7-Days Classic tours in Laos

Tour code: ETC 072

Day 1: Arrival – Vientiane

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred out to Ban Sufa Garden Resort. Ban Sufa is located about 25 minutes from the city center in a delightful rural setting overlooking paddy fields and within 3 hectares of gardens. With a swimming pool and a bewildering away of delicious Lao and Mediterranean cuisine, Ban Sufa is certainly the perfect place to relax. Overnight at Ban Sufa Garden Resort. Meal: _/_/_

Day 2; Vientiane – half day city tour

Your half day city tour, begin with the oldest, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Wat Si Muang, site of the lak meuang (pillar-stone) of Vientiane, Si Muang temple is home to the guardian spirit of the statues.

You have the option to visit the excellent COPE exhibition center, highlighting a much-overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War era. Overnight at Ban Sufa Garden Resort. Meal: Breakfast/_/_

Day 3; Vientiane – Luang Prabang

Half day city tour After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best-preserved city in South East Asia’. We visit the Royal Palace Museum which hosts a range of interesting artifacts (closed on Tuesday). We begin our walking tour, taking in some of Luang Prabang hidden secrets, walking down the quiet back lanes leading to Wat Xiengthong. Along the way, we stop at Wat Chomkhong, which is known for its decorative carvings. This area contains a mix of beautiful old French Colonial buildings, and traditional old Lao houses, which you will have time to admire, we also pass by the Fine Arts School, where we can see some of the quality artwork on display.

We will also visit Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Then we visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives us further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos (closed on Monday). Late this afternoon stretching your legs climb Mount Phousi, Overnight at 3Nagas Hotel Meal: Breakfast/_/_ Wat Xiengthong and the view from Mt Phousi

Day 4; Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning ritual of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This procession is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the tradition. Afterward, we have the option of visiting the local morning market, before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Our first stop is the village of Ban Muangkeo where we start a short trek to reach the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.

En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local specialty of rice wine is produced. We then return to Luang Prabang by car on the way to visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek. Finally, we arrive back in Luang Prabang by late afternoon. Overnight at 3Nagas Hotel Meal: Breakfast/_/_ Note: during the rainy season (May-September) the itinerary is subject to change due to the weather conditions, an alternative program is available.

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Hmong Experience and Kuang Si Waterfall

After breakfast, we visit the local Phosi Market, this is the place where all the local's shop and your guide will show you the diverse offerings on display. We also stop at Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving center. Here you will be given a guided tour and the silk weaving process will be explained. Then we drive to Ban Thinkeo, a Hmong minority to learn their culture and traditional We then continue to Kuang Si Waterfall, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the beautiful multi-tiered falls. You also have the opportunity to cool off in the turquoise blue pools.

Afterwards, you return to Luang Prabang in time to catch the sun setting over the Mekong. Overnight at 3Nagas Hotel Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/_ Note: during the rainy season (May-September) the itinerary is subject to change due to the weather conditions, an alternative program is available.

Day 6: Luang Prabang – at leisure at Zen Nam Khan

Today your guide will meet you at the hotel and assist with transfer for a short drive to Zen Nam Khan (approximately 45mintues), is a full day at leisure to relax at the boutique resort or to try some of the activities on offer. Overnight at Zen Nam Khan. Meal: Breakfast/_/_

Day 7: Luang Prabang – Departure

Depending on your departing flight you may have time at leisure before your transfer to the airport for departure. Meal: Breakfast/_/_

END OF SERVICES

HIGHLIGHTS & INCLUDE

• Experiencing the peaceful ambiance of Luang Prabang and visiting its cultural heritage sites
• Visiting the sacred Pak Ou Caves and a traditional Lao textile village by boat
• Watching a procession of saffron-robed monks collecting alms at sunrise
• Feeling the mist of one of Asia's most spectacular natural attractions, Kuang Si Waterfalls
• Wandering around in Laos' capital, Vientiane and visiting some of its highlights

           NOTES:

• In the wet season, the drive by minivan is not very comfortable due to the slippery road. So 4WD truck is recommended (prices accordingly)
• Prices are in USD, per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room. At Laos Senses Travel, we carefully select all hotels, homestays, and guesthouses to ensure that your accommodations match our standards of trip and service excellence.
• Prices include the following:
  .All hotel accommodation including all taxes and breakfast
  .Internal economy flights as stated with airport taxes
  .All transfers & sightseeing transportation in private vehicle
  .Private services of local guides
  .Special events & private tours, guest experts
  .All entrance fees into historical sights & museums
  .Drinking water and refreshing towels for touring
  . 24/7 support from the Laos Senses Travel Team