Luang Prabang, Laos - 4 Days

  • A Laotian girl. Luang Prabang, Laos

       

  • The Mekong River flowing along the west side of Laos' old capital Luang Prabang.

       

  • Row of Buddha statues at Wat Mai. Luang Prabang, Laos

       

  • Morning alms procession. Luang Prabang, Laos

       

  • A sweeping view of Luang Prabang as seen from Mount Phousi. Laos

       

  • Buddha cave. Pak Ou, Laos

       

  • Pak Ou, Laos

       

  • Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang, Laos

       

  • A paper maker in Ban Xang Khong. Near Luang Prabang, Laos

       

  • French colonial architecture is prevalent in Luang Prabang. Laos

       

  • Two novice monks on their way to a monastery. Luang Prabang, Laos

       

Laos has only been open to tourism since 1998, but this languid country has become a must-stop destination for visitors to Southeast Asia who just want to slow down a bit and take in the beauty of a life lived along the mighty Mekong River. The visitor who wants to enjoy the rhythms of this laid-back and gentle-natured country will be treated to a landscape replete with golden-roofed Buddhist temples, weathered French architecture, and lush vegetation. Whether sauntering around Laos’s sleepy capital city Vientiane or UNESCO Heritage-listed Luang Prabang, with its stately and mesmerizing scene of saffron-robed monks’ alms procession at dawn, you will be charmed by this gentle and meditative place.

Day 1:
ARRIVAL LUANG PRABANG

 

Meet upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Afternoon visit include the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai, and the magnificent Wat Xiengt Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, a classical Laotian architectural style. Villa Santi Hotel (D)

 

Day 2:
LUANG BRABANG-PAK OU CAVES-LUANG PRABANG

 

After breakfast, embark on a slow boat ride to Pak Ou Caves (or Buddha caves). The two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes brought there by devoted villagers. Return toLuang Brabang. Time at leisure until dinner. Tonight, take a stroll in the old part of town, along the Mekong and visit the night market. Villa Santi Hotel (B/L/D)

 

Day 3:
KHUANG SY WATERFALL-LUANG PRABANG

 

Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit the Hmong at Ban Ouay, and theKhmu at Ban Ou, Laoloum and Ban Thapene villages to learn about their specialties. From here, we’ll go to the beautiful Khuang Sy waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or take a walk along the forest trails. Return to Luang Brabang. Enjoy an exquisite lunch at the most famous restaurant in town, the Elephant. 
In the afternoon, explore the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts of Laos’ history. Late, take a (slow) climb to the top of Mt. Phousi to admire the dramatic view of Luang Babang and the Mekong River at sunset. Villa Santi Hotel (B/L/D)
 
Day 4:
LUANG BRABANG-DEPARTURE

 

This morning capture one of the most quintessential images of Luang Prabang, the alms-giving procession or Tak Bat. The procession takes place every morning at dawn as kneeled locals place sticky rice into baskets of the passing saffron-robed monks through the streets of the old city. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Free leisure time until transfer to the airport for your departing flight. (B)
 

Departure:

Private

Tour cost:

$880

Tour price includes:
  • Service of IA tour director (only group tour), local guides and a driver.
  • Accommodations with tax and service charges
  • Meals as indicated in itinerary
  • Sightseeing as noted in itinerary & entrance fees to sites and museums
  • Airport transfers
  • Surface transportation in air conditioned vehicles
  • Visa provision services
  • Luggage handling (two pieces of luggage per person)    

 

Tour price does not include:
  • International (trans-Pacific) airfare
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Laundry
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Beverages at group meals
  • Travel insurance

Trip Payment Schedule:
  • At time of reservation: $300
  • 120 days prior to departure: 20% of land cost
  • 60 days prior to departure: Balance
Cancellation Schedule :

All deposits are non-refundable. Refunds of final payment will be honored as follow:

  • 61-90 days prior to departure: 75% refund
  • 45-60 days prior to departure: 50% refund
  • 44 days or less to departure: No refund
  • Full refund if Insiders Asia cancels the tour.