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Information of Tourist Destinations to assist you in Planning a trip to Mekong and Southeast Asia...
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| Laos Magic On View 5 Days/ 4 Nights (MT-VTE03) |
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| A brief introduction tour to Lao's capital Vientiane and the world heritage city of Luang Prabang as well as Xieng Khouang which is a fine collection of archaeological riches including the famous Plain of Jars. Tour covers the famous historical, religious, cultural, rural village life, cruise along the mighty Mekong River and natural spots of the country. |
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Day
1
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ARRIVAL – VIENTIANE ( L/D)
(Dinner)
On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. After a short rest, we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with 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 and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, sunset by the Mekong Riverside and late evening. Overnight in Vientiane
Day
2
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VIENTIANE - XIENGKHOUANG ( B/L/D)
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel , free at leisure until your short afternoon flight to Xiengkhouang, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. We also have time, this afternoon seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Overnight in Phonsavanh.
Day
3
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XIENGKHOUANG - LUANGPRABANG ( BY ROAD ) ( B/L/D)
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Early morning, we visit Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch different Hill Tribes to barter and exchange merchandises. Then heading out the this small town to Luang Prabang, on the way, we drop off and see a site more than 200 years old Buddha images in Thampra and varied Hmong and varied hill tribe minority villages along the road. They are nice, friendly and welcome you to visit. After a photo stop, we continue driving up hill, enjoying mountain splendid natural scenery, forest and landscape. After a tea or coffee break at Sala Phoukhoun, where the T-junction of bordering meets Vientiane-Xiengkhouang-Luang Prabang. The journey will take us over mountainous region to Luang Prabang. 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, [if time permits] we start seeing the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, 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. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day
4
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LUANGPRABANG - PAK OU CAVE ( B/L/D)
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
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
5
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LUANGPRABANG - DEPARTURE ( B)
Breakfast, visit 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 in the morning before catching a flight departs this small, charming city of former royal capital.
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| Starting Point: |
| Vientiane |
| What To Bring: |
| Light cotton clothings, a brimmed hat and sandals will add much to your comfort. Personal medication or even the common tablets for headaches and cold reliefs as quality medicine is hard to get in Vientiane. |
| Best Time To Travel: |
| Mid September to Mid May |
Visa: Visas can be applied at any Lao embassy by filling in the one-page visa form in triplicate, submit 3 passport photos and the fee. But it is a tedious and time-consuming effort outside the South-East Asian region. It takes about two months to apply for a Lao visa from outside South-East Asia. So the best way is to get a visa upon arrival at the legal entry points of Vientiane and Luang Prabang airports, or the land crossings on the borders with Thailand, Cambodia, Yunnan (China) and Vietnam.
Since June 1998, the Lao government began issuing 15-day tourist visas on arrival at Wattay International Airport, at Luang Prabang International Airport and at the Friendship Bridge crossing the Mekong River near Nong Khai, and Chiang Khong, Thailand. To receive this visa on arrival you must present the following. US$ 30 cash or the equivalent in Thai Baht (travellers cheques and other currencies, including Lao kip, are not accepted); one passport-size photo of yourself to accompany the application form given out free on the spot. The name of the hotel you will be staying at; the name of contact in Laos. Most people leave the latter blank with no problem, but if you do know someone in Vientiane write the name in. For airport arrivals you are also supposed to possess a valid return air ticket, but so far nobody bothered to check this. It is important to note that you must have US$ 30 (or the equivalent in Thai currency) cash in hand when you arrive at the Vientiane or Luang Prabang airports or at the Friendship Bridge. Without this money you will be denied entry.
Transit Tourist Visa: This type of visa is meant for stopovers in Laos for travellers going through Laos from one country (say Thailand) to another (say Vietnam). Maximum stay is 10 days and no extension will be granted. The visa fee varies between US$ 12 and US$ 25 depending on the embassy.
Health Precaution: Avoid drinking the tap and any unboiled water. Use bottled water all the time. Avoid food from the roadside vendors unless it is piping hot.
Insurance: Personal insurance with hospitalization benefit and emergency airlift is advisable.
Direction to meeting point: At airports a signage of your name will be shown.
Hotel in Use:
| Location |
Standard |
Superior |
Deluxe |
| Vientiane |
Vansana |
Novotel (Standard room) |
Settha Palace (Regular floor) |
| Xiengkhouang |
Mali Hotel |
Vansana |
Vansana |
| Luangprabang |
Villa Tavendeang |
Santi Resort (Deluxe room) |
Souvannaphoum (Garden Wing) | |
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| Tour
Rates (Price Per Person in US Dollar)
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Please select the validity below:
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| Cost Inclusive: |
| 4 Nights Accommodation in Twin sharing room with daily breakfast at hotels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner as mention in program
Local English speaking guide
Transfer services in a private air-conditioned Van , Bus
Entrance fees as itinerary
Boat trip on stated in each program ( Private boat from Houeisay-Pakbeng-Luangprabang )
Fresh water and wet wipe during day tour (one bottle/person/day)
Service charge and government tax |
| Cost Exclusive: |
| Soft and alcohol Drinks during the trip
Domestic & International flights
Visa approval and fees for Laos with cost 35$/pax
Personal insurance & Tips |
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