Explorient Travel

EYES ON THE MEKONG

Tours - Laos Tours

Description: Attractive Vientiane with its old town along the Mekong River and ancient temples. Visit to nearby minority villages of Laos:

• The incredibly romantic Luang Prabang, a world Heritage Sites
• Leisurely boat ride on the Mekong River to the holy caves of Pac Ou

ITINERARY:

Day 1. HUAY XAI - PAKBENG ( L, D)

The Luang Say Cruise boat leaves Houei Say pier at 09:00 hrs for a cruise down the Mekong to Pakbeng. Stop en route to observe rural life along the Mekong and visit minority ethnic groups; then, a buffet lunch on board. Arrive in Pakbeng before sunset and check-in at LuangSay Lodge. You can then enjoy dinner on the terrace overlooking the Mekong River. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Pakbeng.

Day 2. PARBENG – PAK OU CAVES – LUANG PRABANG (B, L, D)

Full breakfast at lodge, (Optional: walk to Pakbeng market, where people from the surrounding minority villages exchange their goods).

At 08:30 board on a board for the second leg of the cruise. A short stop to discover a Hmong village before having buffet lunch on board. Continue to Pak-Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, and then visit Pak Ou Caves "Cave of a thousand Buddha's". On the way to Luang Prabang a brief stop is made to observe the traditional process of manufacturing local rice alcohol. Arrive in Luang Prabang before sunset. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3. LUANG PRABANG – HALF DAY CITY TOUR – KUANG SI WATERFALL (B, L, D)

Your half day city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We also have time to visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. In the afternoon we will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village. This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang by early evening. Lunch & dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4. LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE – HALF DAY CITY TOUR (B, L, D) (Flight)

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival you will be checked into your hotel and following lunch. Your half day city tour enables us to see the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest, Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit Lao national icon, That Luang Stupa, and we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Lunch & dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 5. VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE

After breakfast, there will be free time for your own exploration of Vientiane before catching a flight to Siem Reap-Cambodia

End of trip.

Pricing & Inclusion:

This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on your hotel choice, number of people in your group and time of travel.

This rate is quoted in USD per person, based on Double/Twin occupancy at 3-star hotel standard.

Supplement flight: LUANG PRABANG- VTE : US$ 98/pax included airport tax

Please contact us for the most update of tour price.

Inclusive of above prices:

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
• English speaking guide
• Accommodation based on twin sharing room including breakfast
• Lunch and dinner in the local restaurants as per program
• Entrance fees and excursions according to program

Exclusive of above prices:

• Visa stamping fee on arrival
• Int’l air tickets to/from Laos
• Domestic air ticket
• Travel Insurance in all kinds
• Other foreign language guide
• Peak tourist season or special event rates
• Tip, drinks and other personal expenses
• Other services not mentioned in the program