Laos Treasures

An ideal itinerary for a first time visit to Laos, this classic tour takes in the main highlights of this enchanting destination. Start in Vientiaxe- the capital and largest city of Laos to discover its glittering temples, thousands of Buddhist images, interesting archeological sites and rich culture. Next stops are Xiengkhouang - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave. Let's join us to explore Laos.

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Duration: 5 days/4 nights

Tour Code: MLSD05

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Vientiane - Xiengkhouang - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave

• Day 1 - Vientiane - Arrival

  Place Transport: Airplane
  Meals: Dinner

  On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you are transferred to our centrally located hotel. After a short rest, we start to visit the major sights of the capital including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which was previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument which is well known as Vientiane 's own Arc de Triumph. Enjoy sunset near the Mekong Riverside. Stay overnight in Vientiane.

  Day 2 - Vientiane - Xiengkhuang

  Place Transport: Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  We board a short afternoon flight to Xiengkhouang which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars- an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. We also have time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages which are home of the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Stay overnight in Phonsavanh (the capital town of Xiengkhuang).

  Day 3 - Xiengkhuang - Luang Prabang by road

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  In the early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch different hill tribes to barter and exchange merchandises. Then, we head out the this small town to Luang Prabang. On the way, we drop off and see a site more than 200 years old Buddha images in Thampra and varied Hmong and varied hill tribe minority villages along the road. They are nice, friendly and welcome you to visit. After a photo stop, we continue driving up hill and enjoying mountain splendid natural scenery, forest and landscape. We'll have a tea or coffee break at Sala Phoukhoun where the T-junction of bordering meets Vientiane - Xiengkhouang - Luang Prabang. The journey will take us over mountainous region to Luang Prabang. 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 . After checking into hotel, you are free at leisure until late afternoon. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Stay overnight at Luang Prabang.

  Day 4 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong 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 Xanghai where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, which is well known for its hand weaving. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

  Day 5 - Luang Prabang City tour - Departure

  Place Transport: Car->Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  After breakfast, you will enjoy a 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 represents classical Laotian architecture. You will then visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and 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 before catching a late flight.

  The Tour Inclusion:

  - 04 Nights Accommodation.

  - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.

  - Domestic flight tickets: Vientiane- Xieng Khuang , including domestic airport taxes.

  - Boat cruises as specified in the program.

  - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

  - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.

  - Meals (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

  The Tour Exclusion:

  - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas.

  - Dinners, except as specified above.

  - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.

  - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

  Additional Information

  Importance note

  - The itinerary is just a sample of our tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

  What to bring?

  - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

  How to start?

  - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.

   - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Lao Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).