DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG ARRIVAL (D)

For easy identification, please ensure you wear your tour badge when disembarking in Luang Prabang, as this is where you will meet your fellow tour members and your guide.

Upon arrival we will be welcomed by our National Escort XXXX (contact number: XXX) and transferred to our hotel.

Luang Prabang is a sleepy town, which has kept its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture, with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. Set in a luminous tropical mountain range, located just 397km from Vientiane, Luang Prabang is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage listed town, which still retains its original enchanting character. It was also the royal residence of the last King, Sisavan Vatthana and is perhaps the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia.

DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG - CITY TOUR (B, L, D)

Today we will enjoy a tour of Luang Prabang city by tuk-tuk, starting at Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. Next we visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang dating back to the 16^th Century. Located at the end of the peninsula close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.

After lunch we visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa, shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name. We continue past Wat Aham, which was first built in the 1500s and on to Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large central stupa.

Later this afternoon we will climb Phousi Hill and watch the sun set over the city and surrounding hills and the Mekong River. After sunset we will visit the hilltribe evening market for some shopping. This colourful market takes place every evening along the main streets of town and is a great place to purchase souvenirs.

DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU CAVES (B, L, D)

This morning we board a boat at the Luang Prabang pier and travel upstream on the Mekong River to visit the sacred Buddha caves of Pak Ou. Once at the caves we disembark to visit the Tham Ting and Tham Phoum caves, which house hundreds of Buddha statues. After our visit, we continue cruising along the Mekong to a quiet spot where we drop anchor and enjoy lunch onboard.

After lunch, we cruise to the picturesque village of Thin Hong to witness the daily life of the locals, which includes home industries such as rice wine distillation and weaving.

We also stop at Ban Xang Khong, known for its handmade paper, and enjoy a short walk around the village before returning to Luang Prabang in time for dinner.

Dinner tonight includes a performance of traditional Lao dance.

Please note: If you wish to participate in the Takbat ceremony tomorrow morning, please inform your guide today who will purchase food on your behalf to offer the monks. This will be at your own expense and is not in

DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG - CITY TOUR (B, L, D)

Early this morning we watch Takbat, a Buddhist ceremony where locals offer the monks’ food, flowers or other sacred items, before we head to the morning fresh food market, Talat Tha Heua Mey.

After breakfast at a local bakery we visit Wat Sene and the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace where we will learn about the history of Laos.

Next we drive west to Kuangsi Waterfall, visiting the H’mong village Ban Na Ouane en route. Once we arrive, we will take a short walk through the forest to the waterfall where we enjoy a picnic lunch and have the chance to go for a swim in one of the nearby clear pools. On our return to Luang Prabang we visit Ock Pop Tok weaving centre.

DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG TO PHONESAVAN (PLAIN OF JARS) (B, L, D)

Depart Luang Prabang and drive over scenic, mountainous and windy roads to Phoukhoun, where we visit a lively market and have lunch.

From here we continue our drive over the mountains, passing H’mong villages before descending to Som Boon village. The mountains eventually disappear giving way to small hills and a peaceful countryside. We visit Tham Phra Cave, a famous Buddhist cave before we stop at Nong Tang Lake where local villagers fish.

DAY 6: PHONESAVAN (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we drive a short distance to start our exploration of the enigmatic Plain of Jars (Sites 1 and 2). En route we visit villages of Hmong minority group where we can learn more about their housing, living and working conditions which are completely different from the lowland Laos people.

The Plain of Jars is a large archaeological site where huge jars made from solid stone are scattered. Over 20 sites have been discovered, however the origins of these jars are still a mystery. Some theories behind the jars include sarcophagi (funeral urn), wine fermentation or rice storage; none of which have been confirmed. However the remains of human bones and teeth have strengthened the theory that they were used for the deceased.

At Site No.1 the largest jar weighs approximately six tonnes, with the average jar weighing 600kg to one tonne each.

We continue driving to the old city of Muang Khoune, the former capital city of Xieng Khouang Province. Finally, we meet with the head of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) at their camp. Learn about MAG's current projects to create safe methods for the destruction of unexploded ordinance which still plagues the country, before returning to your hotel.

DAY 7: PHONESAVAN TO VANG VIENG (B, L, D)

This morning we drive southwest to Vang Vieng enjoying the views of the mountains along the way. As we approach Vang Vieng we will stop at Pathang, a wonderful village north of Vang Vieng, which boasts stunning views over the Karst Mountains.

Our next stop is at a Lao organic farm where mulberry tea and a variety of fruit wines are produced.

Vang Vieng is Laos’ equivalent to Guilin in China, where the limestone karsts form a landscape similar in beauty but with their own unique mystical fog that surrounds the mountains.

This afternoon we visit Tham Chang Cave and its valley, which features a spring at its entrance and offers great views of the surrounding countryside.

DAY 8: VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE (B, L, D)

We leave the rich plains of the Mekong and continue south to Vientiane. Vientiane is the capital of Laos and a city of villas and boulevards. The name Vientiane translates as ‘Sandalwood City’ and although it is the largest city in the country, it is still small enough to get to know easily.

Upon arrival we enjoy a city tour of Vientiane. First we visit Thongkhankham Market and Wat Si Saket, the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane. We continue to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, the former Royal Temple now a Buddhist museum, That Luang Stupa, the most revered shrine in Laos and Patuxai Victory Monument, which resembles the Arc De Triomphe in Paris.

This evening’s dinner is at a restaurant that offers vocational training in hospitality to former street children.

DAY 9: VIENTIANE TO PAKSE TO KHONG ISLAND (B, L, D)

We rise early this morning and transfer to the airport for our flight to Pakse.Upon arrival we drive to Champassak and visit the Khmer ruins of Wat Phou. Later we enjoy an elephant ride to Phou Asa Hill before continuing by road to Khong Island.

Khong Island is the largest island in the area (18km long and 8km at its widest point) where serene monasteries and magnificent waterfalls are found. Life moves at a slower pace on the island, so it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Lao lifestyle.

This afternoon is free at your leisure.

DAY 10: KHONG ISLAND (B, L, D)

Enjoy a morning boat ride through the Si Phan Done area, also referred to as ‘the Four Thousand Islands’, along the Mekong River. Visit the old French railway station before having lunch at a local restaurant.

Later enjoy a walk through the local villages and the countryside to the Liphi Waterfalls close to the Cambodian border. Sometimes we can see the fascinating local fishing techniques during a llesson from local fisherman.

DAY 11: KHONG ISLAND TO PAKSE (B, L, D)

After breakfast we travel back to Pakse by road, stopping to visit Tad Yuang and Tad Fane waterfalls. Tad Fane is a set of twin 120-metre high waterfalls formed by the merging waters of the Champy and Pak Koot rivers. These impressive falls are situated on the edge of Dong Hua Sao protected wildlife area, 38 km from Pakse. We also see the Khone Phapheng waterfalls, which are the biggest falls in Southeast Asia, before continuing to Pakse for lunch.

On the drive back to Pakse we stop to visit a tea and/or a coffee plantation. Laos is known for its famous coffee, the majority of which is grown here on the Bolaven Plateau.  A visit to one of the plantations will show you the process of planting, harvesting and roasting of these delicious beans.

Return to Pakse in the late afternoon where we enjoy a farewell dinner and visit the exotic evening market.

DAY 12: PAKSE - DEPARTURE (B)

After breakfast this morning we will transfer to the airport for our Laos Airlines flight to next destination./.

End of services

HAVE AN ENJOYABLE JOURNEY!

HOTEL LISTS (subject to availability): below hotels or similar ones of same category:

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• 11 nights’ shared Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast at the below indicated room types (see hotel category list below) (check in and check out around noontime)
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (types of vehicles depending on the number of pax):
  • 1-4pax: van of 9-12 seats
  • 5-7pax: van of 15 seats
  • 8-12pax: coach of 25 seats
  • 13-17pax: coach of 35 seats
  • 18-29pax: coach of 45 seats
• Local English speaking guides for group of 1-9pax
• Throughout English speaking guide (one per country) for group of 10 pax up
• All entrance fees as program
• Boat trip as stated in above sights
• Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food):
  • Daily breakfasts at hotels
  • 10 Lunches + 11 Dinners at local restaurants
• 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only
• 2 cold towels per day during the tour

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Airfares (international and domestic)
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Drinks
• Visas to Laos
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Tips
• Early check in or late check out
• Insurances
• Optional excursions and activities
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
• Peak season surcharges if any
• All not mentioned above