Trip Name: Vientiane & Luangprabang highlights
Type of trip: Private
Trip Duration: 4 Days
Starting: Vientiane, Laos
Finishing: Luang Prabang, Laos
Trip Grading: Regular itinerary, moderate walking
Destinations: Vientiane - Luang Prabang- Pak Ou Buddha caves- Ban Phanom Weaving
Flexibility: This sample itinerary can be amended accordingly to meet your expectation.
Highlights: This trip features 4 days of visiting 2 major tourist attractive cities of Laos including Luang Prabang and Vientiane
Luang Prabang, or Louangphrabang is a city located in north central Laos, on the Mekong River about 425 km north of Vientiane, and the capital of Louangphrabang Province. The current population of the city is about 103,000
The city was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is also notable as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Muang Sua was the old name of Luang Prabang following its conquest in 698 A.D. by a Tai prince, Khun Lo, who seized his opportunity when Nan-chao was engaged elsewhere. Khun Lo had been awarded the town by his father, Khun Borom, who is associated with the Lao legend of the creation of the world, which the Lao share with the Shan and other peoples of the region. Khun Lo established a dynasty whose fifteen rulers reigned over an independent Muang Sua for the better part of a century.
Vientianeis the capital city of Laos, situated in the Mekong Valley. It is also Laos's largest city. The estimated population of the city is 200,000 (2005) while the number of people living in the Vientiane metropolitan area (the entire
Day 1: Vientiane Arrival (-/-/D)
Welcome to Vientiane, Arrive at Vientiane airport, and after customs & immigration formalities, Asia Top Travel tour expert will personally meet you and transfer you to the downtown hotel for check in. Enjoy a city tour to Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Visit Wat Simuang and Wat Prakeo, which was the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha, which today is situated in Bangkok. There are many excellent restaurants in Vientiane, and you will easily find something to suit your taste. Visit the huge golden That Luang monument, which all Lao citizens respect as holy pagoda. Visit Vientiane's own Victory Monument, which looks like the Arc de Triumphe. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumoured to be American, and earmarked for the airport’s new runway. Thus the departing Americans dubbed this monument the vertical runway! Have a look at the lovely arches inside the monument. Tonight you enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular Vientian's eatery.
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Meal: Dinner
Day 2: Vientiane - Luang Phrabang (B)
After Breakfast, transfer to the airport for the morning flight to the former Royal capital. Upon your arrival, Your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Then enjoy Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao.
Continue to visit Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Visit Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground. See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana. Climb up Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, along side the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Shop at the night market, where hundred of Hmong vendors display their handmade, handicrafts. Dinner tonight on your own but your guide can recommence the nice restaurants in town.
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Luang Phrabang - Pak Ou Buddha caves- Ban Phanom Weaving (B/L)
After breakfast, Visit the National Museum, once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Begin a Mekong Riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit the famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlook the convergence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. On return Visit Por Sa Paper Handicraft & textile area at Ban Xang Khong.
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Luang Phrabang - next destination (B)
After breakfast, explore the town on your leisurly until being transfered to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on the number of people in your group and time of travel.
Please send us enquiry for availabilities & the most up dated price.
Trip inclusion:
All land transport & transfers listed on the itinerary
Accommodations
Meals as listed on the itinerary
Entrance fees
Services of an English Speaking guide throughout the tour
Private Mekong river boat trip
Lao Government Tax
Trip exclusion:
Laos visa fee
Meals other than those mentioned in the program
International air tickets, airport departure tax
Domestic/International air ticket
Personal drinks at meal times