7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS - LAOS AND MEKONG ADVENTURE

VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG - KUANGSI WATERFALLS - PAK OU CAVE 

 

 

DAY 1: VIENTIANE / ARRIVAL

"Sawadeeeee" - your guide will greet you upon arrival in Vientiane, a city where east meets west! At the left bank of the Mekong River there is the largest city of Laos and the smallest capital in the world. Graced by the "Arch of Triumph", you will visit its superb markets, outstanding monuments, and numerous temples such as Wat Phra Keo which contains the three Pitaka, the most sacred books of the Buddhist religion. Hundreds of Buddhas made of bronze line the floor and colorful angels and flowers are carved into the pillars, walls, and the ceiling. Visit the temple of Wat Si Muang, home of the garden spirit of  the Vientiane and the near by Tat Luang Stupa. Enjoy the very special atmosphere at the elegant French colonial style mansion of Caruso Lao which is as much gallery as store. Canadian owner, Sandra Yuck, seeks the finest works and has gathered some of the most talented artisans in Laos: from carvers, turners, silversmiths to weavers. A visit to the Caruso Lao showrooms is like a trip to any fine art gallery. Learn how the collection is created from rare woods harvested in a sustainable way and from the finest silks woven by hand on special rosewood looms. Overnight in Vientiane.

 

DAY 2: VIENTIANE 
After breakfast, visit the bustling morning market which is the biggest shopping center in Vientiane. Today you drive out of the city to the Buddha. A kind of Buddha Disneyland… Scattered around a large grassy yard on the banks of the river are dozens of concrete statues. There are Buddha images, but also depictions of many deities from the Hindu-Buddhist pantheon, as well as many mythical creatures. Back to Vientiane enjoy the very special atmosphere at the elegant French colonial style mansion and weaving studio of American expatriate weaver and 'designer' Ms. Carol Cassidy - have a tour through this gallery showing the weaving of Lao textiles and the natural dye making process from A - Z.  After dinner take an evening stroll along the Mekong River. Overnight in Vientiane.

DAY 3: VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG
After breakfast flight to Luang Prabang, the former royal capital and now a World Heritage city, the first in Laos… The next three days will be devoted to the sights of Leung Prabang and its surrounding areas. It is temple visit day! Here they are: 

 

• Wat Mai Tempel: The Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham or Wat Mai (New Monastery) is one of the biggest and most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang. Its central position (in front of the night market and beside the Royal Palace) makes it one of the most visited temples of this ancient royal town.

• Wat Visoun orVisunalat, Wat Wisunalat (Vixoun, Visounnarath, Vixunhalat, Wisunarat) was originally built during the reign of King Wisunarat (or Vixoun, 1501-1520) in 1513 (some suggest 1512) and represents the earliest style, sometimes referred to as Luang Prabang Style I, of Lao temple architecture. This style also includes the sims of Wat That Luang and Wat Mai. Wat Wisunalat is Luang Prabang’s oldest operating temple.

• Wat Ahan,  which is close by.

• Wat Xienthong, "monastery of the golden city", is the religious emblem of Luang Prabang and one of the highest symbols of Buddhism in Laos which was the reason why it was spared from the plunder of 1887. It is the most historically significant and impressive of Luang Prabang’s many wats. The low sweeping double-tiered roof (the front portico actually forms a third tier) and the rich interior and exterior decoration of its sim create an exceptionally fine example of the classic Luang Prabang style. Close by is the 

• Wat Sene  Souk Haram or literally "Temple of a 100 000 treasures"  which is one of the most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang, singular by its restored painting of a deep ochre colour, flamboyant and glittering with gold. Constructed in 1718 by king Kitsarath with 100 000 stones from the Mekong river, the temple is made up of a vihan, a that, several koutis, a pirogue shelter (where you can see a racing pirogue of extreme beauty), and a drum shelter (see photo). It is also the first monastery in town whose vihan was covered with yellow and red tiles in the modern Thai fashion. You can see the same type of colours at

• the Wat Nong Sikhounmuang.

• Wat Xieng Monuane, is situated in the centre of town, is very peaceful. You can admire the numerous decorative pieces of work, especially the paintings, stencilling and woodwork, the gilding, as well as the numerous portrayals of Buddha. And

• watch the sunset over the hill at Wat Phabat on the bank of the Mekong river. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

 

DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG AND PICNIC @ KUANG SI WATERFALLS

After breakfast drive to Kuangsi Waterfall (30 km) south of Lauparaban which is not very high but its spectacular and green surrounding makes it a preserve National Park. En- route visit Ban Na Oune, a small village of the hilltribe called "Hmong". They are the best known minority group in Laos. Relax at the shady park and take a picnic lunch near by Kuangsi water fall. After lunch time take half day visit by driving to visit various villages of Ban Pa Nor, Khmu tribe and also Ban Long Laoh, Hmong tribe. Overnight in Luang Prabang. 

DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG AND ELEPHANTS
After breakfast your guide will bring you to Lao Spirit, 15 km out of town. It is a wonderful place, tranquil, on the banks of the Nam Khan river, and reminds me a bit of Switzerland! With one difference, instead of cows you will be introduced to your elephant today! Go for a ride, you won't regret it! Enjoy the new perspective and the wonderful nature on this 1 hr. ride. A stunning landscape, tranquility and lush nature gives you a relaxed stay on the back of the elephant. Lean back in your seat and relax...

You can either go back to Luang Prabang or stay in one of the beautiful bungalows; built in a traditional style from local craftsman and artists. Some of the windows are form colonial houses in Burma. There are no electric appliances like aircon and TV which may disturb the laid back atmosphere of the resort. Enjoy the peaceful and unique atmosphere. Overnight in Luang Prabang or Lao Spirit. 

NOTE from the owner: "We are working with animals and in the nature; time changes may appear at any time: Bring shoes that can get wet, sun protection, pocket-money for tips, swimsuit, towel and long trousers!"

DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU - PAKBENG
After breakfast you will head upstream on the Mekong River to Pakbeng. On the way stop at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, for a visit at the Tam Ting Caves (Pak Qu Caves), home of one thousand Buddhas and also a small royal cave Wat nearby. Built into the rocky walls of a sandstone mountain, the Buddha statues here are allegedly more than 300 years old. The climb to the caves is quite a challenging one as there are hundreds of steps to reach them. After exploring them we continue on toward to Pakbeng. Overnight in Pakbeng.

DAY 7: PAKBENG - HOUEYXAY - THAI BORDER
After breakfast, enjoy a short walk to Pakbeng for a visit to the lively market where local villagers from the surrounding ethnic villages come to exchange their goods. Time permitting, visit several temples of Pakbeng before continuing your 7 hours journey up the Mekong to the Lao-Thai border. En route stop at a village of ethnics minority groups and observe rural life along the Mekong river. Picnic lunch on board! Arrive at Houeixay before sunset and check out at the Immigration at Laos side and cross the Mekong to Thailand.