The Best of Laos  

The size of Great Britain, the landlocked country of Laos is sometimes overshadowed by its most well known neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam.  But Laos is equally beautiful and is drenched in history, culture and stunning scenery.

Vientiane is the smallest capital city in South East Asia and has a relaxed atmosphere in comparison to other Asian cities such as Hong Kong or Bangkok.  Located on the banks of the Mekong River it is filled with serene temples and wonderful colonial buildings that never fail to impress travellers.

Also situated on the Mekong River Valley and surrounded by dramatic mountains, Luang Prabang is the ancient capital of Laos and was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its well preserved remnants of the ancient Lane Xang Kingdom.  Home to diverse hill tribes, the city is also known for its golden temples that punctuate the skyline as well as its faded French colonial buildings. 

Paske is known for Wat Phou temple complex, smaller than Angkor Wat in Cambodia, it is 30 years older and is one of the cultural highlights of South East Asia.

Our tour takes in the highlights of Laos and includes a brief stopover in Bangkok, the capital city of neighbouring Thailand.

Days 1 & 2

Fly with British Airways from London Heathrow to Bangkok.  On arrival at Bangkok Airport you will be met and transferred to the Bel Aire Princess Hotel for a two night stay.

Day 3

Today is at leisure to explore Bangkok.

Day 4

After checking out of the Bel Aire Princess Hotel you will be met and transferred to the airport for your Thai International flight to the capital of Laos, Vientiane.  On arrival at Vientiane Airport you will be met and transferred to the Lao Plaza Hotel for an overnight stay.  You will then enjoy a half day sightseeing tour which includes visits to Wat Si Saket, one of the most important cultural sights in Vientiane.  Pha That Luang the most import religious building in Laos, Patuzai a large monument resembling the Arc De Triomphe.  End the day with a visit to the studio of Carol Cassidy, an American who arrived in Vietnam in 1989 as part of a United Nations project to promote traditional weaving.  Carol remained in Laos and formed the Lao Textiles Studio that today employs over 40 weavers creating natural dyed, woven silk pieces reflecting Lao design.  Her textiles combined tapestry, brocade and ikat techniques.

Day 5

After breakfast, you will check-out of the Lao Plaza Hotel and transfer to Van Vieng, en route you will visit the peaceful Nam Ngum Lake and Ban Keun Zoo.  Stay overnight at the Tham None Resort.

Day 6

This morning, enjoy a short trek around the surrounding area before transferring to Phonsavanh.  Here you will check-in at the Vasana Hotel for a two night stay.

Day 7

From your hotel, drive to the Plain of Jars, archaeological stone jars which date back at least 2000 years.   The mysterious Plain of Jars is a plateau 50km wide, and here 300 stone jars are scattered.  The jars range in height from 1 - 2.5 metres, and are thought to have been used as funeral urns.  Continue your drive to the district of Muang Kham, visiting the villages of different hill tribes such as Tai Dam and H'Mong.  Return to your hotel.

Day 8

After breakfast you will visit a lively open air market before transferring to Luang Prabang.  Here you will check-in at the La Residence Phou Vao for a three night stay.

Day 9

Early risers can participate with local people giving food to the hundreds of Buddhist monks returning from prayers.  Return to the hotel for breakfast, and then walk to Wat Xieng Thong, with it's golden facades and mural paintings it is a masterpiece of 16th Century Buddhist architecture.    The historical sites include the Royal Palace, which is now a National Museum.  Continue your city tour and visit Wat Aham, an early 19th Century temple, and Wat Mai.  Later visit Mount Phousyin for a spectacular view of the city.

 Day 10

Transfer to the pier and embark on a slow boat along the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, where hundreds of glided and wooden Buddha statues are housed inside a towering limestone cliff.  Travel by slow boat to another part of the Mekong River.  Walk through the local villages and old pagodas, such as Wat Longkhoune, Wat Chomphet, Wat Xieng Mene, then continue your boat journey to Ban Chan for more of an insight into local life.   Later return to Luang Prabang.

Day 11

After checking out of the La Residence Phou Vao transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for your flight with Bangkok Airways to Bangkok.  On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Bel Aire Princess Hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 12

Your flight from Bangkok to London Heathrow is not until late evening and so the day is at leisure before you will be met and transferred to Bangkok Airport for your return flight.  You will arrive into London Heathrow early the next morning.

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For more information or further assistance please don't hesitate to contact us on 020 7038 3945 or email us at info@asia-fare.co.uk