Unseen Vientiane

Join us as we set about discovering what lies beyond the gilded temples and subdued bustle of the Laotian capital on our Unseen Vientiane tour. You will begin this Laos tour with a visit to the home and workplace of designer Sandra Yuck where a demonstration using traditional methods to create local products will ensue. On the second day of this Unseen Vientiane tour, things take a decidedly spiritual twist when you attend a Buddhist seminar lead by your guide an English speaking monk. Enlighten your sense with a visit the last remaining forest temple in the city where you will partake in a private yoga session, and indulge in a traditional sauna and massage. This evening have the unique experience of being involved in the Baci ceremony. At sunrise, you will have the opportunity to participate in the practice of giving alms to Lao Buddhist monks - a crucial activity of a monk's day before returning to your hotel for breakfast. This Laos tour offers an authentic, interesting and insightful introduction to Southeast Asia's biggest village.

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Duration: 3 days/2 nights

Tour Code: MLVS03

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Vientiane Arrival - Insight into Lao Craf - Buddhism Explored - Vientiane - Wat Sokapaluang

• Day 1 - Vientiane Arrival - Insight into Lao Craft - Vientiane by Night

  Place Transport: Airplane 
  Meals: Dinner

  Arrive in Vientiane. This afternoon, visit the home and workplace of designer and local expert Sandra Yuck. She will give a talk and the different artisans will demonstrate the traditional methods used making Laos products. The money raised from this talk will go directly towards Peuan Mit- a local charity and their project to help educate children about drugs and rehabilitate drug addicts in Laos. 
  In the evening, enjoy a night tour of the capital. As the sun begins to set, your guide will take you to the evening food market where the lively sights and sounds of the dinner crowd mix with fantastic smells and flavors. Then you continue going to a nearby restaurant for a delicious dinner served in authentic Lao-style while enjoying a performance of traditional song and dance. Your guide will then suggest and accompany you to either a lounge-style bar for a drink in the laid-back, chic atmosphere or to a more lively local night club to dance the night away. Stay overnight in Vientiane.

  Day 2 - Vientiane - Buddhism Explored

  Place Transport: Car 
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  Enjoy a sleep-in and late breakfast at your hotel before starting the day's activities. Today, your guide will be an English speaking monk who give you an inside view into Lao culture and traditions.
  Today, you will receive answers to all the questions about Laos and its unique culture whilst exploring contemporary Laos Buddhism, its practices and traditions.
  Transfer you to a temple known for over 450 years as a center for Buddhist education. There, you will meet your tour guide - an English speaking monk who will host an educational session on Laos culture and traditions.
  In the afternoon, you will travel to one of the last remaining forest temples in Vientiane. There, you will take a private yoga lesson in the shade of the temple's trees, learn about the temple's herbal gardens, try the traditional sauna, practice meditation and indulge in a traditional Lao massage.
  In the evening, you will have the unique opportunity to experience one of Laos' oldest traditions, The Baci. The purpose of the Baci, which is a mix of Animist and Buddhist beliefs, is to call back escaped spirits to the body.
  Stay overnight in Vientiane

  Day 3 - Vientiane - Wat Sokapaluang

  Place Transport: Airplane 
  Meals: Breakfast

  Start the morning early making merit. At sunrise, you will have the opportunity to participate in the practice of giving alms to Laos Buddhist monks - a crucial activity of a monk's day before returning to your hotel for breakfast.
  Today, you will travel outside of Vientiane to a forest temple renowned for its work in engaged Buddhism, or Buddhism for development. At the forest temple, you will tour the temple's herbal gardens and learn about their grassroots recycling techniques. You will contribute to the beauty of the temple's garden by planting your own plants, or strolling through the gardens or for you practice meditation.
  Your private car and driver will meet at the temple and transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.