05 Days 04 Nites - Majestic Laos

Post date: Oct 27, 2011 9:16:46 AM

We have lunch on route trip at local restaurant.

On the way to Lao's national icon, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph The Mekong river side is the perfect place to end the day and admire the sunset. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: VIENTIANE – LUANG PRABANG (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner included)

After breakfast at hotel, we transfer to the airport for the short flight to Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. After check-in hotel, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as have a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can browse a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local people and hill tribes surrounding Luang Prabang.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurant, where we visit, to enjoy traditional culinary. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner included)

Breakfast at hotel, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest temples of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. On return, we take a short drive to another small village Ban Phanom, which is famous for its hand weaving.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner included)

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.

After breakfast at hotel, we visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. There will also be time for us to look around the Central Market. After visiting these sights in the morning, you catch your flight back to Vientiane.

Lunch at local restaurant after check-in hotel, we transfer out to see the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and to reveal his ideas about the universe. A spectacular view of over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day.

Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 5: VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE (Breakfast included)

After breakfast at hotel, we visit the Morning Market (if time permits). Check-out and transfer to airport for departure flight.