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Tour Code: LAO-NA-004
Discover the contrasting wonders of Laos on this 7-day journey, blending the modernity of Vientiane with the ancient charm of Luang Prabang. This tour offers a rich mix of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. From the vibrant city streets and ancient temples of Vientiane to the tranquil landscapes and traditional villages of Luang Prabang, experience the diverse heritage of Laos.
Private tour with departure every day upon request
Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Vientiane
Meals: N/A
After breakfast we explore the city by visiting the oldest temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a museum of arts and antiques. Next, we visit Wat Simuang, a Khmer temple which is very popular by the locals. We then travel up Lanexang Avenue you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument, which resembles its Parisian inspiration, the Arc de Triomphe. The climb to the top offers great views over Vientiane. We continue onwards down Rue Singha 23 to Laos’ National icon, and most important religious building the golden stupa of That Luang. The final visit of the morning will be the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War area.
In the afternoon we visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the banks of the Mekong River. By no means historic – Buddha Park was built in the 1950’s by a self styled ‘holy man’ – the park features some very photogenic and unusual sculptures, including a huge reclining Buddha, and a giant pumpkin.
Overnight Vientiane
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and leave Vientiane behind. Via the first expressway of Laos, which opened in 2020, we transfer in approx. 1½ hours to the town of Vang Vieng, which is nestled in between some stunning karst-mountain ranges. You can check into your hotel by early afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure.
Oncer at destidation we head north out of town, and transfer to a Khmu village called Ban Viengsamai. You will be welcomed into a in the local home to meet the friendly family and to learn about Khmu customs and traditions, including animism. Next, we walk to explore the village, visiting the local knife smith who uses traditional techniques to create knifes. Be impressed by his skills, and give it a try yourself. We continue our explorations and trek through rice paddies to a cave on the other side of the Nam Song River, passing by farmers working on the fields. On the way, you will be taking rest in one of the local rice huts while learning more about the importance of agriculture in Laos. We then trek back to the family’s home, where the lady of the house will show you how she prepares local rice wine, called “Lao Hai“. Next, enjoy a lunch of Khmu Specialties together with the family and try the local rice wine if you like. Afterward, we will say goodbye to the family and transfer back to Vang Vieng, arriving by mid-afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure.
Note: non-cyclists have the option of travelling by private minivan at no extra charge.
Overnight Vang Vieng
Meals: Breakfast
Early morning transfer to the train station to take the train C82 Vang Vieng 0825 Luang Prabang 0923
Once at destination we visit the quaint Royal Palace Museum that provides a fine overview of the culture and history of this ancient city. We continue our walk up the peninsula to the country’s most historic and enchanting temple, Wat Xiengthong. With its roof that sweeps low towards the ground, this temple’s architecture best represents the classical Luang Prabang style. We wander the temple grounds before crossing the road to Wat Khili where this temple’s charming traditional library building houses an historic photo exhibition of Buddhist heritage.
In the early afternoon, we first visit the excellent ‘Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre’, which gives a great insight into the rich and diverse ethnic and cultural blend of Laos, we continue to Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape.
There are 3 options for the final stop of the day;
Overnight Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Early afternoon we transfer to the peninsula boat landing, where we board a private boat for a cruise up the Mighty Mekong River. Enjoy the tranquil countryside passing by, until we reach the mysterious Pak Ou caves, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. We then return downstream, making a stop at Wat Done Khoun temple, a unique temple situated on an island in the Mekong, before continuing by boat to Luang Prabang where we arrive in the early evening, while the sun sets behind the mountains
Overnight Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
You can discuss with your guide for an early morning start (5.30am) to witness and partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’ or giving alms to the monks. This is a unique ritual still followed by the locals in Luang Prabang. We can also visit the local fresh market to see how the locals shop, before returning to your hotel for breakfast.
After an early breakfast, we leave Luang Prabang at 8AM and passing through beautiful scenery and rural landscapes, transfer in 1 ½ hour to the Village of Ban Longlao. Ban Longlao is a H’mong village where the culture, customs and language are all different to mainstream Laos. From here, we start our 3-hour trek through primary forest and jungle before reaching the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall. Lunch (not included) can be taken at the falls with time for relaxation, swimming and the possibility to climb to the top of the waterfall. Next to the falls is a Bear Rescue Centre, which does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear. We transfer back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
Note: moderate trekking; wear suitable footwear, especially important if traveling between June and October when it can be very muddy.
Overnight Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Depending on your departure flight, you may have free time at leisure, before being met by your guide for a short transfer to the airport for your flight onward.
Meals: Breakfast
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The program may also be subject to changes based on traffic, weather or other events beyond our control. In this case we will take care of evaluating the necessary changes together with the travelers.
OPZIONAL: Nightsafari in Vientiane
At 6PM we go out to explore the city at nighttime. We travel by tuk tuk to the food-night-market near That Luang. At night it comes alive and is a firm favourite amongst locals with few tourists to be seen. Wonder over the market and learn from your guide about the different dishes and the local dinner culture. Try some of the tasty dishes on the spot or bring them with you to our next stop; a traditional Lao style BBQ or Sindat. A favourite night spot for the locals, which few tourists ever visit. The guide will introduce you with his favorite dishes. After dinner we return by tuk tuk back to your hotel.
OPZIONAL Evening Petanque game and dinner in Luang Prabang.
A unique activity and opportunity to get to know the locals, experience some Luang Prabang night life and to challenge your guide to a game of ‘Petanque’ or boules, a very popular sport in Laos. Afterwards go for a local ‘SinDat’ or Lao BBQ restaurant where you will see few tourists and is very popular with locals. Delicious food and local beer is included!
Please note:
If the above-mentioned accommodations are not available at the time of booking, Fantasia Asia will propose other hotels of the same category, and the type of treatment will always be as specified in the program. Due to possible unforeseen circumstances, changes in the technical or practical order of the program are sometimes necessary without altering its content. In destinations where pristine nature prevails, it is not excluded that you may encounter insects and small animals, as they are part of the natural habitat where hotels and bungalows are located. Such occurrences are not at all attributable to hygiene negligence in the premises, regardless of the category of the structures.