Gold Culture - The Highlights of Laos

Ref: Gold: LA002

Laos
7 days 
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Detailed Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Luang Prabang

Gold Culture - The Highlights of LaosDay 1

You will be met at Luang Prabang airport by your guide and driver.
A Lao visa upon arrival is available (see our visa section for more details). After having completed custom and immigration formalities you will be transferred to the hotel.

The town Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the French colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. The town has been declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1995.


You will embark on a walking tour which will focus on the historic temples and houses of Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Vixoun and Wat Sen amongst others, as well as the National Museum. Your walking tour will end with a climb up to Phousi Hill, from where you have a magnificent view over Luang Prabang, and the Mekong River beyond. Drop off at your hotel.

Overnight:  Sala PrabangMeals: None • Transport: car or minibus

Day 2: Luang Prabang

Gold Culture - The Highlights of LaosDay 2

After breakfast drive to the Ban Sankhong, a village where weaving and Sa Papermaking takes place. Continue to Ban Don. In this village you will see local blacksmiths at work. Proceed to the village Ban Xang Hai famous for the local production of Lao Lao, the local whisky. Cross the Mekong to the Pak Ou caves
There are two caves in the steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong River and Ou River: Tham Ting, the lower cave and Tham Phum, which can be reached by a long stair case. They are full of Buddha images of varying styles, ages and size. Enjoy a picnic lunch, catered by a restaurant from Luang Prabang,  nearby the caves.
Afterwards board a boat for a leisurely cruise down the Mekong back to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival transfer back to your hotel with the rest of the afternoon free at leisure.

Overnight:  Sala PrabangMeals: Breakfast|Lunch • Transport: boat|car or minibus

Day 3: Luang Prabang

Gold Culture - The Highlights of LaosDay 3

Early risers will have a chance to witness the moving ritual of long lines of barefoot monks walking silently on their morning alms rounds along the streets at Ban Vat Sene in Kounxoa road. (Note: please observe from a respectful distance and maintain silence while witnessing this sacred ceremony). Return to the hotel for breakfast. Check out before departure.
Drive to the Kuangsi Falls, famed for its turquoise colored pools and its lush tropical surrounding. For those who enjoy a little exercise, there is a possibility to climb along a trail for a different view of the waterfalls. Or take a refreshing dip in one of the crystal-clear pools at the bottom of the falls. After a Lao style picnic lunch drive back to Luang Prabang. If you are interested you can also visit the bear rescue centre of the Free the Beard foundation.

On the way we stop at Ban Long Lao, a Khmu/Hmong village, and at Ban Phanom, which is famous for its weaving and outstanding textiles.

Overnight:  Sala PrabangMeals: Breakfast|Lunch • Transport: car or minibus
Gold Culture - The Highlights of LaosDay 4

Transfer to the airport.

Fly Luang Prabang to Vientiane on Lao Airlines.

After arrival you will make a city tour of the capital of Laos. You will visit That Luang, Wat Ho Pra Keo and Wat Sisaket. Visit the Morning Market as well.

Overnight:  Green Park Boutique HotelMeals: Breakfast|Lunch • Transport: car or minibus|flight

Day 5: Vientiane - Pakse

Gold Culture - The Highlights of LaosDay 5

Transfer to the airport.

Fly Vientiane to Pakse on Lao Airlines

Arrival in Pakse, the biggest town in Southern Laos. Visit the huge, interesting local market before heading for Khong Island. You will visit the Khmer temple Wat Phou along the way. Wat Phou was built in the 5th century and predates Angkor Wat in Cambodia. In 2002 Wat Phou was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Khong Island is the biggest of the 4000 islands that dot the Mekong River in this area which is also called Siphandon (4000 islands). Before arrival on Khong Island we visit the impressive Khone Phapeng Waterfall.

Overnight:  Senesothxuen HotelMeals: Breakfast|Lunch • Transport: car or minibus|flight
Gold Culture - The Highlights of LaosDay 6

Today explore the Sipandone area with your guide. Siphandone, with its many rapids and waterfalls, has both historically and presently been the biggest obstacle to transport on the Mekong from Laos to Cambodia. During the colonial period, the French tried to solve this problem by building a railway track on Don Khone, bypassing the falls. Start with a short boat trip to Don Khone for a visit. of this railway, that is no longer used, but the rusted remains of a French locomotive serves as a stark reminder of those days. Take a walk to the spectacular Leepee Falls, before lunch at Sala Done Khone's riverside restaurant. Return to Khong Island with the rest of the day free to explore on own, or simply relax and join the villagers in their the laid-back lifestyle.

Overnight:  Senesothxuen HotelMeals: Breakfast|Lunch • Transport: car or minibus
Gold Culture - The Highlights of LaosDay 7

This morning transfer to Pakse where you have the opportunity for some last minute shopping for textiles and silverware at the large market. There are flights from Pakse to Siem Reap, back to Vientiane. From Pakse it's just a few hours drive to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, from where there are evening flights to Bangkok.

Overnight:  No AccommodationMeals: Breakfast • Transport: car or minibus

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Price includes:
- English speaking guide during sightseeing
- Entrance fees
- Meals as indicated
- Accommodation as mentioned on the itinerary
- Tour and transfers as indicated on the itinerary
Price DOES NOT include:
- Airport taxes
- Air tickets both domestic and international
- Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Surcharges during festivals or peak season
- Gala Dinner on Christmas and New Year
- All Drinks
- Visa Fees
- Tips