Overview: Mystery of Laos

This five-day tour takes in the glittering splendor of Laos’s temples, monuments, museums and natural attractions. Get to know the two main cities of this fascinating country – Vientiane and Luang Prabang. From glamourous royal palaces to teeming street markets, from colourful Buddhist temples to historical treasures, you will be regaled with the unexpected for five days.

Detailed itinerary: Mystery of Laos

Day 1 – Vientiane • Excursion to Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan)
This day’s excursion is to visit an open-air museum, WAT XIENG KHUAN (BUDDHA PARK). This is a collection of whimsical but compelling statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods.
• Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 2 – Vientiane • Breakfast: Hotel
• Sightseeing in Vientiane
The capital city of Laos, Vientiane still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats (temples) and colourful markets. Tour the different highlights of the city, including PHA THAT LUANG, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps 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; and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs.
• Afternoon at leisure.
• Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 3 – Luang Prabang • Breakfast: Hotel
• Transfer
• Flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
• Transfer
• Sightseeing in Luang Prabang
Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial-style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Begin your tour with WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. Time permitting, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE.
• Visit Mount Phousi for sunset.
Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop PHOU SI, the 100m high hill which sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river.
• Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4 – Luang Prabang • Breakfast: Hotel
• Sightseeing in Luang Prabang
In the morning, visit a LOCAL MARKET to see the bustle and activity of the early morning. Continue to the NATIONAL 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. (Closed on Tuesdays). Afterwards, visit WAT MAI.
• Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves
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 return journey, stop at BAN XANG HAI VILLAGE, a local village famous for the production of lao, the local rice liquor.
• Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 5 – Luang Prabang • Breakfast: Hotel
• Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls
From Luang Prabang to KUANG SI WATERFALL, travel by vehicle to visit local village of Ban Muang Khai. Continue by vehicle to Kuang Si Waterfall, 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 relax in the natural environment. Continue to BAN THA PENE, a nearby Khmu village, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle.
• Afternoon at leisure

Duration: 5 Days 4Nights days/ nights Trip Code: LCT05

Price: $

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