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Day 1: Vientiane arrival
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Welcome to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Vientiane is a fascinating capital, with a fusion of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French and American influences. This charming and easy-going city will provide a smooth introduction to Laos.
On arrival at Vientiane airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.In the afternoon, proceed to the city to visit Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred That Luang Stupa. You will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, also known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
Overnight at HOTEL IN VIENTIANE
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Day 2: flight to Xieng Khouang – Plain of Jars (B)
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After breakfast, check-out of hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Xieng Khouang.
Xieng Khouang is best known for the enigmatic Plain of Jars comprising of thousands of stone jars varying in height from 1m to over 3m, in clusters of up to 300 jars. This is an archaeological landscape that combines ancient and contemporary history with authentic insights into Phuan, Hmong, Khmu and Tai Dam cultures. Your tour will cover Site 1 of the Plain of Jars followed by the MAG Exhibition. Though best known for the mysterious stone jars scattered throughout the province, Xieng Khouang has a number of other attractions. Old Xieng Khouang Town, now known asMuong Khoun was the centre of a former Tai Phuan Kingdom and boasts many centuries old pagodas and Buddhist temples. Unfortunately, many were either destroyed or severely damaged from heavy bombing during the war.
Stop by the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at HOTEL IN XIENG KHOUANG
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Day 3: Xieng Khouang – Luang Prabang (B)
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Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hilltribe people barter and exchange merchandises. We then head out towards Luang Prabang. Enroute we stop off to see the Buddha images at Thampra, a site more than 200 years old, and various Hmong and hilltribe minority villages along the way. After numerous photo stops, we continue driving, enjoying the splendid natural scenery of the mountains, the forest and landscape. The journey will take us over mountainous regions until we approach Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
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Day 4: Pak Ou Caves – half day city tour (B)
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Today, we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we disembark the boat to visit traditional villages, and continue taking a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving.
In the afternoon 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.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
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Day 5: Luang Prabang departure (B)
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It’s time to bid farewell to Luang Prabang. Transfer to the airport for flight out of Laos. End of services by Indochina Travel Service.
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