LUANG PRABANG- ANCIENT CAPITAL (3 Days / 2 Nights)

LUANG PRABANG- ANCIENT CAPITAL (3 Days / 2 Nights)

Luang Prabang was the ancient royal capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom until King Phothisarat moved the administrative seat to Vientiane in 1545. Regardless, it has continued to overlook Vientiane as the destination of choice with its amalgamation of crumbling French architecture, glistening temples and extensive natural beauty. Even the hardest of hearts would have a struggle not to warm to the place. The town's entire historical section is dedicated to tourism, with everything from former royal palaces to over 33 Wats (temples), on the tourist trail. This former Royal capital still remains the main centre for Buddhist learning in Laos and is the perfect location for spiritual contemplation.

DAY 1. ARRIVAL LUANG PRABANG

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. 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 a short rest, 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 beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 2. LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE (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 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 well known for its hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 3. LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B/…/…)

Breakfast, we visit the National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace 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. The National Museum and the Central Market are not to be missed. After visiting these sights in the morning, there will be free time to venture into 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	305	242	205	173	164	161	70	70
First Class=4 stars	329	265	229	197	187	184	102	97
Superior=4 stars+	350	285	252	219	210	205	111	115

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	652	588	569	535	526	524	442	128

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	808	744	731	698	689	687	605	128

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)