HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS 4 DAYS
Vientiane - Luang Prabang

The Lao People's Democratic Republic, or Lao PDR, is a country that moves to its own measure of time. Life flows along at a languid pace which mirrors the waters of the Mekong River that flows through the country. Towns are less hectic than elsewhere in Asia and the countryside is a rare combination of beauty and tranquility.

ITINERARY & PRICES

Day 1 Arrive Vientiane
Arrive in Vientiane and transfer to hotel. Take afternoon city tour including Wat Simuang, Vientiane's most sacred site and the religious museum at Wat Sisaket. The tour includes a stop at Wat Pra Keo, the original home of the Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok, the 16th century That Luang Golden Stupa and the Patuxai Victory Gate. The day ends with watching the sunset on the banks of the Mekong River. Overnight in Vientiane at Lao Plaza Hotel.

Day 2 Vientiane - Luang Prabang (flight) - Khuang Si Falls (B)
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang. After checking in, take a city tour to Wat Sen and Wat Visun. Take an afternoon drive to Khuang Si Falls, where the waters tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Return to town to enjoy sunset on top of Mount Phou Si, overlooking Luang Prabang. Afterwards, enjoy visiting the Street Night Market where local people and surrounding hill tribes display their textiles, silk worms and hand-made traditional garments and wares. Overnight in Luang Prabang at Villa Santi Hotel & Resort.

Day 3 Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves (B)
Take a full-day boat trip on the mighty Mekong River. Our tour begins with a visit to Wat Xiengthong, a most famous royal temple. Then we will cross the Mekong River to explore the villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan. Explore another royal temple at Wat Longkhoun, which once belonged to the royal family and the nearby Sackarine Caves as well. Continue cruising on the river until reaching Pak Ou Caves. Explore the caves and cross the Mekong River at Ban Ou for lunch at a local restaurant. Return by road to Luang Prabang, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai, where the residents create a unique rice wine called “lao lao”. On the way back, also stop at the villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, well known for their hand weaving and hand made Jute Sar paper. Overnight in Luang Prabang [Breakfast]

Day 4 Luang Prabang - Alms-Giving - Departure (B)
This morning, you may rise early if you wish to participate in the daily morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black alms-giving bowls receiving offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. After breakfast visit several local highlights, including the Former Royal Palace, now the National Museum (closed on Tuesdays). If time permits, visit the Luang Prabang Market and a number of shops selling antiques and silver jewelry made by mountain tribes. Transfer to airport for departure.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodations as listed or similar
• Meals as indicated
• Airfare for flight Vientiane - Luang Prabang (Subject to change unless issued)
• Transfers - arrival & departure
• Sightseeing as indicated with English-speaking local guides
• Entrance fees to monuments and included features

EXCLUSIONS
• Personal expenses, International airfare, Visa fees
• Customary gratitude to your guide and driver