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US$1,061
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BOOK TOUR
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OVERVIEW
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Discover the charm and rustic beauty unparalleled of Laos, adventure travel through the kingdom formerly known as Lang Xang, the land of a million elephants. You will have the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of this Buddhist country as you go through the south from Luang Prabang to Vientiane via Vang Vieng and reach Golden Triangle.
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HIGHLIGHT
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old Royal city of Luang Prabang, home to dozens of temples and a way of life that has changed little over the years.
• See thousands of Buddha images in Pak Ou caves.
• Learn about butterflies and local flora at Kuang Si falls butterfly park
• Stop to visit a local school at Ban Ber Sip, and local villages of H’Mong ethnic groups
• Exploret the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders.
• Explore the Buddha Park, which is very famous for its supernatural power
• Cross the border to Chiang Khong and discover the daily way of life of these local ethnic people
ITINERARY
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Day 1: LUANG PRABANG – ARRIVAL (Nil)
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel. The rest of the day is your own time at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang
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Day 2: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES (Nava Mekong) (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today, you will first visit Royal Palace museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then embark on the Nava Mekong cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. The authentic Lao lunch will be served on the leisurely cruise back to Luang Prabang
On arrival back in the city, we will visit magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Siphouthabaht to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous night market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang
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Day 3: LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALLS (Breakfast)
After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat (Visoun), this is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas.
We then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.
Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed on Tuesday), one of the must-visit spots, where you can have an optional 15 minute tour to learn about butterflies and local flora.
Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where you will have a short tour so you get information about Silk, about weaver, about the Women that work in the Centre. Overnight in Luang Prabang
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Day 4: LUANG PRABANG – VANG VIENG (Breakfast)
In the morning, we travel by road south to Vang Vieng. Our intrepid journey will be strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic region of Laos. The road is now good enough for our drive. Along the way, we will make some stop to visit a local school at Ban Ber Sip, and local villages of H’Mong ethnic groups. After about one hour drive, we will have chance to enjoy the panoramic view at the highest peak of the area, which is more than 2000 meter high. We will have lunch in Kasi (your own account) before continuing to Vang Vieng.
After lunch, we will drive to visit Pha Hom market, where we can find various offer of wild animals. We will also stop at Ban Phouhin Lekphay to see the life of Khmu hill-tribe. We will make the last photo stop at Phatang Mountain view point to admire the beautiful scenery before reaching Vang Vieng.
Upon arrival, we transfer to visit the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders.
Late afternoon, we will embark on a boat for a well-paced trip along the Nam Song River, while admiring the sun setting behind the mountains. Overnight in Vang Vieng
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Day 5: VANG VIENG – VIENTIANE (Breakfast)
In the morning, we will first stroll around the town to visit the local market to catch a glimpse of everyday life in a typical Lao rural area.
After breakfast, we start our board through paddy field areas heading to Tham Phoukham caves, where your breath will be taken away seeing the most beautiful and famous limestone cavern, surrounded by natural forests. Along the way, you have chance to explore the local cultures by greeting the local villagers and learning about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can take a swim to refresh yourself from the hot climate or you could explore the nearby area.
We bid farewell to Vang Vieng and drive to Vientiane. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, this capital conjures up exotic images, with a curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences.
Arriving at mid-afternoon, transfer to your hotel, free for the rest of the day. Overnight in Vientiane
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Day 6: VANG VIENG – BUDDHA PARK (Breakfast)
In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. We then transfer out to see Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe.
In the afternoon, we see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national icon, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. A spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane
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Day 7: LANJIA LODGE EXPERIENCE (Breakfast, Dinner)
In the morning, we will take the flight to Huayxay, the bordering town with Thailand.
(Flight should be LK210 VTE HOE 08:30 09:30 - Excluded)
Upon arrival at the airport, we will cross the border to Chiang Khong (Thailand), where our driver will pick you up with the sign the LANJIA LODGE.
Arriving at the lodge, and enjoying your welcome drink, there will be the short presentation of the lodge manager together with the video about the various tribal people residing in Thailand, with the main focus on the Hmong and Lahu tribes, for them being your hosts at Lanjia Lodge.
Another presentation will give you insights on the various activities affecting the lives of people living by and from the Mekong River over decades and on the famous Giant Catfish (locally known as Pla Buek), the world’s largest freshwater that can still be found in the Mekong.
In the evening, you enjoy a sumptuous dinner with local delicacies, followed by a performance of both, Hmong and Lahu music and dances. Overnight at Lanjia Lodge
Note: You can arrange flight by your own or upon request.
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Day 8: LANJIA LODGE EXPERIENCE (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
You prepare yourself for an adventurous day with a nearly-morning breakfast in the lodge. A local guide will then guide you through the Hmong and Lahu village adjacent to the lodge, called “Baan Kiew Karn”.
You will learn about the many traditions, beliefs, and the daily way of life of these two tribes, and enjoy a hands-on experience of the local Batik making, which an extremely skillful Hmong woman will teach you. Afterwards, the Shaman of the village will be pleased to answer all your questions regarding the local belief in Shamanism.
Later, we will transfer you in a local truck to the close-by village of Baan Muang Karn, from where you will board a local boat and cruise down the famed Mekong River to the city of Chiang Khong. You will enjoy your lunch today in a local restaurant right by the river.
After lunch, our guide will walk with you through parts of this charming border town, and you will visit two temples on the way, before heading to the village of Ban Had Krai, where you will meet with local fishermen who have seen and caught the famed Giant Catfish, and who will be pleased to share their unique stories with you.
As a last stop before arriving back to the lodge, you will visit the temple Wat Phra That Jom Meng on a mountain top with a most scenic view over the Mekong River basin and Laos.
Arrive back in the lodge in time to relax and prepare for another meal showcasing the unique flavors of the local cuisine. Overnight at Lanjia Lodge
Note: You can also switch the today visit to Golden Triangle Experience
After breakfast, (07h45) depart for the Thailand-Burma border at Mae Sai District for a visit (on your own expense, you can cross the border to Burma to visit Takhilek Market). Then drive along the border via Baan Pha Mee to visit Wat Prathat Doi Tung, Doi Chang Mub arboretum garden and Doi Tung Palace.
Lunch served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon drive to the Golden Triangle to visit the Hall of Opium (closed on Monday). Board a long-tail boat for a cruise on the Mekong River down to a fisherman village of Baan Had Bai. Then return to the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Lanjia lodge.
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Day 9: LANJIA LODGE – CHIANG RAI – DEPARTURE (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, we will take a local truck and visit a small waterfall, where you have the opportunity to swim in your own pool in the middle of a tropical forest. We will bring along a wonderful picnic lunch for you to enjoy, before returning to the lodge in the early afternoon, we will take a short visit to the Organic Tea Farm, producing the famous Oolong tea, said to heaven array of healing effects on your body.
We will serve you refreshment at Lanjia Lodge, before the transfer to the airport in Chiang Rai to take the departure flight. End of services.
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INCLUSION
Meals
8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunchs, 2 Dinners
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Transport
Private transportation
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Accommodation
Hotels (6 nights), Lodge ( 2 Nights)
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Activities
Luang Prabang city tour
Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves
Luang Prabang – Kuang Si waterfalls
Vang Vieng tour
Vientiane city tour
Lanjia Lodge experience
Lanjia Lodge – Chiang Rai
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Guide
English speaking guide
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Price
* Any group size greater than 8 pax, please contact us at inbound.sgn@transviet.com for better quotation
* Date and time correspond to Vietnam time zone (GMT+7)
* All prices are quoted in US$
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