LUANG PRABANG EXTENSION (5 Days/4 Nights)

LUANG PRABANG EXTENSION (5 Days/4 Nights)

Pak Ou Cave is located about 25 km from Luang Prabang. It can be reached by boat from Luang Prabang. Alternatively you can go by a soonthaew, that will bring you to the opposite bank of the river, where boats will be waiting to take you to the other site. There are two levels. One cave entrance is clearly visible from the river. The higher level can be reached after climbing some stairs. Bring a flashlight with you, if possible. Both caves have lots of small and bigger Buddha images, mostly donated by local people.

DAY 1. ARRIVAL – LUANG PRABANG

Upon 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 sputa 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 local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 2. LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE (B/…/…)

After breakfast, 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 board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of 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 small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun, which once belongs to royal family patronage and nearby Sackarine Caves. We cross to city and take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 3. LUANG PRABANG – KHOUANGSI WATERFALL (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 Phabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 4. LUANG PRABANG – LAOS SPIRIT ADVENTURE (Elephant ride + Soft Trekking) (B/L/…)

Elephant and soft hiking tour to Khmu village

(Walking time total 3 hours) (Easy), in dry season Tad Sae waterfall is dry)

After arriving at the Lao Spirit Resort you will experience the protected Elephants at the “Elephant Park Project” along the Nam Khan riverbanks. You can enjoy the 1 hr. Elephant ride on the back of a protected Asian Elephant.
A short and easy hiking tour will lead you out into the Fair Trek project area where villages profit directly from your visit. A small Khmu community lives below a high rising mountain range. Depending on the time available your Lao style Lunch will be served at Ban Houay Fai and return to Tad Sae waterfall, boat ride back to Lao Spirit Resort. Your car will bring you back to Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 5. LAOS SPIRIT RESORT – LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B/…/…)

After breakfast, we transfer to back to Luang Prabang town. 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 the last sovereign, Also the Central Market is not to be missed. After visiting these sites, we transfer you 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	576	470	395	336	323	320	135	127
First Class=4 stars	619	512	440	381	368	365	198	155
Superior=4 stars+	659	553	483	423	411	407	211	183

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	1235	1129	1086	1026	1014	1010	843	211

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	1530	1424	1396	1336	1324	1320	1153	211

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 OF ABOVE PRICES:

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 OF ABOVE PRICES:

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)