
Hotel |
6 Pang Kham
Street, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-21)
217 581-2 / Fax: (856-21) 218 583 |
|
La Residence
Phou Vao |
Phou Vao Road,
Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-71)
212 530 / Fax: (856-71) 212 534 |
Our tour prices are
inclusive of transfer and
tour by air-conditioned car / minivan / coach with English, German or French
speaking local guide, 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 conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
