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Vientiane – Luang Prabang – Vientiane * 4days 3nights
Day 1: Arrival - Vientiane - Luang Prabang (B)
Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to central capital or orientation tour, [if time permits] then transfer to airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After checking into hotel, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. This evening. You will see a traditional Baci ceremony and original Luang Prabang traditional dance show performance. This is presided over by a wish priest who will chant in Lao and Pali over the Phakuan, or centerpiece, which is decorated with flowers, food and money as offerings to the spirits. After chanting, all participants take two white bands from the Phakuan and tie them on the wrists of another guest while whispering a wish. The strings should be kept on for at least 3 days. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 2: Luang Prabang - Pakou - Luang Prabang (B)
This morning you may want to wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Vientiane (B)
The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which 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, and the Central Market are not to be missed. We visit these sights, this morning before we catch a flight back to Vientiane. Upon arrival, we see the major temples including the oldest Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous, sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, sunset by Mekong Riverside and late evening. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 4:Vientiane – Departure (B)
After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong (if time permits). The tour ends after your transfer to Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge for departure.
Trip Note
• All above itinerary is flexible, depending on arrival or departure flights of passengers
• Program can be adjusted or amended based on indicated sight visit
• Ground operator reserved the right to amend or adjust itinerary to match with real situation
• This program is majority based on local culture. Short skirt and trousers are restricted for major sights, such as major temples and museum.
• Baci ceremony and morning alms-giving is advised to participate and practise, this is preserved and respected culture
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