CRADLE OF LAOS CULTURE (4 Days/ 3 Nights)

CRADLE OF LAOS CULTURE (4 Days/ 3 Nights)

Situated 30 kilometres from Luang Prabang, Khouang Si Waterfall is a popular destination for nature lovers. The tour starts with an enjoyable boat ride along the scenic Mekong River, and a visit to a local nearby village. Then hop on a bicycle and cycle along a beautiful paved road to the waterfall, where lunch will be provided. On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will make a stop at Hmong hill-tribe village to experience their lifestyle.

DAY 1. ARRIVAL – LUANG PRABANG

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by the UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. During our time here, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 2. LUANG PRABANG – PAKOU - LUANG PRABANG (B/…/…)

Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. 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, a small village known for its hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 3. LUANG PRABANG – KHOUANGSI WATER FALL (B/…/…)

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. After returning to Luang Prabang by late afternoon, we continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. We return to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 4. LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B/…/…)

After breakfast, we visit The National Museum (close Tuesday) 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 to the last sovereign. Also the Central Market is not to be missed. After visiting these sights in the morning, you have free time to explore the town and stroll around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure

Tour Class	All prices are valid for 01 October 2011 to 30 April 2012 Tour price in USD net per person in group of						Surcharge If require
Hotel Categories	2	3-6	7-11	12-15	16-19	20 up	Single	Meals
Standard=3 stars	411	325	278	246	226	219	106	106
First Class=4 stars	444	360	314	282	262	253	155	130
Superior=4 stars +	476	391	347	315	296	287	166	166

Tour Class	High Season 01 Jul to 31 Oct, 2011 & 01 to 22 Dec, 2011 & 01 Mar to 30 Apr, 2012 Tour price in USD net per person in group of						Surcharge If require
Hotel Categories	2	3-6	7-11	12-15	16-19	20 up	Single	Meals
Deluxe=5 stars	930	844	823	790	770	762	664	178

Tour Class	Peak Season 01-30 Nov, 2011 & 23 Dec, 2011 to 29 Feb, 2012 Tour price in USD net per person in group of						Surcharge If require
Hotel Categories	2	3-6	7-11	12-15	16-19	20 up	Single	Meals
Deluxe=5 stars	1108	1026	1015	985	966	959	865	170

Supplement meal surcharge for Christmas & New Year eve:

- 4 star/4 star plus category: USD 40.00/pax

- 5 star category: USD 150.00/pax

INCLUSIVE:

v Private transportation in private air-conditioned

v Accommodation in twin shared

v Private boat trip as stated in above sights

v English speaking guide

v Admission fee to indicated sights

v Meals: daily breakfast at hotel

v Government tax and service charge

v Luggage handling

v 2 bottles of drinking water per day during the tour

v 2 cold tower per day during the tour

EXCLUSIVE:

v Visa stamping fee

v Domestic air ticket with airport tax

v Int’l air tickets to / from Laos

v Travel Insurance in all kinds

v Meals: lunch or dinner where not stated

v Single room (quoted separately)

v Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others

ACCOMMODATION

STANDARD HOTEL

LUANG PRABANG = Manoluck Hotel (Standard Room)

FIRST CLASS HOTEL

LUANG PRABANG = Villa Santi Hotel (Deluxe Room)

SUPERIOR HOTEL

LUANG PRABANG = Grand Luang Prabang Hotel (Deluxe Room)

DELUXE HOTEL

LUANG PRABANG = La Residence Phouvao Hotel (Garden View Room)