IMPRESSIONS OF LAOS

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrival in Luang Prabang

   Welcome to the spiritual capital of Laos. Warm welcomed by your local tour guide and transferred to the hotel.

  Overnight in Luang Prabang.
• Day 2

  Luang Prabang – Park Ou Cave boat tour (B)

   Travel by boat 2 hours upstream on the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the Pak Ou contains thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues crammed into two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff. The statues range in size from a few centimeters tall to the size of a human, and the view from the mouth of the cave provides sweeping views of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The caves are as well a destination for local pilgrimages, especially during the Lao New Year period of Pii Mai.

  Laos has several waterways that have traditionally been used as the local form of transportation and they continue to be used in that manner today in many parts of the country. Taking a local boat cruise is probably one of the most rewarding ways to discover the life along the rivers.  During the cruise trip, observe the daily activities of fishermen, how they throw their nets in an elegant arm gestures, and rely on the water for their livelihood. For the villages settled along the Mekong, the River plays an important role in their daily life and usually represents the only means of transportation and commerce. Return to Luang Prabang at noon time.
   
  This afternoon, take a guided tour of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start 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 this morning’s 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.
   
  One of the highlights of a visit to Luang Prabang is a performance of the Royal Ballet Theater. Founded in 2002 in cooperation with the Institute of Cultural Research, the Ballet aims to preserve Laos’ cultural heritage. This evening, enjoy a spectacular performance which includes scenes from the Lao-Ramayana, traditional folk dances and tribal dances. The show begins at 0600pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
   
  Overnight in Luang Prabang.
• Day 3

  Luang Prabang – Khuang Si Waterfall (B)

   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.

  Following breakfast, continue your tour of enchanting Luang Prabang.  Visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name. Continue past Wat Aham, which was first built in the 1500s, and on to Wat That where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large central stupa.
  This afternoon, visit the refreshing waters of the Kuang Si Waterfalls where you will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. Located 32km from Luang Prabang, these waterfalls 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).
  Then, climb the stairs of Mount Phousi and watch the sun set over the city and surrounding hills, upon reaching the top of the hill fresh juices will be waiting for you. Transfer back your hotel, stopping along the way at the hill tribe evening market for some shopping.
  Overnight in Luang Prabang.
• Day 4

  Luang Prabang Activity on your choice (B)

   You can choose one of these programs for this day of the tour:

  1. Elephant Programs at Elephant Village, Elephant and village trekking tour
  Luang Prabang outside of town. Activities with Elephants combined with Trekking or Kayaking, or a half day tour on Elephants with waterfall visit.
  2. Luang Prabang Tamarind cooking class - a taste of Lao food.
  
  3. Natural dyes class at Ock Pop Tok, learn how bring color into silk and where it comes from. (Colorful)
• Day 5

  Explore Luang Prabang on your own (B)

   A leisure day on your own.

  Overnight in Luang Prabang.
• Day 6

  Luang Prabang departure (B)

   Free time until your departure flight.

The price of tours base on accommodation category, travel period, and number of tourists. Please contact us for more information about prices.

Services Include:

• Accommodation with daily breakfast as mention or similar
• Transfer services in a private air conditioned vehicle
• Entrance fees, other boat fees where applicable
• Meals as listed in the program B= Breakfast; L= Lunch & D = Dinner: pre-arranged at local restaurants based on local food with set menu. 
• Tours with local English speaking guide (Other languages with supplemental charge)
• Boat trip as mentioned

• Dinks and other meals not clearly mentioned
• Surcharge for special request on food, and meals. 
• Entrance fees, permits and guide service during free time. 
• Insurance, gratuities and personal expenses
• Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
• Internal airfares in the tour (please refer to the supplement quotation)
• International airfare from/to Vietnam
• International airport departure tax
• Visa handling fee, visa stamp fee.
• Personal expenses such as Bar, telephone & Laundry bills 
• All other service not stated in the program

• 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