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The Treasure of Laos – 9 days from $2,037 AUD

The Treasure of Laos

Vientiane / Vang Veng / Phonsavanh / luang Prabang

From $2,037 AUD pp (2 pax)

Excursion to Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan) Visit Wat Xieng Khuan, also known as Buddha Park. This site is home to an eclectic collection of whimsical yet compelling statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods.

Sightseeing in Vientiane The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, beautiful temples and colourful markets. Tour the many highlights of the city, including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps the most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; Wat Si Saket, Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs. Visit Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) and Wat Si Muang. End your day at the Talaat Sao, or the “morning market” (actually open all day), the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics.

Drive to the north through the scenic province of Vientiane. The climate is pleasant and the views are equally so as the vehicle makes its past mountains and cliffs along the first part of the journey. Visit a salt field in Ban Keun. Continue for a boat ride on Nam Ngum Lake, a serene, manmade reservoir which also generates a portion of the electricity sold to Thailand. Stop at Talat fish market in Huay Mor before continuing to Vang Vieng

Visit Tham Xang Cave Tham Xang Cave, also called Elephant Cave, contains a few Buddha images and a Buddha footprint plus the elephant shaped stalactites which give the cave its name.

Excursion to the Plain of Jars and Muang Khoun Spend short time visiting local markets. Continue to the famous Plain Of Jars, a vast area extending around Phonsavanh from the south-west to the north-east. Mysterious and ancient, over 300 huge stone jars apparently carved out of solid rock are scattered around the plateau. The jars vary in size from 1 to 3.25 metres high and weigh up to six tons each. There are several different theories as to the purpose of the jars, which are estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old. According to local legend, King Khun Chuang had them constructed in order to store wine for the celebration of his conquest of the province in the 6th century. Today’s tour focuses on Sites I and II, out of the many sites so far discovered. Stop at Ban Na Pia (War Spoon Village).

Afterwards continue to Muang Khoun, an ancient capital and stronghold for the Xieng Khuang royal family which was destroyed during the Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao houses and a market area and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Visit Wat Phia Wat, That Foun and That Chomphet – Overnight in Phonsavanh

A slow journey along mountain roads with stunning views of the forested mountains, lush valleys and karst formations. Stop at Muang Sui, visiting the scenic Nong Tang Lake, rimmed with limestone cliffs; and the extensive cave network of Tham Pha Cave. Only discovered recently, this cave contains a 5m high Buddha image dating from 777 AD, surrounded by gold and wooden statues of smaller sizes

In the morning, visit a local market to see the bustle and activity of the early morning. Continue to Wat Visoun, built in 1513 during the reign of Chao Wisunalat, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries. Continue to Wat Aham, an old temple known for its two large banyan trees, followed by Wat Xieng Thong, built in 1560 and situated on the banks of the Mekong River, it is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang and shows the typical Lao art style and hosts old religious artefacts and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art. Proceed to the Ntional Museum (Royal Palace), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn of the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. Afterwards, visit Wat Mai.

Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls From Luang Prabang, travel by vehicle to to Kuang Si Waterfall. This waterfall is located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relaxing in the natural environment. Visit a local village (Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane) on the way, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle.

Visit Mount Phousi for sunset Climb 328 steps starting from the entrance on the opposite side of National Museum, or 410 steps on the other side of Khan River to the small temples atop Phou Si. The hill is 150m high and sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river

Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves Let’s get spiritual as we follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims to the Pak Ou Caves. These ancient limestone caves are crammed full of thousands of Buddha statues, many broken and crumbling, covered in dust and cobwebs. But first, relax on a cruise down the Mekong River observing life on the sleepy riverbanks. Highlights: River cruise to Tham Pak Ou Caves

Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong Visit Ban Xang Khong, a village near Luang Prabang well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper.

Caves filled with Buddhas, open-air markets, and a royal palace from the turn of the century are just a few of the amazing places you will see on a nine-day excursion to Laos. From the first day to the last, the Treasure of Laos tour immerse you in a fascinating culture while surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

The action packed adventure begins in the capital city of Vientiane, a town filled with beautiful temples, colourful markets, and a mix of architectural styles. You will then take a boat trip on the Nam Ngum Lake and a scenic drive to Vang Vieng where you will visit the Tham Xang Cave. In this cave, you will see Buddha images and elephant-shaped stalactites.

Another one of the trip’s many highlights is a visit to the Plain of Jars, a vast area of 300 huge stone jars weighing up to six tons each. These jars are 2,500 to 3,000 years old and, according to legend, were constructed by King Khun Chuang to store wine for the celebration of his conquest of the province in the sixth century.

You will also visit the National Museum, which is housed in a royal residence from the turn of the century. This graceful building combines Lao and French styles, and the residence has been preserved from the time the royal family lived in it. Other highlights of the trip include visits to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, the Tham Pak Ou caves, and the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong.

These are just a few of the many places you will visit on a nine-day trip to Laos. Without a doubt, this trip will provide you with many unforgettable and enriching experiences.

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Overview

Laos: Vientiane / Vang Vieng / Phonsavanh / Luang Prabang

From $2,254 AUD pp (2 pax)

Day 1 – Vientiane
Arrival in Vientiane and transfer to hotel. Excursion to Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan). Overnight in Vientiane

Day 2 – Vientiane
Sightseeing in Vientiane – Overnight in Vientiane

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 – Vientiane – Vang Vieng
By vehicle from Vientiane to Vang Vieng with a boat trip on Nam Ngum Lake. Overnight in Vang Vieng

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Vang Vieng – Phonsavanh
Visit Tham Xang Cave. By vehicle from Vang Vieng to Phonsavanh (Xieng Khuang). Overnight in Phonsavanh

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 – Phonsavanh
Early morning visit a local market. Excursion to the Plain of Jars (Sites 1 and 2) and Muang Khoun. Overnight in Phonsavanh

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Phonsavanh – Luang Prabang
By vehicle from Phonsavanh (Xieng Khuang) to Luang Prabang with sightseeing at Muang Sui. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Luang Prabang
Sightseeing in Luang Prabang (half day). Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Visit Mount Phousi for sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 – Luang Prabang
Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves. Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Luang Prabang
Transfer

Meals included: Breakfast

Itinerary

Day 1 – Vientiane
Arrive in Vientiane airport where you are greeted and transferred to your hotel to check in. Today enjoy an excursion to an open air museum, Wat Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park). This site hosts an eclectic collection of whimsical but compelling statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods. Overnight in Vientiane

Day 2 – Vientiane
The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, beautiful temples and colourful markets. Tour the many highlights of the city, including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps the most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; Wat Si Saket, Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs. Visit Lao National Museum, the charming French Colonial Architecture building and Wat Si Muang. End your day at the Talaat Sao, or the “morning market”, the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics. Overnight in Vientiane

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 – Vientiane – Vang Vieng
Drive to the north through the scenic province of Vientiane. The climate is pleasant and the views are equally so as the vehicle makes its past mountains and cliffs along the first part of the journey. Visit a salt field in Ban Keun. Continue for a boat ride on Nam Ngum Lake, a serene, man-made reservoir which also generates a portion of the electricity sold to Thailand. Stop at Talat fish market in Huay Mor before continuing to Vang Vieng. Overnight in Vang Vieng

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Vang Vieng – Phonsavanh
Today set off to Tham Xang Cave, also called Elephant Cave, it contains a few Buddha images and a Buddha footprint plus the elephant shaped stalactites which give the cave its name. Note: Tham Xang Cave is NOT recommended from May to September due to high water level and a swift current as well as bad road conditions. Afterwards drive to Phonsavanh (Xieng Khuang). Overnight in Phonsavanh

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 – Phonsavanh
This morning visit a lively open-air local market. Next stop the famous Plain of Jars (Sites 1 and 2). Mysterious and ancient, over 300 huge stone jars apparently carved out of solid rock are scattered around the plateau. There are several different theories as to the purpose of the jars, which are estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old. Stop at Ban Na Pia (War Spoon Village). Afterwards continue to Muang Khoun, an ancient capital and stronghold for the Xieng Khuang royal family which was destroyed during the Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao houses and a market area and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Visit Wat Phia Wat, That Foun and That Chomphet. Overnight in Phonsavanh

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Phonsavanh – Luang Prabang
Today drive to Luang Prabang, a slow journey along mountain roads with stunning views of the forested mountains, lush valleys and karst formations. Stop at Muang Sui, visiting the scenic Nong Tang Lake, rimmed with limestone cliffs; and the extensive cave network of Tham Pha Cave. Only discovered recently, this cave contains a 5m high Buddha image dating from 777 AD, surrounded by gold and wooden statues of smaller sizes. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Luang Prabang
In the morning, visit a local market to see the bustle and activity of the early morning. Continue to Wat Visoun, built in 1513, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries. Continue to Wat Aham, known for its two large banyan trees, followed by Wat Xieng Thong, built in 1560 and situated on the banks of the Mekong River, it is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang. Proceed to the National Museum (Royal Palace), which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. Afterwards, visit Wat Mai. From Luang Prabang, travel to Kuang Si Waterfall, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relaxing in the natural environment. Visit a local village (Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane) on the way, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle. This evening visit Mount Phousi for sunset, the hill is 150m high and sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 – Luang Prabang
Travel up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Tham Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the way to Pak Ou Cave, stop at Ban Xang Hai Village (If time permits, open 6.00 am, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. In the afternoon visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Luang Prabang
After breakfast enjoy time at your lesiure before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals included: Brekafast

Gallery

Fine Details

INCLUDED SERVICES:
– Program is based on English speaking guide. For other languages a supplement charge will apply.
– accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent.
– meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight.
– boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary.
– ground transportation in private A/C vehicle.
– 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour.
– sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary.

EXCLUDED SERVICES:
– visa fees, drinks, personal expenses. ** Visa Procedures: Laos
For bookings of round-trip or module packages,we will confirm one of the hotels mentioned above according to the selected category.Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges may apply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas and New Year- these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking.