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Classic Highlights of Laos
Check air fares to LaosDescription
Laos is a country as yet untouched by the modern demands, stress and pace of life. Its beauty lies in the Lao people, century-old traditions and heritage, and its lush, pristine landscape. All this you will experience of this action packed six day tour of the 'Land of a MIllion Elephants'. This imaginative trip will give you a superb insight into this fascinating country and can be taken while enjoying a longer holiday in neighbouring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Burma or Cambodia
Day 1
Arrive Vientiane
On arrival in Vientiane you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Located on the Mekong River and with a population of 600,000, Vientiane is Laos’ capital and largest city. In spite of new developments, it retains an ‘old world’ feel unlike other Asian cities. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to meander along the Mekong waterfront promenade, visit Talaat Sao also known as the morning market, or simply relax by the hotel’s pool and settle into the laid-back atmosphere that Laos is renowned for. This evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a drink and tour briefing.
Day 2
Vientiane
TReady yourself for a day of discoveries, with a morning stop at a local café. Over a robust brew, learn about the difference between the arabica and robusta beans, introduced by the French to the Bolaven Plateau in Laos’ far south, at the beginning of the 1900s. A morning coffee has become an innate part of Lao culture, and the beans grown in the south are regarded as some of the finest in the world. Begin your sightseeing in earnest with a visit to exquisite Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest original temple (built in 1818), and the only one to survive the Thai invasion of 1828. Across the street, explore Haw Pha Kaew, the former royal temple of the Lao Prepared 9 Sept 2014 monarchy and now a museum. Following this, see the golden-spired stupa, Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos and symbolic of both the monarchy and the Buddhist religion. Cap off your morning touring with the grand Patuxai Monument, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, before enjoying a break for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the COPE Centre, which provides prosthetic limbs for victims of exploded ordinance and brings attention to the tragic after-effects of the Indochina war. Later, visit the vibrant Phaeng Mai textiles workshop and boutique to see expert artisan weavers in action. Learn about the importance of the weaving tradition to Lao culture. Take a short tour of the facilities, learning about silk worm rearing, silk cultivation, and traditional Lao weaving styles. Cap off your day with a traditional Lao baci welcome and blessing ceremony in a local house, to honour your arrival in Laos and to wish you safe travels in this magical country. Mingle with your hosts and feel free to ask questions through your local guide.
Day 3
Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Today fly to Luang Prabang, Laos’ most beautiful and engaging city. Surrounded by mountainous forests and standing at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, it has a tranquil, old world charm. This fascinating town has a legacy of the European presence with well-preserved French architecture blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples creating a town rich in atmosphere and history. Take a short walk around the ancient town seeing some of the temples and chat with a monk at the famous Wat Mai to gain an insight into the Buddism. In the evening take a tuk-tuk to the garden setting of Tamarind cooking school, for a traditional cooking class, have fun learning about Lao ingredients and prepare your own dinner!
Day 4
Luang Prabang
Begin the day with a typically Lao experience, dining on a sumptuous breakfast feast of freshly made local noodles, at a venue often frequented by our Travel Indochina guides Energised, walk to the very tip of the Luang Prabang peninsula – little visited yet one of the most beautiful parts of town. Here, at the scenic junction of the Nam Kham and Mekong rivers, learn about the origins of Luang Prabang and its former royal history. Walk to nearby Xieng Thong temple, regarded as the most beautiful temple in Laos, and an architectural masterpiece. Then, walk the length of the Luang Prabang peninsula along a quiet backstreet to the Royal Palace Museum, full of fine examples of Lao art and furniture, and the former residence of the now deposed royal family. End the morning with a boat trip up the magical Mekong to the mysterious ‘cave of a thousand Buddhas’ at Pak Ou. Here, in a tradition that has lasted centuries, local people add annually to a repository of Buddha statues. The trip to the cave will take up to two hours (depending on current strength) and you will lunch en route on traditional dishes from Hmong, Thai Leu and Lao Loum cultures. On the return to Luang Prabang, stop on the far side of the Mekong for a short forest walk, and a stairway ascent of hill-top Wat Chompet, for unique views of languid Luang Prabang town and the peninsula it sits on.Late this afternoon, enjoy free time to relax with a drink or do some shopping at the night market.
Day 5
Luang Prabang
Rise early this morning and see robed Buddhist monks collecting alms, following an ancient ritual. Then, at its most active, explore a local morning market on foot, and learn about some of the delectable Lao fruits and snacks which make up the local diet. Feel free to sample! The rest of the morning is yours to enjoy. Linger over breakfast, explore Luang Prabang’s quiet alleyways and rustic architecture, or delve into smart boutiques, bakeries and cafes. Discover why this beguiling town is one of Travel Indochina’s favourite Asia destinations. Early afternoon travel to Kuang Si Falls, the most beautiful of the waterfalls near Luang Prabang. Have a chance to swim and relax, surrounded by turquoise waters and jungle, and also visit a nearby bear sanctuary to see Asiatic Black bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Gain a greater insight into this native species. Insider Experience – Unique: Early evening, take part in a gentle game of petanque (similar to bocce), a popular pastime for Lao people. At the end of the game, stroll the short distance to a tranquil Buddhist temple for sunset drinks and snacks overlooking the magical Mekong and distant mountains. Travel back to town to freshen-up, and at a sumptuous farewell dinner reminisce with your group on your journey through the highlights of Laos.
Day 6
Depart Luang Prabang
Today your wonderful six day tour of Laos comes to an end. Possibly time for some more sightseeing or shopping for souvenirs before you are picked up at your hotel and driven to the airport to catch an onward flight or begin your journey back home. This great tour makes a good add on to any longer holiday in South East Asia and ensures that you see the highlights of this fascinating and mysterious country.
Special offers including flights
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Luxury at the Intercon Hanoi, then adventure in Laos
8 nights fr £1365pp
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PLUS transfers included
Hanoi and Laos highlights
Luxury at the Intercon Hanoi, then adventure in Laos
8 nights fr £1365pp
Includes flightsOther hotels:
Valid for deps 01 May - 25 Jun 2018
Tour details 6 days
Tour Highlights
- Vientiane
- Luang Prabang
Included:
- 5 nights accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis
- 1 lunch & 1 dinner
- 1 internal flight
- Western tour leader based on minimum 7 passengers
- Sightseeing as specified, entrance fees
Not included:
- International flights & visas
Excellent service throughout. I should appreciate your passing on the same to your local agents, Travel Indochina and Insider Journeys who gave faultless service.
Deirdre Goulson| Posted on 10 Jul
Flew to Vientiane
Customer service is fantastic. Darren is very helpful and always calls before our trips to check everything is OK.
Jeanette Morgan| Posted on 02 Jul
Flew to Vientiane
All went to your normal high standards Nick. Thank you for arranging our great holiday trip. We will be in contact again soon
Malcolm Mackay| Posted on 27 Feb
Flew to Vientiane
Cooper had a lot to put up with when sorting out our holiday for us, but he did a great job. Thank you.
Jane Williamson| Posted on 10 Sep
Flew to Laos
As always brilliant service, no problems
Kevin Morley| Posted on 27 Mar
Flew to Vientiane
Fabulous holiday. Went like clockwork. Many thanks
Stephen Drew| Posted on 14 Feb
Flew to Vientiane
Thank you Niall for arranging everything. The whole trip worked out very well.
Michael Askwith| Posted on 29 Jun
Flew to Vientiane
A complicated booking by Kylie and Laura worked perfectly. I always recommend DialAFlight, especially these two.
Lois Burton| Posted on 01 Mar
Flew to Laos
Travelling with bikes is tricky, but your staff made right enquiries as the type of packaging required by airlines varies
Alexander Morris| Posted on 07 Dec
Flew to Vientiane
You were excellent. Many thanks
Ian Marvin| Posted on 23 Jun
Flew to Vientiane
Didn't book hotel or tours with you but would consider it next time if I make that kind of trip. Easy and friendly service and I will be booking with you again soon!
Kayleigh Richardson| Posted on 15 Jul
Flew to Vientiane
I have used you for the past 12 years. Fantastic service. Thank you
Zoe Lillywhite| Posted on 12 Feb
Flew to Vientiane
Thai Airlines overall good but they did not have any food options for me on the way out so I was unable to have dinner. In future I will book vegetarian if I go with them. On the way back - my seat was broken and could not recline which was unpleasant for 13 hours in economy. Isla was superb. Very helpful and I will use her again. Brilliant girl.
Lynn Murray| Posted on 06 Jan
Flew to Vientiane