LUXTRAVEL THAILAND
8 NIGHTS: THE HEART OF LAOS
Luang Prabang, Phonsavan, The Plain of Jars and Vientiane
THE HEART OF LAOS
8 nights
Discover the heart of Laos with this classic journey to some of the most interesting and culturally rich places that the country has to offer. Begin in the heritage city of Luang Prabang with stunning temples and local markets. Take a Mekong River cruise to a cave temple, then visit the ancient and mysterious Plain of Jars and finally the capital Vientiane.
DAY 1 LUANG PRABANG
Arrival in Laos
Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Airport you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Your local guide will give you an introduction to the tour. Sit back, relax, enjoy a swim at the hotel and get ready for the adventure ahead.
DAY 2 LUANG PRABANG
Royal Luang Prabang
With your local guide, tour the sights of this world heritage town. Stroll the streets, passing temples, food vendors and historical buildings. We will visit Wat Visunalat and Wat Aham, then walk up Mt Phousi for a stunning view of the city and surrounding landscape. In the evening, explore the colorful night market
DAY 3 LUANG PRABANG
Pak Ou Cave
This morning we visit the former Royal Palace and Wat Xieng Thong Temple, the city's most significant temple. We then take a traditional long boat trip up the Mekong to Pak Ou cave. The limestone cave is lined with more than 2000 Buddhas of all styles and sizes. We also visit Ban Muangkeo, a village known for making Lao traditional rice whisky then Ban Xang Khong for wood paper making and Lao silk weavings and natural dyes.
DAY 4 LUANG PRABANG
Elephant Park Project
We visit the Elephant Park Project, which protects the animals and integrates them into tourism activities. Feed and interact with the animals, enjoy the natural scenery and go on a short boat ride to visit the Tad Sae waterfalls.
DAY 5 XIENG KHOUANG
To Xieng Khouang Province
We make our way over the mountains to Xieng Khouang, the province heavily bombed during Indochina War. The trip takes about 8 hours and we stop at villages on the way to observe the rural life of the communities. Arrive in Phonsavanh late in the afternoon and check into the hotel.
DAY 6 XIENG KHOUANG
The Plain of Jars
Explore the archaeological landscape known as the Plain of Jars, scattered across the Xiang Khoang Plateau. The more than 2,000 stone jars are thought to have been part of ancient funerary practices around 1,500-2,500 years old. In the afternoon, we drive to visit Muang Khoun, the old capital of Xieng Khouang where we will see some ruins left over from the war.
DAY 7 VIENTIANE
To Vientiane
This morning we will visit the local town market before we head to the airport for the short flight to Vientiane. In the afternoon, discover some of the capitals most significant landmarks and buildings including Wat Sisaket and Pha That Luang, with its large golden stupa. Stop at the Patuxai Victory Monument, dedicated to those who fought for independence from France.
DAY 8 VIENTIANE
Buddha Park
Spend the day at your leisure or explore more of Vientiane. Optional excursions include a visit the Buddha Park, a journey into buddhist art and scultures. Visit the UXO Visitor Centre to learn about the clearing or war ordinances which remain from the war. Or join a tour to explore wild Orchids.
DAY 8 VIENTIANE
Departure
Take the morning to visit sites of interest or enjoy it at your leisure before we transfers you to Vientiane Airport or the friendship bridge to cross into Thailand.