CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF LAOS
(5 days/ 4 nights)

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN VIENTIANE

Included meals: No
On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. After a short rest, we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with 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 and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, sunset by the Mekong Riverside and late evening. Stay overnight in Vientiane.

DAY 02: VIENTIANE – FLY TO XIENGKHOUANG

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We board a short afternoon flight to Xiengkhouang, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. We also have time, this afternoon seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Stay overnight in Phonsavanh.

DAY 03: XIENGKHOUANG – DRIVE TO LUNAG PRABANG

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Early morning, we visit Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch different Hill Tribes to barter and exchange merchandises. Then heading out the this small town to Luang Prabang, on the way, we drop off and see a site more than 200 years old Buddha images in Thampra and varied Hmong and varied hill tribe minority villages along the road. They are nice, friendly and welcome you to visit. After a photo stop, we continue driving up hill, enjoying mountain splendid natural scenery, forest and landscape. After a tea or coffee break at Sala Phoukhoun, where the T-junction of bordering meets Vientiane-Xiengkhouang-Luang Prabang. The journey will take us over mountainous region to Luang Prabang. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After checking into hotel, we start seeing the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Market, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Stay overnight at Luang Prabang.

DAY 04: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 05: LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE

Included meals: Breakfast
Breakfast, visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign, and the Central Market are not to be missed. We visit these sights in the morning before catching a flight departs this small, charming city of former royal capital. End of our services!

***** HAVE A NICE TRIP *****

HOTEL LIST:

Inclusive:
Private tours with Local English speaking guide
A/C transport throughout the tours and all Transfers
Entrance fee to any applicable tourist sites
Meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L= Lunch)
Other tours related service stated in the itinerary
Boat cruise as mentioned
Cold water and towel during the trip
Government tax & Service charge
Hotel accommodation (based on twin/double sharing room)

Exclusive:
International and domestic flight tickets
Visa stamps upon arrival 
Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec and 31 Dec
Other meals not mentioned
Tips & personal expenses
Laundry
Other not stated above
Travel insurance.