Timeless beauty and life in a slow pace is one thing, the world heritage town of Luang Prabang another. All connected with the mysterious Mekong river this short exclusive sightseeing tour combines the greatest cultural and nature highlights in just 5 days.
Start at the Thai - Lao border and ending in Vientiane it gives a short but intense impression of what is Laos - the warm heart of Indochina. An impressive journey along one of the most mystical rivers of South-East-Asia. It is not more than 150 years since a French expedition made this journey the first time in western history. Now we give the chance to experience this special region for travelers from all over the world. Downstream into Laos all along the Mekong.
Highlights:
- Cruise the majestic Mekong in a private boat
- Landscapes, villages and life on the river banks
- Luang Prabang World Heritage town
- Lao history, culture and Buddhism
- Capital on the Mekong, Vientiane
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: From Chiang Rai – Houei Say – to Pakbeng. Transfer from the airport to Chiang Khong, the exit point from Thailand. After passing through immigration, you cross the majestic Mekong River to Houei Say in Laos where your Lao guide will be waiting for you. After your arrival, you board a traditional slow boat for the trip down the Mekong River.
Timeless Laos remains still one of Asia ’s most unvisited, unchanged countries. Laos is a peaceful place, and the legendary hospitality, resilience and friendliness of the Lao people is much in evidence. Laos is "Old Asia" preserved. As your journey downriver you will stop at some small majority villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, we visit local market. Overnight in Pakbeng. (L, D)
Day 2: On the magic Mekong Pakbeng – Pak Ou Cave – Luang Prabang. As you make your way down river, you will pass areas of un-spoilt forest with little villages along the riverbanks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. You visit a fishing village and a rice winemaking village and perhaps even taste some the infamous beverage known as Lao Rice wine.
You also visit the Pak-Ou caves , where thousands of Buddha statues are stored. You arrive in Luang Prabang around sunset and transfer to your hotel. You spend the day exploring the temples and sites in what is called one of the last Shangri-La’s of Southeast Asia. You will visit Wat Xiang Thong, the most important Buddhist monastery in the country. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Luang Prabang – City Tours – Khouang Si Waterfall. This early morning you may wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad Buddhism monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice Breakfast. (Please respect the people, take pictures only when you have asked).
In the morning we are exploring some of the most interesting temples and monasteries in twon (Wat Visoun, Wat Khili, Wat Mai). Later, visit the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Here we see some artifacts including the Prabang statue, a large holy image, which was given in the 14th century by the Khmers King to Lao King “Fa Ngum“.
PM: We excursion out the town to experience local lifestyle of Luang Prabang Village and most beautiful waterfall in Luang Prabang. On the way, visit minorities villages as such Ban Ou, Ban Thapene. Lunch at Waterfall. afternoon return to Luang Prabang city.
Dinner at local restaurant and then free time for walking at Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Vientiane (by flight). We are strolling around and visit the Silver smith’s and the Central Market then free time as leisure for shopping at the central road of the World Heritage town before catching the flight to Vientiane.
Upon arrival, we see the major temples in Vientiane Capital including the oldest Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous, sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument , which is Vientiane ’s own Arc de Triumph, sunset by Mekong Riverside and late evening. Overnight in Vientiane. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Vientiane – Departure. After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong (if time permits). The tour ends after your transfer to Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge for departure. (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Domestic Air ticket with airport tax
- Transportation in private air-conditioned car
- Accommodation in hotels (twin shared)
- Private boat trip on Mekong
- English or French speaking guide
- Admission fee to indicated sights
- Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
- Domestic gov’t tax and service charge
- Luggage handing
Price Excludes:
- International air tickets to/from Laos/Thailand
- Visa stamping fee on arrival US$30,-/pax (depending on nationality)
- Departure airport tax US$10,-/pax
- Travel Insurance in all kinds
- Meals: if not mentioned in itinerary
- Tip
- Drinks
- Personal expenses and others not stated
- Single Room surcharge on request
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Laos
Boating and Sailing
Ecotourism
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