| A captivating tour designed to introduce you to the heritage and beauty of Laos. Enchanting Laos enables you the opportunity to enjoy traditional rituals and visit alluring temples and spectacular waterfalls whilst you journey through beguiling scenery from the spiritual centre of Luang Prabang to the capital city, provincial Vientiane.
DAY 1 - LONDON TO LUANG PRABANG
Depart London Heathrow for your overnight flight with Thai Airways to Bangkok and onwards with Bangkok Airways arriving the next day in Luang Prabang. Stay for three nights at the renowned century old boutique hotel, Villa Santi Resort in a Deluxe room. In the afternoon visit the ancient temple, Wat Visoun, famous for its large watermelon shaped stupa That Makmo which can be found in the forecourt. For a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River, climb the enchanting Phousy Hill to see the mountains hem the horizon as the sun sets over the city.
DAY 3 - LUANG PRABANG
After breakfast it is time to take a tour of UNESCO protected Luang Prabang. Marvel at the treasures held in the Royal Palace Museuem, enjoy 16th Century Vat Xieng Thong, one of the city’s most stunning temples and visit Ok Pok Tok, a weaving workshop. After lunch drive to the local Hmong Village and take a short walk through the forest to visit the hypnotic multi-tiered Kuang Si Waterfalls. Swim in the nearby clear pools before returning to the city late afternoon. Enjoy dinner at the elegant L’Elephant restaurant.
DAY 4 - LUANG PRABANG
Early morning experience the time-honoured tradition of watching monks take part in the ritual of Tagbat during which they walk around the city collecting their alms. Your guide will explain the strict customs involved and you will also visit a local fresh food market. Afterwards, head to the local pier for a traditional boat cruise upstream on the Mekong River visiting the sacred Buddha caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum, the resting place of relics no longer needed in the temples. Enroute, stop at a rice wine distillery to learn the long-established technique of producing rice wine. After lunch return to Luang Prabang by boat with the rest of your day at leisure to explore this tranquil city.
DAY 5 - LUANG PRABANG TO XIENG KHOUANG
A long, scenic drive northeast to Xieng Khouang, passing Khmu and Hmong villages, stopping for lunch in Phoukhoun and continuing on as the mountains give way to smaller hills and you reach the barren landscape of Xieng Khouang. Most famous for its mysterious Plain of Jars estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old, take the opportunity to investigate further the ancient civilisation of the area and these ancient giant-sized stones whose origin is still unknown. Overnight at Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel in a Standard room.
DAY 6 - XIENG KHOUANG TO VANG VIENG
After breakfast leave for Vang Vieng by car. Enroute visit Phatang and stop for lunch. The area is known for its limestone karsts and beautiful mountain scenery. Take a trip on a small boat on Nam Song River before transferring to the Elephant Crossing Hotel for the night, in a Standard room.
DAY 7 - VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE
Today, discover the Tham Chang cave and its beautiful views over the valley and rice fields. After taking in the scenery, drive to provincial Vientiane, capital of Laos and lying on the Mekong River. Enroute, visit Nam Ngum Lake with lunch on board a boat and also see the salt extraction plant at Ban Keune. Spend two nights at the Mercure in a Superior room.
DAY 8 - VIENTIANE
A half day exploration of Vientiane - its French history still evident amongst the tree-lined boulevards and graceful architecture that the city houses. Visit Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest temple, home to myriad Buddha statues and also see Wat Phra Keo, the former Royal temple that is now a Buddhist museum. You will have the chance to explore the exquisite and flawless golden That Luang Stupa, Laos’ most revered shrine and a symbol of both Buddhist religion and Laos sovereignty. The stupa was restored in 1953 and its perfect condition and magnificent gold colouring is a sight to behold. You will also see the Patuxai, a small scale version of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Your afternoon is at leisure before a traditional dinner accompanied by music and dance.
DAY 9 - VIENTIANE TO LONDON
Transfer to the airport for your Thai Airways flight to Bangkok and onwards arriving at Heathrow the following day or choose to extend your holiday to include a Thai beach break.
Enchanting Laos is escorted by a local guide in each
destination from Day 2 to Day 9. Extensions are not
escorted but assistance is provided in each destination
by our local representative.
MEAL PLAN
Rather than offer 3 meals per day, every
day, our itineraries are designed to include meals only
where necessary or where they add to your overall
experience. Where meals are not included, there will be
a wide local choice of restaurants serving a variety of
cuisines. This offers you the flexibility on occasion
throughout the tour to dine where and when you want
and more importantly, maintain an element of variety to
your mealtime selections. Prices include breakfast
on days 3 to 9, lunch is included on days 3 to 8, and Dinner on day 3 and day 8.
ACCOMMODATION
Three star accommodation is used throughout as per the itinerary.
On occasion it may be necessary to provide alternative accommodation due to road conditions, local availability and weather
.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum 14
passengers.
MINIMUM NUMBERS
This tour is subject to a minimum
number of passengers, ask for details.
GRATUITIES
Tips are often the main source of income
for those working in the travel industry. Tipping in bars
and restaurants is now customary and should be around
10% of your total bill. Tipping for your guide and driver
is at your discretion.
TRAVEL TIPS
This tour includes considerable travelling
overland and sightseeing, so bring light, durable clothing
and comfortable footwear.
NB
The itinerary is subject to change dependent on water levels, road and weather conditions. The tourist infrastructure in parts of Laos is less developed than other parts of the Far East and transport may be on bumpy roads, subject to delay or change.
The tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties due to the amount of steps in and around the main attractions.
Vegetarian diets cannot be adequately provided for throughout Laos. |
