Laos is a highlight of Southeast Asia with its Mekong River Valley and rugged highlands. It offers the visitor a fascinating adventure, remaining untouched by tourism. Forested hills hide treasures and caves, and temples and pagodas fill the country side with shimmering rooftops. A truly captivating country with welcoming people and beautiful surroundings await you.
Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang
This three-tiered waterfall, about 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang, is a favorite side trip for international guests and locals as well.
Mount Phousi Sunset
Located in the heart of the city and 150 meter high, Mount Phousi is offering unforgettable views over the temples and houses of Luang Prabang.
Inclusions
5-night accommodation in single or double occupancy
5 meals: 5 breakfasts
Transportation by private car or minivan
Traditional boat as mentioned in the itinerary
Domestic flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Return transfers airport / hotel / airport by private vehicle
Private English-speaking local guides
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Exclusions
International airfare – Gratuities to hotel personnel, guides and drivers – Beverages – Optional excursions – Visa for Laos (can be obtained on arrival $$)
Additional Information
English-speaking private guided tour
Please note that some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN VIENTIANE
Vientiane’s unhurried air reflects its status as Southeast Asia’s smallest capital. Old French colonial villas mix with tranquil Buddhist temples in this quaint diminutive city nestled on the banks of the Mekong.
Transfer to the hotel by air-conditioned vehicle and time for leisure.
Accommodation : Vientiane for 2 nights
DAY 2 VIENTIANE - BUDDHA PARK - CITY TOUR
Visit the capital Vientiane. Wat Ho Pha Keo, once a temple of the Lao royal family, built in 1565, now converted into a museum, with beautiful Buddhist sculptures. Next to Wat Si Saket was built in 1818 in the Bangkok style. The interior walls of the monastery are littered with more than 2,000 small niches containing Buddhas made of silver and ceramics.
Continue to the boulevard is Patuxai, a monumental building inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. That Luang Stupa (Great Holy Relic) was built between the 11th and 13th centuries and is considered a national monument of Laos.
Visit the night market on the banks of the Mekong River with a diverse range of Lao goods.
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 3 VIENTIANE – LUANG PRABANG
In the charming UNESCO-protected town of Luang Prabang, golden Buddha images adorn gilded temples with sweeping roofs, while saffron-clad monks drift silently by.
Time at your leisure .
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Luang Prabang for 3 nights
JOUR 4 LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU CAVE - CITY TOUR
Wat Xieng Thong: Wat Xieng Thong was built in 1560 and situated on the banks of the Mekong River, it is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang and shows the typical Lao art style with old religious artifacts and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art.
Wat Visunalat (Wat Visoun) and That Makmo: Wat Visunalat (Wat Visoun) was built in 1513 during the reign of Chao Wisunalat, it is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries. Also visit That Makmo, one of the more unusually shaped stupas in Luang Prabang. It is affectionately called by many locals as That Makmo, meaning Watermelon Stupa, on account of its rotund shape.
Wat Aham: Explore Wat Aham, an old temple known for its two enormous banyan trees.
Mount Phousi for sunset: Climb 328 steps starting from the entrance on the opposite side of National Museum, or 410 steps on the other side of Khan River to the small temples atop Phou Si. The hill is 150m high and sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river.
Transfer to/from Talat Night Market (Hmong Market).
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 5 LUANG PRABANG - KUANG SI WATERFALL
We’ll then go to see the rich treasures in the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Check out the royal family’s private quarters. They have been preserved just as they were when the royal family were forced to leave. Nearby is Hor Phra Bang, an ornate temple housing a sacred Buddha shrouded in legends. At New Year, the Buddha is carried to Wat Mai. So, we’ll go there too!
Pack your swimsuit for a unique swimming experience at the spectacular Kuang Si Falls. Water tumbles over limestone rocks into numerous turquoise pools that are used as natural swimming holes. It’s refreshingly chilly and impossible to resist! On the way back to Luang Prabang stop for a walk around a local village. Once there, take also the opportunity to visit the Bear Rescue Center founded by “Free the Bears” Foundation. The Foundation helps to rescue bears held in horrifying conditions throughout Asia, and regularly milked for their bito be used in traditional medicines. It also provides ongoing care to hundreds of rescued bears and operates rescued bear sanctuaries in several countries.
17:00 – 18:00 Experience Petanque with Locals
Elderly locals gather in the evenings to play their favourite game, Petanque. This game originated in the South of France in the early 1900’s is played widely across the country. Join in a game with a local group, and as a way of saying “thanks”, surprise them with some snacks and “Beer Lao” we’ve brought with us.
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 6 LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Vientiane
Option A: Salana Boutique Hotel 4* – Deluxe room
Option B: Crowne Plaza Vientiane Hotel 5* – Standard room
Luang Prabang
Option A: Le Bel Air Resort 4* – Garnier room
Option B: Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel 5* – Garden Suite room
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy |
Land Package |
|
Departures | HOTEL OPTIONS |
|
4* HOTEL | 5* HOTEL | |
January 1st – March 31, 2024 | ||
1 person (solo traveler) | 2570 | 5080 |
2 people | 1425 | 2675 |
3-6 people | 1225 | 2480 |
Single occupancy supplement | +500 | +1645 |
Reduction for 3rd person with extra bed | -135 | -980 |
April 1st – September 30, 2024 | ||
1 person (solo traveler) | 2210 | 3805 |
2 people | 1245 | 2065 |
3-6 people | 1045 | 1855 |
Single occupancy supplement | +335 | +1069 |
Reduction for 3rd person with extra bed | -35 | -500 |
High season supplements | ||
Peak season on January 1-5, 2024 (Minimum 3 nights stay) | +45 per room per night | – |
Peak season on January 1-3, 2024 | – | +495 per room per night |
Peak season on April 12-18, 2024 and February 9-16, 2024 | – | +310 per room per night |
Supplement for compulsory dinner on December 24 and 31 to be advised at time of booking if mandatory.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.