Northwest Journey 2 Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Pakbeng 7 Days/6 Nights Tour code: LAO-T-12
Northwest Journey 2
Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Pakbeng 7 Days/6 Nights
Tour code: LAO-T-12
Arrival in Vientiane
Transfer
Sightseeing in Vientiane The capital city of Laos, Vientiane still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colorful markets. Tour the different highlights of the city, including PHA THAT LUANG, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps most important national monument in Laos; HO PHA KEO, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; WAT SI SAKET; and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs. Overnight in Vientiane.
By vehicle from Vientiane to Vang Vieng with a boat trip on Nam Ngum Lake Drive to the north through the scenic province of Vientiane. The climate is pleasant and the views are nice, with mountains and cliffs along the first part of the journey. Visit SALT FIELD in Ban Keun. Continue for a boat ride on NAM NGUM LAKE, a serene, man-made reservoir which also generates most of the electricity sold to Thailand. Stop at Talat fish market in Huay Mor before continuing to vang Vieng. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Visit Tham Pha Thao Cave THAM PHA THAO CAVE: Enjoy a short trek through rice paddies with a stop at a Hmong village in Ban Pha Thao and continue to visit the cave of Tham Pha Thao. Visit Tham Xang Cave THAM XANG CAVE: also called Elephant Cave, it contains a few Buddha images and a Buddha footprint plus the elephant shaped stalactites which give the cave its name. By vehicle from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang Journey north passing through Ban Phatang and Muang Kasi. Enjoy visiting local villages on the way. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Sightseeing in Luang Prabang Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Start the day at WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street of Luang Prabang, stopping at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays). Afterwards, visit WAT MAI. Visit Mount Phousi for sunset Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop PHOU SI, the 100m high hill which sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls From Luang Prabang to KUANG SI WATERFALL, travel by vehicle to visit local village of Ban Muang Khai. Continue by vehicle to Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relaxing in the natural environment. Continue to BAN THA PENE, a nearby Khmu village, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Aboard the Luangsay Cruise from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng (Upstream), day 1 of 2 Luangsay boat departs from Luang Prabang pier at 07h00 to 07h30 a.m. for a cruise up the Mekong River to Pakbeng. On the way to Pak Ou village, at the mouth of the Nam Ou River a visit is organized to Tam Ting Caves of a thousand Buddha. After a brief stop is made at Ban Baw to observe the processing traditional rice alcohol, a buffet lunch is served on board. Boat arrives at Luangsay Lodge before sunset for overnight stop. Dinner is served at terrace overlooking the Mekong River. Overnight in Pakbeng.
Aboard the Luangsay Cruise from Pakbeng to Huay Xai (Upstream), day 2 of 2 Breakfast is served at terrace around 06h30 a.m. Visit the morning market (optional) of Pakbeng where the nearby villagers and hill tribes buy and exchange their goods. Boat departs at 07h30 a.m. for her second part of trip. One stop is made to visit and admire the authentic rural life of hill tribe village at Ban Gon Durn (Tai Leu) weaving village along the Mekong. Lunch is served on board. Arriving Houeisay before 17h00 p.m.
Important notes: * The tour cannot be operated in June, due to the boat schedule. ** From Oct- Apr, tour start dates are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. *** From May and Jul - Sep, tour start dates are Mondays and Fridays.
