8days hightlight of laos tour by Insighttravelasia

HIGHT LIGHT OF LAOS VIENTIANE - VANG VIENG - LUANG PRABANG – PAKSE 8DAYS / 7NIGHTS 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. Return to Vientiane ( if time permits ) We continued sightseeing of the capital of Laos and the rest of your day is free at leisure . 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 - Nam Ngum Lake - Vang Vieng

( 160km/4-5hours drives )

We leave Vientiane on the road No 13 for an excursion by car or minivan to the Nam Ngum Reservoir, 100 Km from Vientiane. On the way, you stop at the Hmong village to visit the Market and meet the people. Next, you visit the Archaeological Site of Vang Xang which was built during the Hmong-Khmer Empire between the 8th and 11th century. We arrive at Nam Ngum Reservoir at lunch time. Our lunch will be served at the boat restaurant on the lake. After lunch, we embark for a boat ride just for 1hour to visit fishing villages in the islands. After that we arrive in Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism.( If time permits) We visit Tham Chang Cave and watching sunset over the Namsong river and Overnight in Vang Vieng . Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation : Silver Naga Hotel(3*) or Similar / Deluxe room http://www.silvernaga.com/ Day3 : Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang ( 245km/5-6hrs drives ) After breakfast depart for a drive up north the spectacular Route 13 towards Luang Prabang , taking roughly 5-6 hours . Stop in Kasi for having lunch at local restaruant . This journey takes you through spectacular scenery and you might want to stop regularly for photos. Please be aware that there are numerous sharp bends and you will climb/descend a lot of mountains along the way. Arrive in Vang Luang Prabang , 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. Transfer to your hotel for check â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in ( if time permits) visit 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(3*) or Similar / Superior room http://www.sanctuaryhotelsandresorts.com/english/

Day4 : 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 Ban Xienglek and Ban Xangkong, the villages of handmade jute paper making and the rest of your day is free at leisure . Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation : Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel / Superior room Day5 : 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

Day6 : Luang Prabang - Pakse - Champasak ( Economy class ) Flight Schedule time by Lao Airlines  LPQ – PKZ via QV513 @1040 -1220 Operates daily in the hight Season  LPQ – PKZ via QV513 @1040-1220 Operates on Monday ,Wednesday and Saturday in the Low Season Free at leisure until our guide and car pick up at your hotel and transfer to the Luang Prabang airport for your flight to Pakse , Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and the SedoneRivers, Pakse is the most important town in southern Laos. Pakse is the home a very important Vietnamese community, so if you visit this town during the Têt (Vietnamese New Year), do not be surprised if many shops are closed. This small city has a mixture of Chinese and French architecture and some lively markets You will be met upon arrival by our guide and transfer to having lunch at local restaurant after then drive for about 40 minutes to a local tea and coffee plantation. Here you can observe the different processes of making green tea and roasting coffe . After that we drive to the 120 meters Tad Fan waterfall. After some time to relax and photograph the fall we trek through the dense forest where we can see may different species of birds. With some luck, wild monkeys and goats will appear. take a stroll along the Tad Yeaung waterfall Our vehicle will be waiting for us there and will drive us to the highland area of the plateau to visit the local market at Paksong, the Lao coffee capital and home of many Mon-Khmer minority groups. There you will learn and experience how coffee is made , collected and roasted in the farm .We then head back to the main road and stop on the way to admire another gorgeous waterfall at Tad Phasuam . You will be given the opportunity to visit a few ethnic minorities of Southern Laos on the way (Laven, Taoy, Aluk, to name a few), as well as visit the ethnic museum, where you can see them in their traditional houses. We then make our way to Champasak in the evening and stay there overnight. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation: Inthira Champasak Hotel (3*) or Similar / Duplex room http://www.inthira.com/hotel_room.php?hid=4 Day7: Champasak - Wat Phou - Khong Island After breakfast, transfer by road to Wat Phou. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed in three levels: the bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features quadrangular pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary itself. The temple was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples. Pass through Champassak, driving through streets lined with French colonial buildings, and stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, continue on to Khong Island, the biggest island in Southern Laos and the start of the 4000 Islands Region. Called “Siphandon in Lao language, this area is where the Mekong stretches over 14km wide Head Office |13th Northern Road | Ban Khom Khouang | Luang Prabang - Laos | Tel:(+856-71) 214009 | Fax: (+856-71) 214010 www.insighttravelasia.com | info@insighttravelasia.com

and has thousands of islands between those the river flows and runs between cascades and rapids and Overnight in Khong Island . Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation: Pon Arena Hotel (3*) or Similar / Deluxe room http://www.ponarenahotel.com/

Day8 : Kong Island - Pakse - Bangkok ( Economy class ) Flight Schedule time by Lao Airlines  PKZ- BKK via QV224 @1535 -1815 Operates daily in the hight Season  PKZ -BKK via QV224 @1535 -1815 Operates on Monday ,Wednesday ,Friday and Sunday in the Low Season Depart at 08:00 for a full day exploring the area known locally as Sipandon (‘4000 Islands’). In this beautiful area the Mekong River spreads 14 kilometers wide, creating thousands of small islands. Travel first by car for around two hours to the village of Ban Nakasan. From here, guests will take a local boat to the peaceful island of Done Khone, which is home to plantations and simple villages. Bicycles are the best way to explore, but a tuk-tuk can be arranged if guests prefer. Visit the impressive Lippi falls, which are on the west of Don Khone, very close to the Cambodian border. Their original name, Tad Somphamit, means “trap spirit” and the locals revere these falls as they believe they act as a trap for bad spirits. The islands played an important role during the French colonial rule as they linked Laos to Cambodia and southern Vietnam. To cross the waterfalls, a railway bridge was built and it now provides the perfect place for guests to take their time and soak up the view. You will then make a short boat trip, which will give guests the chance to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. Please note that sightings are never guaranteed. Continue the exploration and ease in to the slow pace of life, observing locals, before lunch is served at a local restaurant. After that return to Pakse and transfer directly to the Pakse Airport for your flight to Bangkok onwards . (Khong Island – Pakse / 130 km - 1 hour 40 min ) 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. Head Office |13th Northern Road | Ban Khom Khouang | Luang Prabang - Laos | Tel:(+856-71) 214009 | Fax: (+856-71) 214010 www.insighttravelasia.com | info@insighttravelasia.com

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*)

$2,250

$1,771

$1,355

$1,320

$1,207

$1,195

$307

$630

(4*)

$2,475

$1,996

$1,599

$1,557

$1,473

$1,441

$535

$630

(5*)

$2,546

$2,067

$1,698

$1,616

$1,538

$1,515

$609

$630

Airfare PKZ- BKK by QV airlines

US$182.- Net per ticket per person inclusive of airport taxes

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*)

$2,317

$1,839

$1,469

$1,419

$1,299

$1,273

$375

$630

(4*)

$2,712

$2,233

$1,899

$1,783

$1,692

$1,688

$770

$630

(5*)

$2,968

$2,489

$2,190

$2,038

$1,988

$1,954

$1025

$630

Airfare PKZ- BKK by QV airlines

US$182.- Net per ticket per person inclusive of airport taxes

HOTELS ARE QUOTED ON THE TOUR Room types

Location

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

Deluxe

VTE

Silver Naga - http://www.silvernaga.com/

Deluxe

Sanctuary Luang Prabang - www.sanctuaryhotelsandresorts.com/

Superior

LPQ

Inthira Champasak - http://www.inthira.com/hotel_room.php?hid=4

Deplex

Champasak

Pon Arena Hotel - http://www.ponarenahotel.com/

Deluxe

Khong Island

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

Deluxe

VTE

Riverside Boutique Resort - http://www.riversidevangvieng.com/

Deluxe

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

Superior

LPQ

La Folie Lodge - http://lafolie-laos.com/?lang=en

Superior

Champasak

Pon Arena Hotel - http://www.ponarenahotel.com/

Deluxe

Khong Island

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

Deluxe

VTE

Hotels Names

Categ ory

Riverside Boutique Resort - http://www.riversidevangvieng.com/

Deluxe

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

Superior

LPQ

La Folie Lodge - http://lafolie-laos.com/?lang=en

Superior

Champasak

Pon Arena Hotel - http://www.ponarenahotel.com/

Deluxe

Khong Island

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 LPQ-PKZ inclusive of airport taxes  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. International flight PKZ- BKK 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 Head Office |13th Northern Road | Ban Khom Khouang | Luang Prabang - Laos | Tel:(+856-71) 214009 | Fax: (+856-71) 214010 www.insighttravelasia.com | info@insighttravelasia.com

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.

Thank you for Travelling with Insight Travel Asia