5 DAYS, GLIMPSE OF LAOS

ITINERARY IN DETAILS:

DAY1.   ARRIVAL - LUANG PRABANG

Upon arrival, you are met and transfer to hotel in Luang Prabang, The Luang Prabang, which 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. On arrival, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene, Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Hill for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.  Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY2.   LANG PRABANG - PAK OU CAVE  
Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

DAY3.   LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG
The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which 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, and the Central market are not to be missed in the morning.  Then we travel by roads to Vang Vieng. The journey is strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic but rough routes in the whole of Asia.  We arrive in Vang Vieng, a small town that is located on a bend in the Nam Song River. This tranquil town is rapidly developed with the advent of tourist, but the beautiful scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops is unchanged for century. We embark on our boat for a well-paced trip on the Nam Song River, exploring the breathtaking mountain landscape. Over night in Vang Vieng. (B)

DAY4.   VANG VIENG -EXPLORE
The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding the resort complex of Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns. The most famous of these caves, Tham Jang, was used by local people around 200 years as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We visit this beautiful cave this morning before we take a walk to the Tai Deang and the Souay hill tribe villages. They are all friendly and welcoming. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration of the town and relaxation. Over night in Vang Vieng. (B)

DAY5.   VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE
Morning, heading out of town we drive back to Vientiane. Along the way we make a stop to visit the archaeological sight of Vang Xang dating back from the 11th   century. Arriving Vientiane for city tour, Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos. This small town conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We explore the town this afternoon; with Wat Sisaket which is the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha images. The following sight is Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple of Laos monarchy, where previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Statue. We then visit the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa.