Amazing Laos

Located at the foot of the breathtaking mountains and nestled on the banks of the gorgeous Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is a traveller's paradise. With this tour, you will take in some of the most spectacular scenery you're ever going to encounter, highlighted by interesting exploration of Southeast Asia's most laid back capital Vientiane and the fairy-tale kingdom of Luang Prabang.

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Duration: 6 days/5 nights

Tour Code: MLSD07

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

• Day 1 - Vientiane Arriv al - City tour

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car
  Meals: Dinner

  On arrival in the Laos capital of Vientiane, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we start visiting the major sights of the capital including Wat Sisaket- the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national icon, the precious and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. The Mekong river side is the perfect place to end the day and admire the sunset. Stay overnight in Vientiane.

  Day 2 - Vientiane - Vang Vieng on road

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  We leave the capital early for our journey northbound. We will see some breathtaking scenery enroute as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region. Along the way, we visit the busy and colorful market of Thalat where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions. A next stop of our trip is Vang Xang which is famous for the archeological site dating back 11th century. We reach our final destination Vang Vieng which nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with limestone outcrops remains unspoiled despite recent developments with the advent of tourism. After checking into your hotel, you are at your own leisure. Stay overnight in Vang Vieng.

  Day 3 - Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang on road

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Heading 2km out of Vang Vieng town, we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai- a very pleasant village to explore the different lifestyles of the locals. Upon leaving Vang Vieng, the roads begin to deteriorate; however the stunning mountain scenery makes an interesting journey. We wind our way through the mountains to Luang Prabang. This town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia . There is little traffic on Luang Prabang roads and monks in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

  Day 4 - Luang Prabang – City Tour

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  The former Royal Palace has been turned into a National Museum (closed Tuesdays). This interesting structure displays a collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Today, we also have enough time to explore some other landmarks including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and Wat Mai with its five tiered roofs. A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

  Day 5 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Weaving village

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

  Today, we continue our city tour, seeing the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways. The back wall has an intriguing large flame 'tree of life’ pattern set in colored glass mosiacs. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River which also gives us a taste of the tranquil countryside and an interesting visit to 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 Ban Xang Hai where the local rice wine is produced. On our return, we drive to the famous weaving village of Ban Phanom where shoppers have a chance to try their hand at bargaining. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

  Day 6 - Luang Prabang Departure

  Place Transport: Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast

  You will have free time to wander around the town and explore the Central Market before transferring to the airport for a short flight to your next destination. We would like to thank you for travelling with Minmax.

  The Tour Inclusion:

  - 05 Nights Accommodation.

  - Boat cruises as specified in the program.

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

  - 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).