5days essential laos tour by Insighttravelasia

ESSENTIAL LAOS VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG 5DAYS / 4NIGHTS

ITINERARY 

Please note that this proposed itinerary is subject to availability. We will only proceed with all reservations upon receiving your written confirmation. We recommend your confirmation as early as possible. Day1 : Bangkok - Vientiane

( Clients own ticket – To be advised )

Upon arrival, when you leaving the airport terminal please look for a tour guide displaying a welcome signboard with your name and you are welcome to Vientiane, the city of the moon – an ancient city, situated on the bend on the left bank of the Mekong as the largest city and the capital of Laos, a private transfer to your hotel for check – in and after refreshen then excursion by private car to visit the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and the Buddha Park, a display of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on parkland located by the Mekong River. A view of the Atacular sunset over the Mekong River is perfect way to finish the day and Overnight in Vientiane. The regular check-in time for all hotels is 2.00pm. Early check-in is subject to availability. Meals: None Accommodation : City Inn Vientiane Hotel (3*) or Similar / Deluxe room http://cityinnvientiane.com/

Day2 : Vientiane - Luang Prabang via QV103@1700-1745 ( Economy class) Your guide will pick you up at 8:30 -9:00am this morning. Your tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace. Although you are not allowed to visit inside, it is a good glimpse in to the town’s colonial past as this building formerly served as the French governor’s palace. Stop at Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, as it is considered the guardian of the spirit of the city. Upon its grounds, you will find an Angkorian-era pillar and it is a popular belief that if you circle it three times and make a wish, then that wish will come true. Nestled near the original morning market is That Dam. Also called the ‘Black Stupa’, the structure was once covered with a layer of gold which was stolen by the Thais during their invasion in 1828. From here, travel on to nearby Pangkham Street, with its plethora of tailor shops, and Nam Phou Fountain. Here you can see how traditional areas of the city are embracing modernity. Enjoy a delicious Lao-style lunch at Tamnak Lao Restaurant after lunch then visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them. Continue to the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Next, your tour takes you to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun shines upon its towering golden spire.It times to stransfer you to the Vientiane airport for your flight to Luang Prabang , Luang Prabang is a sleepy town, which has kept its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture, with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. Set in a luminous tropical mountain range and located just 397km from Vientiane, Luang Prabang is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage listed town, which still retains its original enchanting character. It was also the royal residence of the last king, King Sisavan Vatthana, and is perhaps the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Meet on arrival at Luang Prabang airport, you are welcome to Luang Prabang and a private transfer to your hotel for check – in . the rest of your day is free at leisure and overnight in Luang Prabang . Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation : Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel(3*) or Similar / Superior room http://www.sanctuaryhotelsandresorts.com/english/

Day3 : Luang Prabang - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang The Optional : 5:30am wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffronrobed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered). Transfer to the boat piere then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as explore 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 . after returning we disembark at Xiengthong pier then continued visiting the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture . the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation : Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel / Superior room Day4 : Luang Prabang

- Kuang Si waterfall - Luang Prabang

After breakfast we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign,after that you have free time to explore town until lunch time at local restaurant , after lunch then take a short transfer through the Luang Prabang countryside to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Along the way, guests will drive through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills and small villages, with viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River. Stop en route at a small village which is home to one of the area’s many ethnic minorities. Here, guests will have an opportunity to learn about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries. Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, guests can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The water tumbles down a large drop and cascades gently in to several cool, clear pools where guests can enjoy a refreshing swim (please dress modestly) before enjoying a picnic lunch next to the falls . Guests might also like to visit the bear sanctuary located next to the falls, which is run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. There are currently 23 Asiatic black bears living in the sanctuary, which has saved them from poaching. The main threat to these bears is poaching due to the use of their bile in Chinese medicine. Transfer back to Luang Prabang this afternoon and continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking and free at leisure . Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation: Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel / Superior room

Day5 : Luang Prabang - Elephant Safari - Hanoi

( Clients own ticket )

8:30 am Pick up by our guide and car from your hotel lobby then transfer to arrive at the Elephant Village Camp and Welcome greeting by camp manager and participate in short briefing about elephants. Ride the Elephant From the Elephant Camp, enjoy the impressive experience of a 3 km ride on the howdah (elephant seat) or on your elephant’s neck! 2 per elephant and Enjoy a 4 km trek on foot through diverse landscape. You will travel from our ‘old camp’ to our ‘jungle camp’ through teak forests, local village farms and lush primary jungle. Lunch in the jungle surroundings with a picnic box lunch prepared just for you at our camp restaurant and served with drinking water (vegetarian options available) Enjoy another stunning 3 km jungle trek on foot along a natural, crystal clear stream flowing down from the mountains which feeds the Tad Sae Waterfall. We call it the “Trail of Falls”. All along this stunning trail, the water cascades over multilevel limestone formations forming pools surrounded by unique tropical vegetation . Exiting the Trail of Falls you arrive at the stunning Tad Sae Waterfall. The perfect place to relax, dip your feet or go for a swim before heading back to the Elephant Camp (swim suit recommended!) a short boat trip on the Nam Khan river in a traditional Lao long boat from the waterfall back to the Elephant Camp after that transfer back to Luang Prabang between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm and free at leisure until transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi onwards . The regular check-out time for all hotels is 12.00pm. Late check-out is subject to availability. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch End of Services TOUR COST (NETT & NON-COMMISIONABLE) The tour price is based on the above suggested hotel/room categories. It is subject to change due to availability and increases in air and train fares. Low Season Validity : From 01May2016 To 30September2016 Hotels 02 03-05 06-09 10 -14 15-19 category Per Pax Per Pax Per Pax Per Pax Per Pax

20-24 Per Pax

Single Supplement

Supplement for Italian

(3*)

$941

$794

$672

$644

$622

$614

$179

$325

(4*)

$1,119

$972

$850

$823

$809

$799

$357

$325

(5*)

$1,199

$1,053

$930

$903

$894

$883

$437

$325

High Season Validity : From 01October 2016 To 30April2017 Hotels 02 03-05 06-09 10 -14 15-19 category Per Pax Per Pax Per Pax Per Pax Per Pax

20-24 Per Pax

Single Supplement

Supplement for Italian

(3*)

$990

$843

$721

$693

$674

$665

$228

$325

(4*)

$1,297

$1,150

$1,028

$1,005

$998

$984

$535

$325

(5*)

$1,534

$1,388

$1,265

$1,238

$1,247

$1,231

$772

$325

HOTELS ARE QUOTED ON THE TOUR Room types

Location

City Inn Vientiane - http://cityinnvientiane.com/

Deluxe

VTE

Sanctuary Luang Prabang - www.sanctuaryhotelsandresorts.com/

Superior

LPQ

Ansara Boutique Hotel - http://www.ansarahotel.com/

Deluxe

VTE

Mekong Riverview Hotel - http://www.mekongriverview.com/

Superior

LPQ

Settha Palace Hotel - http://www.setthapalace.com/

Deluxe

VTE

Luang Prabang View - http://luangprabangview.com/

Superior

LPQ

Hotels Names

Category 3*

TOUR INCLUSIONS Inclusive of  Accommodation with daily breakfast at 3,4,5 stars hotels selected in Double/Twin room share  Private transfers and transportation on tour with modern vehicles.  All tours and Sightseeing with English speaking guide for each city .  All entrance fees and private boats trip as specified  Internal Air ticket VTE- LPQ inclusive of airport taxe  Meals as indicated in the program  Water & cold towel on sightseeing tour.  1FOC for TL in SGL room if full paying 16pax .

Non-inclusive of             

Laos – visa if required. Single Supplement Supplement for Italian Speaking guide Other meals where not mentioned in the program. Other flights & international airport taxes. Hotel early check in/ Late check out. Optional Airport Assistance Services Overweight luggage. Personal expenses. Travel insurance. Tips & gratuities. Separate luggage truck. Other services not listed in inclusive column.

 GENERAL BOOKING CONDITIONS: PAYMENT - 30% of the total tour cost to be deposited upon commitment of the tour. This deposit is non-refundable. - 70% of the total tour cost to be paid 60days prior to arrival date. - 100% of the total tour is required 59days prior departure or within 24 hours of confirmation if travelling within 59 days from departure. CANCELLATION: Any cancellations should be made in witting. - 35 days or more prior to arrival date: 30% deposit - 34 - 15 days prior to arrival date: 50% of the total tour cost - 14 - 8 days prior to arrival date: 85% of the total tour cost - 7 days or less prior to arrival date: 100% of the total tour cost CHILDREN POLICY Child from 1- 4 yrs: Free of charge if sharing bed with parents Child from 5 – 6 yrs: 30% of adult price if sharing existing bed(s) with parents Child from 5 – 6 yrs: 50% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room Special conditions: Depending on airlines, hotels, cruises' cancellation policies, the above conditions may be modified. IMPORTANT NOTES: VISAS Please make sure your passport is valid more than 6 months from the date of arrival in each country you are visiting. It is also to be sure that there is sufficient space in your passport to allow for all immigrations procedures. At least 3 blank pages are required due to the full page visas used in each country of South East Asia . Kindly note that visa service is not included in our proposal. Please contact me for any visa service or guidance. Please note the following general information (subject to change) concerning visas for our part of the world. INSURANCE The tour price does not include personal insurance. We recommend you purchase adequate travel insurance before you make full payment for your journey.

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