HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS 15 DAYS FROM PER PERSON
$5,880 FULLY INCLUSIVE WITH FLIGHTS FROM NEW ZEALAND
MOST MEALS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
xplore Luang Prabang E Admire the Kuang Si waterfalls Wonder at the Plain of Jars Discover scenic Vang Vieng Stroll through quaint Vientiane Unwind at the Si Phan Don
PRICE INCLUDES • 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 3 – 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for NZ passport holders
Explore the stunning karst landscapes of Vang Vieng and the Nam Song river
ITINER ARY DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO BANGKOK Fly overnight to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D) DAY 3: FLY TO LUANG PR ABANG Fly to Luang Prabang. An enchanting city, Luang Prabang is the quintessential image of Laos. At its core, lush greenery, golden temples and vivid-robed monks come together to create a colourful, rich heritage. Take a walking tour around the vibrant night market, keeping an eye out for craft souvenirs from Laos’ hill tribes as you go. (B,L,D)
Experience the sacred alms giving
EXPERIENCES YOU’LL LOVE itness the dawn ceremony of Takbat, a daily ritual W which sees the saffron-robed monks of Luang Prabang’s monasteries collect alms, in the form of food, from the local people who line the streets. Pay a visit to Mines Advisory Group (MAG) in Phonsavan and learn about the work they do clearing unexploded ordnance dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War and its local education programme. V isit Si Phan Don, the ‘4,000 Islands’ set in the rushing waters of the Mekong, where you can slow down the pace, immerse yourself in its scenic beauty and enjoy this peaceful, relaxing spot.
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DAY 4: KUANG SI WATERFALLS Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat, when the monks of Luang Prabang’s monastic communities collect alms from locals. See Wat Sene and the National Museum. Visit the traditional H’mong village of Ban Na Ounae, before walking to the cascading turquoise waters of Kuang Si Waterfalls for a picnic lunch and a swim. Stop at Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre on the return to Luang Prabang. (B,L) DAY 5: PAK OU CAVES Explore Wat Xieng Thong, considered Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temple. Board a boat to cruise the mighty Mekong up to the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of Buddha sculptures that reside within. Visit the local villages of Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong to witness the daily life of the local people and their cottage industries. (B,L)
V I S IT
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DAY 6: PHOUSI HILL Climb Phousi Hill to admire the views down over the city before exploring Wat Mai, Wat Visoun and Wat Aham. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B,L) DAY 7: PHONSAVAN Drive to Phonsavan via Phoukhoun, stopping at Tham Phra Cave and Nong Tang Lake. (B,L,D) DAY 8: PL AIN OF JARS One of the most important ancient sites in Southeast Asia, these mysterious clusters of giant jars are thought to be about 2,000 years old. We will visit Site 1 where there are over 200 jars, Site 2 which also allows you to admire the beautiful scenery of the region and Site 3, situated in picturesque woodland. There will also be a visit to the office of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), an organisation that helps clear unexploded ordnance from American raids during the Vietnam War. (B,L,D) DAY 9: VANG VIENG Depart Phonsavan for Vang Vieng. Stop en route at Pathang village, where you can enjoy dramatic views over the karst landscapes for which Vang Vieng is famous. On arrival, head into Tham Chang Cave to explore. The cave was used as a hideout for locals when marauding Yunnanese came to town in the early 19th-century. (B,L,D) DAY 10: DISCOVER VIENTIANE Drive to Vientiane, Laos’ capital. Nestled in a languid bend in the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more friendly backwater than chaotic capital. Spend the rest of the day exploring with visits to Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxai Victory Monument, that resembles Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. (B,L)
