TIMELESS LAOS PACKAGE TOUR (6 Days / 5 Nights)

TIMELESS LAOS PACKAGE TOUR (6 Days / 5 Nights)

Laos is one of the least travelled countries in the world. Being isolated for many years has meant that Laos retains a remarkable serenity and timeless charm. Tourists have developed a fascination for its unseen culture, nature and archaeology. Now is a great time to visit, to fall in love with the country and to see how Lao people live before it changes and gets spoilt by modern developments.

DAY 1. ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE

On arrival at the Vientiane Capital, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences. After a short rest, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 2. VIENTIANE – LUANG PRBANG (B/…/…)

We board a short afternoon flight to Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East 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. On arrival, we start seeing the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount 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 Street Night Market, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 3. LUANG PRBANG – PAK OU CAVE (B/…/…)

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local specialty of rice wine is produced. On our return, we stop at the local villages of Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan then continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun, which once belonged to the royal family near the Sackarine Caves. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. We also have time to visit Ban Xangkhong, Ban Xienglek, small villages well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 4. LUANG PRBANG – KHOUANGSI WATERFALLS (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. You will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will find dried buffalo skins, local teas and saltpeter among the many chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will have the opportunity to visit the local village of the Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village, Ban Thapene and Khmu Village. After visiting the villages, we then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls where you may wish cool off by splashing around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths. We continue to Ban Phanom, another well-known weaving village and return to Luang Prabang by the late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Phabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 5. LUANG PRBANG – VIENTIANE (B/…/…)

The National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, displays a lovely collection of 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 is not to be missed. We visit these sights in the morning before catching our flight back to Vientiane. After checking into your hotel in Vientiane, we transfer out to see the Buddha Park, a scattered 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 revealing his ideas about the universe. Observing the spectacular view of over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day.

Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 6. VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE (B/…/…)

After breakfast, we will visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong [if time permits]. The tour ends after your transfer to airport or for departure. (B)

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	831	694	626	555	538	526	157	153
First Class=4 stars	905	769	704	632	616	604	231	185
Superior=4 stars+	961	824	763	691	673	662	271	220

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	1486	1348	1312	1240	1224	1211	828	254

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	1708	1570	1545	1473	1455	1444	1060	254

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 Domestic air ticket with airport tax

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 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

City	Standard	First Class	Superior	Deluxe
Luang Prabang	Manoluck Hotel(Standard Room)	Villa Santi Hotel (Deluxe Room)	Grand Luang Prabang Hotel (Deluxe Room)	La Residence Phouvao Hotel (Garden View Room)
Vientiane	Lao Orchid Hotel(Standard Room)	Novotel Hotel (Standard Room)	Green park Hotel (Classic Room)	Settha Palace Hotel (Deluxe Room)