Laos Explorer

3

Luang Prabang

LAOS

Phonsavan Plain of Jars

2

Vang Vieng

2

THAILAND

Vientiane

1

Plain of Jars, Phonsavan

Day 1 Vientiane

On arrival in Vientiane, be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay at Grand Hotel Vientiane.

Day 2 Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Explore Laos’ capital with a tour of Wat Sisaket followed by the Royal temple. Continue on to Patuxai Victory Gate before heading to the iconic Golden That Luang Stupa, deemed as the most important national monument in Laos and a sacred symbol of Buddhist religion. This afternoon, journey north through Laos’ amazing natural landscapes from Vientiane to the riverside town of Vang Vieng. Stay the next two nights at Saksiri Riverside Boutique Hotel. (B)

HIGHLIGHTS

● Discover the spectacular Golden That in Vientiane.

● Gaze at the towering karsts from your kayak as you paddle along the

Nam Song River. ● Explore one of Asia’s most unusual sights, the

Plain of Jars which are over 2,000 years old and remain a mystery to this day.

Day 3 Vang Vieng

Enjoy a free morning, perhaps rent a bicycle and ride around town or spend time relaxing. In the afternoon, travel upstream of Nam Song River for some light kayaking. After a brief introduction to the basics of kayaking, make your way downstream and take in the towering landscape from your kayak. Return to Vang Vieng to unwind as you watch the sunset. (B)

Day 4 Vang Vieng to Plain of Jars

After breakfast, pass through the beautiful mountain ranges and H’mong hilltribe villages to Tham Pha Cave. Continue to Phonsavan, the main town in the Plain of Jars. The jars are one of Asia’s most unusual sights and are thought to be over 2,000 years old, yet their origin still remains a mystery. Stay the next two nights at Anoulack Khen Lao. (B)

Day 5 Plain of Jars

Visit the morning market in full swing and gain an insight into local Laos life. Set out to the main Plain of Jars site to begin your exploration of the three different sites. Go for a curious walk around these clusters of jars, carved from sandstones and granites in various shapes and sizes. This afternoon, venture to the Mulberry Organic Silk Farm, a non-profit company that aims to promote and preserve all aspects of Lao silk production. (B)

Day 6 Plain of Jars to Luang Prabang

Travel most of the day to Luang Prabang, soaking up some of Laos’ most spectacular views. This evening, cruise the Mekong and take in the magnificent sunset views of your surroundings. Stay the next three nights at Sala Prabang. (B) Day 7 Luang Prabang

Meet with your English-speaking guide to tailor a unique full day of activities to suit your interests. Explore Luang Prabang with options including an architectural walk, a game of petanque or a visit to a silk weaving village. (B)

Day 8 Luang Prabang

Get a glimpse of the real Laotian daily life with a visit to the bustling and chaotic local market, Phousi Market. Travel by car to reach our main highlight of the day, the multitiered turquoise-coloured Kuang Si Waterfall, deemed one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South-East Asia. Here you can also visit the Bear Rescue Centre to see Asiatic bears rescued from illegal poaching and trading. (B)

Day 9 Luang Prabang

Enjoy breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey. (B)

9 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM $ 1,766* PER PERSON

Includes

• 8 nights 3 star hotel accommodation • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles (except tuk-tuk touring) • Phnom Penh full day tour • Battambang full day tour • Angkor Sunrise full day tour • Entrance fees • Local English-speaking guide • Return airport transfers to • Meals as indicated (B = breakfast)