TRAVERSE LAOS: RIVERS & ROYAL CAPITALS 7 DAYS, 6 NIGHTS

Travel Laos on an overland journey: from magical Luang Prabang to sleepy Vientiane. Tour areas with expert local faces, cruise to secret caves in hidden scenic places and meet with locals on visits to unseen villages on this authentic Laos travel experience.
Visit the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong. Cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. Enjoy a traditional Lao lunch on board before returning to Luang Prabang for a guided tour. Watch as residents of the city offer food to orange robe clad monks.

Next, head to the picturesque Kuangsi Waterfalls. Drive to Vang Vieng and explore its famous caves. Visit Nam Gum Lake and reservoir, a beautiful area surrounded by mountains. Take a guided tour of the Laos capital, Vientiane. After your tour, discover world-renowned Lao coffee with an experienced roaster who will teach you all about the growing, roasting and blending of Lao coffee.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Luang Prabang-Kuang Si Waterfall-Vientiane

Visit a bear rescue center which protects these endangered animals.
Enjoy a Lao lunch on board a boat at the foot of magnificent limestone cliffs.
Discover world-renowned Lao coffee with an experienced roaster.

TRIP IN BRIEF:

Tour type: private tour - can be customized
Trip Duration: 07 days 06 nights

Tour route:Luang Prabang-Kuang Si Waterfall-Vientiane

Tour Operates: Year Round/ Upon Request
Accomodation: 06 nights at hotel .

Note: Below price is based on English speaking guide, but we have guides available in other languages also: French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Thais

Tour Itinerary: TRAVERSE LAOS: RIVERS & ROYAL CAPITALS

Day 1: Luang Prabang (...)

Upon arrival our guide will meet you and take you by private car to your hotel. After checking-in, your afternoon is free at leisure to relax or stroll around the town.

Later, ascend the stairs of Mt. Phousi and take in the spectacular view as the sun sets over the city. On the way back to the hotel, you can stop off at the hill tribe evening market to see its interesting selection of locally produced goods.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals included on this day: None

Day 2: Luang Prabang (B/L)

In the morning, visit the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong; a beautiful, golden-gated building with colorful murals on its walls.

Next, we cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, known locally as ‘Tam Ting’. These two caves are carved out of a huge limestone cliff and are filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues, some only a few centimeters tall and some as tall as a person. They are an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and you will see many people visit them in Pii Mai, Lao New Year.

After this, your boat continues around the caves to the foot of magnificent limestone cliffs where we’ll enjoy a traditional Lao lunch on board.

Arrive back in Luang Prabang and take a guided tour of this enchanting place. Visit the National Museum (closed on Tuesdays), housed in the former Royal Palace; where you can learn about the history of Laos and gain insight into many of the sights and buildings which you’ll visit.

Next see Wat Mai, famed for its golden bas-relief, and the dazzling golden façade of Wat Sensoukarahm.

Option: Participate in a traditional ‘Baci’ ceremony. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in the Laos culture and are used to celebrate a special occasion- whether a wedding, an annual festival, or as a welcome.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals included on this day: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Luang Prabang-Kuang Si Waterfall-Luang Prabang (B)

If you’re an early-riser you can go to watch as residents of the city offer food to long lines of orange robe clad monks who disembark from pagodas in this, their magical morning ritual (5.30am).

After breakfast see the holiest temple in the city, Wat Visoun. This temple was rebuilt in 1887 and its courtyard contains the distinctive Watermelon stupa, named after its resemblance to the fruit. Next, we head to the picturesque Kuangsi Waterfalls. These waterfalls create a series of pools and are perfect for taking a cooling swim in. Their limestone rock formations and the surrounding jungle provide a natural setting for walks and relaxation (please wear a sarong when bathing). The Bear Rescue Center here provides information on the efforts being made to protect these endangered animals. Cruising back to town we stop at two villages along the way: Ban Xien Lek, which produces Lao textiles, and Ban Xang Khong, which makes Mulberry paper. The rest of your day is free at leisure to enjoy Luang Prabang.

Option: Visit Ock Pop Tock, a weaving village just outside of town, where your expert guide will show you the process of textile production. You’ll also get the chance to make your own scarf. Enjoy a sunset drink by the Mekong before you head back to town.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals included on this day: Breakfast

Day 4: Luang Prabang-Vang Vieng (B)

After breakfast depart for the 7-8 hour drive down the scenic Route 13 to Vang Vieng (7 to 8 hours). We’ll take a stop on the way at Kasi, a famous fruit growing area. Arrive in Vang Vieng where the rest of your day is free to relax or explore its famous caves.
Overnight in Vang Vieng
Meals included on this day: Breakfast

Day 5: Vang Vieng-Vientiane (B)

After breakfast it’s a 2 hour drive to the Nam Gum Lake and reservoir. This is a beautiful area of 250 square kilometers surrounded by mountains. Local fishermen fish here and we recommend a lakeside lunch of fresh grilled fish from the lake.

Afterwards, cruise the lake in a small boat, taking in the outstanding natural scenery and enjoying the fresh air. We continue to the local market at Don Mak Kai before our arrival in Vientiane.

Overnight in Vientiane
Meals included on this day: Breakfast

Day 6: Vientiane (B)

Today go on a guided tour of the Laos capital, Vientiane. Situated on a bend of the Mekong River, Vientiane is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, and many of its treasures can be unearthed simply by putting on one’s walking shoes (or sandals!) and exploring the place on foot.

Start near the centre of town at Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest surviving temple. The courtyard contains over 300 different Buddha images, either sculpted or cast in the characteristic Lao style.

Next is Wat Phra Keo, which displays both Khmer and Lao works of art and now serves as a religious museum. Wat Simuang is the most venerated temple in Vientiane, as it is believed to be the guardian of the spirit of the city. Walk around its main, Angkorian-era pillar three times and make a wish. It is believed that if you do this your wish will be granted. Next is the holiest site in Laos, the National Monument: Tat Luang. Constructed in the 16th century by King Setthethirat, its sharp angles and beautiful decoration make it an arresting sight as the sun shines on its gold-leaf and towering main spire.

Your tour ends at Patuxay, situated at the end of Lane Xang, a large, tree-lined avenue. This Arc De Triomphe inspired building also incorporates traditional Lao motifs such as ‘Kinnari’, the mythical bird-woman said to represent feminine beauty, grace and accomplishment. Climb to the top and get fantastic panoramic views of the city.

After your tour, discover world-renowned Lao coffee with an experienced roaster who will teach you all about the growing, roasting and blending of Lao coffee. The tour ends with a ‘cupping’ session where you get the chance to sample a variety of flavors and different brews.

Overnight in Vientiane
Meals included on this day: Breakfast

Day 7: Vientiane (B)

After breakfast you’re free at leisure until your guide meets you for transfer to the airport by private car.
Meals included on this day: Breakfast

Price Tariff

The price is in US$, per person, based on double/ twin share and valid until 31 Dec 2013
Price details: The sample quote is for 3* hotel standard. Contact us email : info@indochinacyclingtour.com

if you want to change the hotel category

Price Inclusions and Exclusions