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Day 1: Arrival - Luang Prabang
On arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, Luang Prabang with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, retains a unique charm rarely found in all Asia. Here is plenty to see, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai. We visit these sites in a half day guided tour before embarking on a climb up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town center to the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N in Luang Prabang.
Day 2: Luang Prabang - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Today we continue seeing this charming town with the famous Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes, doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang Prabang. We board a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to visit the distillation of potent local rice wine. Upon leaving this riverside village we wave our way through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pakou Caves. They are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. We explore these famous grottos and cruise back to Luang Prabang Town. On arrival we catch a short drive to Ban Phanom, a well known weaving village of the Tai Lue people who used to make royal silk weaving textiles for the Lao former royal family. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L)
Day 3: Luang Prabang - Khouang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang
The mountainous areas around Luang Prabang Town are also home of many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in secluded jungle. Today we catch a drive southwards to Phosi Market that sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts. Upon leaving this lively market we make our way through the verdant and rugged scenery to Ban Thapene, Ban Xom and Ban Namai which are conquered by the Lao Loum, Khmu and Hmong people. They are very poor but have interesting culture and colorful history. These tribal groups have originally settled in mountain side therefore it may involve some short walks to visit their villages. We arrive at Khouang Si Fall and spend the time relaxing in marvelous setting of waterfall and lush forest. The waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang - Phonsavanh (Overland)
The former Royal Palace has been turned into a national museum. This interesting structure displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We visit this museum and we set forth to the remote Xieng Khouang Province, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travelers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The journey is very long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. The drive will deliver us to Phonsavanh, center of Xieng Khouang by mid or late afternoon depending the roads and traffic conditions. O/N in Phonsavanh. (B)
Day 5: Xieng Khouang - Vientiane
Heading out of town we set forth to visit the "Plan of Jars", an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. We follow it with a trip to the province's old capital of Muang Khun and the nearby villages. They are home of the Hmong people who are very poor but possess an interesting local culture and a colorful history. By mid afternoon we board a flight taking us over the mountainous region back to the capital city. The remainder of day will be free for your own exploration of the town. O/N in Vientiane. (B)
Day 6: Vientiane
The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is small city conjuring up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We start our city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We see these sites before continuing to Patouxai. This imposing monument standing in Lane Xang Avenue is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe and provides stunning views of the city. Heading out of town we see the giant Friendship Bridge and the impressive Buddha Park. This landmark represents a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on parkland located by the Mekong River. The perfect way to round off our day is to watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. O/N in Vientiane. (B)
Day 7: Vientiane - Pakse - Wat Phou - Khong island
The southern bound journey begins as we board a flight to Pakse. On arrival you are greeted by our guide and transferred to the boat landing for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River towards the former royal capital of Champasak, a gateway to the pre-angkorian temple of Wat Phu. This hillside edifice was once an important sanctuary of the Khmer Empire. The temple structure was partly destroyed in turbulent history however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. We follow a walkway from the lower to the upper section, which features various forms including Vishnu, Shiva and Kala. The temple upper ground also affords spectacular views from the surrounding valley to the mighty Mekong River. We visit Wat Phou Museum and Oum Moung Temple before we make our way southwards to Khong Island past the many peaceful villages. O/N in Khong Island. (B)
Day 8: Khong Island - Done Khong - Khone Phadeng - Khong Island
Today we embark a traditional boat to venture into the widest reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets jut out in dry season, giving this area a lovely name "Si Phan Done". The longtail boat passes Done Ket and Done Som before it races across the water towards the peaceful island of Done Khone. We stroll through Ban Khone village to explore different local lifestyle close up and some relics of the French colonial period. Upon leaving this island we wave our way to Liphi water fall, which are also called "Corridor of the Devil". The rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins may be seen in this scenic area. At end of the cruise we drive south to visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall which boast the largest one in Southeast Asia. The rest of day will be free for your own exploration of the town or simply relaxation. O/N in Khong Island (B)
Day 9: Khong Island - Paksong - Tatlo - Pakse
The fertile volcanic plateau of Boloven is our following destination. We travel by roads across Paksong past many charming villages and rolling hills. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible all along the way. A part of our pleasure of traveling in this region is to observe the beautiful countryside and meet local people. We visit en route the biggest growing coffee area before we arrive at Tatlo Waterfall. This mountainous area is home of the many triple groups including the Alack, Katang and Nge people. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognizably distinct from each other by their dress. By mid afternoon we leave Tadlo for Pakse, stopping en route at the scenic Phasoume Waterfall and a nearby Katu village. O/N in Pakse. (B)
Day 10: Pakse - Siem Reap
The bustling town of Pakse is ideally located at the confluence of the Mekong and Xedone Rivers therefore it is a gateway to southern region and nearby plateau. Today we have time for our own exploration of the town before we board a short flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The tranquil Siem Reap Town is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. Upon leaving Siem Reap Town we set off on a short drive to the archeological area and spend our time to visit the most striking structures. They are the South Gate of Angkor Thom which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat. We stroll around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. O/N in Siem Reap.
Day 11: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of this structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore the well known Ta Prohm and some nearby temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. They almost belong to the small circuit according to the archaeologists division. Upon leaving this area we visit various famous temples of the grand circuit such as Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup. We round off our exciting day with a walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill to admire the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap.(B)
Day 12: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples - Banteay Srei
Heading out of town we drive beyond the Angkor Complex through the Preah Dark village to the intricately carved and well preserved Banteay Srei Temple. We stroll around this beautiful landmark which was designed to leave no space undecorated. The roads begin to deteriorate but it is still fascinating to drive past the rolling mountain scenery towards Kbal Spean. This interesting site locally named the river of 1000 Lingars, has been largely reclaimed by the jungle; however it involves a walk to catch a view over its riverbed carvings. The next stop is Banteay Samre which is adorned with striking relief depicting the scenes of Vishnu and Krishna legends. Today we also have a chance to explore the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)
Day 13: Siem Reap - Departure
The temple exploration is not only activity in Siem Reap. We visit the famous Tonle Sap Lake on a boat trip out. This shallow lake boats the largest natural fresh water body in Southeast Asia and flows into the Tonle Sap River which joins the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. The traditional boat navigates along a small river towards the gigantesque lake, giving us a chance to explore floating village, local life style, friendly children in small boats and fishermen pulling in morning catch close up. This excursion is all depending on your departure time. The trip ends after your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure. (B)
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INCLUSIONS:
-Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
-Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner
-Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar one
-English or French speaking guide
-Entrance fee to indicated sights
-Boat trip in Luang Prabang, Watphou, Khong Island and Siem Reap
-Regional and domestic flight Xieng Khouang - Vientiane - Pakse - Siem Reap
EXCLUSIONS:
-Drinks
-Airport tax, single room supplement
-Personal expenses
-Travel insurance
-Visa, flight in/ out of Indochina,
-Any optional additional tours or activities during free time
-Surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner
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