BRIEF
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival - Luang Prabang
Day 2: Luang Prabang - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Day 3: Luang Prabang - Khouang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang - Phonsavanh ( Overland)
Day 5: Xieng Khouang - Vientiane
Day 6: Vientiane
Day 7: Vientiane - Pakse - Wat Phou - Khong island
Day 8: Khong Island - Done Khong - Khone Phadeng - Khong Island
Day 9:Khong Island - Paksong - Tatlo - Pakse
Day 10:Pakse - Siem Reap
Day 11: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
Day 12: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples - Banteay Srei
Day 13: Siem Reap - Departure
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DETAIL ITINERARY:
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 an 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 Pak Ou 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 arrives at Khouang Si Fall and spend the time
relaxing in marvellous 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
artefacts 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
travellers, 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
colourful 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 a 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 a 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 a 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 travelling 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 recognisably 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
invovles 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 Vishunu 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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