LAOS AT A GLIMPSE

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1

  VIENTIANE ARRIVAL - START LAOS HIGHLIGHT TOUR

  Arrive Vientiane. Your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

  In the afternoon, start your Laos highlight tour with a visit to Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Next, your tour takes you to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos.  Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire.
   
  Overnight in Vientiane.
• Day 2

  VIENTIANE – FULL DAY CITY TOUR

  After breakfast at your hotel enjoy a guided tour to discover the hidden charms of Vientiane, whose name means ‘the city of sandal wood’. Vientiane is one of the quietest capitals in the world, far away from the bustle and hustle of other Asian capitals and far from the real-estate frenzy of the regional megalopolis. 

  Your tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.
   
  Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace.  Although you are not allowed to visit inside, it is a good glimpse in to the town’s colonial past as this building formerly served as the French governor’s palace. Stop at Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, as it is considred the guardian of the spirit of the city. Upon its grounds, you will find an Angkorian-era pillar and it is a popular belief that if you circle it three times and make a wish, then that wish will come true.
   
  Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Vientiane.
• Day 3

  VIENTIANE – LUANG PRABANG

  Free time this morning at leisure.

  Your guide and private car will then transfer you to the airport for your departure flight QV105 departing at 13:00 to Luang Prabang, the highlight of this Laos tour. Arrive Luang Prabang at around13:40. Your guide and private care will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. 
   
  Free time in the afternoon to wander the lanes of the spiritual capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang.
   
   
  As the day comes to an end climb the 328 steps that lead to the top of Mount Phousi where you will be rewarded with marvelous views of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, the neighboring mountain ranges, and the city buildings. The sunset views are particularly spectacular as the sun casts glorious colors over the peaceful scenery below.  Descend the steps on the opposite side of the hill and stroll to the nearby colorful Night Market.  Every evening along the main street, the area’s ethnic minorities gather to sell their handicrafts.  The quiet evening atmosphere and soft lights of the stalls combine to create a magical market setting from which to shop for souvenirs.   
  Overnight in Luang Prabang. 
• Day 4

  LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR

  Today, take a half-day guided tour of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast. 

  Start your city tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you will explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. Finish the tour at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.
   
  Then transfer back to your hotel or restaurant of your choice.
   
  Overnight in Luang Prabang. 
• Day 5

  LUANG PRABANG - KUANG SI WATERFALLS

  Optional: For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Return to the hotel for breakfast

  After breakfast, visit the refreshing waters of the Kuang Si Waterfalls, located at 32 km from Luang Prabang. These waterfalls, a highlight of this Laos tour, cascade down a multilevel limestone formation creating a series of turquoise blue pools perfect for swimming in on a hot day. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls is filled with wildlife and pleasant walks can be taken along the natural footpaths. (Note: when bathing, please wear a sarong, no bare bodies). En route, there is an option of stopping at a small village inhabited by one of the country’s numerous ethnic minorities where you will learn more about their traditional way of life and unique customs. 
   
  Overnight in Luang Prabang. 
• Day 6

  LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES – KAMU LODGE

   After breakfast depart from Wat Xieng pier to embark on a cruise up the Mekong River from Luang Prabang to the Kamu Lodge.

  Along the way stop at the Pak Ou Caves. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The Buddhas range in size from a few centimeters to the size of a human. The caves are as well a destination for local pilgrimages.
  Continue upriver for another hour to reach the Kamu Lodge for lunch time. The Kamu Lodge features 20 private canvas tents, each one of which is protected from the elements by a thatch roof. The tents are also decorated with bamboo and wooden furniture allowing the Lodges’ grounds to harmoniously blend with surrounding nature. They each feature private attached bathroom and toilet with solar powered hot water and electricity.
  This afternoon, you may choose to participate in a variety of different activities. You will be rewarded with a very original Lao experience: 
  rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields
  gold panning (January to June) in the Mekong. Anything you find is yours!
  traditional fishing techniques in the Mekong.  You can sample your catch for dinner!
  Local village visit and encounters
  Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
• Day 7

  KAMU LODGE – LUANG PRABANG

   This morning is at your leisure to enjoy breakfast and relaxing surroundings of the Kamu Lodge.  Travel by boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, arriving in time for lunch. 

  Free time at leisure in Luang Prabang
• Day 8

  LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE - END LAOS HIGHLIGHT TOUR

   Your private car and guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

• More than 45 days before departure: No cancellation charge
• Between 45 and 30 days before departure: 10% of total tour cost 
• Between 30 days and 15 days before departure: 25% of total tour cost
• Between 15 days and 7 days before departure: 50% of total tour cost
• Less than 7 days before departure: 90% of total tour cost
• No-show at the airport on the day of arrival/departure: 100% of total tour cost

• Child from 1- 4 yrs:  Free of charge if sharing bed with parents 
• Child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 30% of adult price if sharing existing bed(s) with parents
• Child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 50% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• Child from 7 – 11 yrs: charge 75% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• Child from 12 yrs up: pay as adult rate