TOUR PRICE: From 137 US$/ pax
(Valid from 01 May 09 - 30 Sep 09)
INCLUSION:
- Hotel in twin shared at the Grand Luang Prabang hotel
- Private transportation in joint coach
- Private boat trip to the
Mekong
River
- English/French speaking guide
- Daily breakfasts, 1 special dinner at hotel
- All entrance fees
- Mineral drinking water
ITINERARY:
LUANG PRABANG
3 days / 2 nights
Luang Prabang is a beautiful and tranquil dream-like setting with a fusion of foreign influences and splendid landscape scenery, making this an idyllic, unspoiled and charming destination for visitors. It is no wonder this amazing city was recently declared as World Heritage City by UNESCO. The ancient city was the former capital of Laos, with a reign of more than 63 kings over 600 years. Luang Prabang is known as the ‘Thousand Pagoda City’, there are coutless intriguing architectual highlights in the sleepy and once royal capital.
Day 1: Arrival - Luang Prabang (D)
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.
Welcome dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Grand Luang Prabang Hotel (Deluxe Room)
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 at Grand Luang Prabang Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 3: Luang Prabang - Departure (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.
After breakfast, we visit the Central Market and the National Museum (close Tuesday) are not to be missed. The National Museum 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.. 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.
End of services.
