5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS IN LUANG PRABANG & VIENTIANE

Here’s a great introductory tour for a short break in ‘landlocked’ Laos.  Considered to be one of the ‘lesser touristy’ nations in South East Asia and often referred to as an undiscovered ‘jewel’ by those that take the time to explore.

Discover Luang Prabang & Vientiane 

DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – ARRIVAL

Upon arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel. Let’s be clear here, Luang Prabang is a very special city. Nestled amidst beautiful mountain ranges and blessed with historic temples, this charming city adorns the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Luang Prabang was the royal capital and seat of government for the Kingdom of Laos until the revolution of 1975. The main heart of the city consists of four main roads crisscrossing a peninsula between the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers.

DAY 2 : LUANG PRABANG – WALKING TOUR 

Departing from the hotel at 08:30 am, explore the city by foot to the intriguing open-air Morning Market in the old town. There are only a few large grocery stores in town — as most of the food is still produced by small farming villages and brought into Luang Prabang from the surrounding rural areas. Your guide will give an explanation about the common vegetables and fruits that are in season and pick up some snacks for later. After the market, we take a short walk to Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham (“New Monastery”), the National Museum (Royal Palace) and Hor Phra Bang. After the museum, we continue to Heuan Chan Luang Prabang for a short activity and learn how to make Banana Leaf and Flower.  After lunch, continue to Wat Street and visit Wat Sene, Wat Sop Sickharam, Wat Sibounheuang and Wat Xieng Thong.

MORNING MARKET
This small market is the Laotian “supermarket” where they come to buy their fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. Some products are coming from the surrounding jungle, and considered to be exotic for travellers from western countries.

WAT MAI SUWANNAPHUMAHAM
The impressive Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham is one of Luang Prabang’s largest and most richly decorated temples. Both it’s interior and exterior are extensively adorned with black and red lacquer ‘ and gold leaf paint. The temple, also known as Wat Mai, meaning “new temple” was founded around 1780 by King Anurat of the Luang Prabang Kingdom.

NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE) & HOR PHRA BANG
Set in a spacious, well-tended garden just off one of Luang Prabang’s main boulevards (Sisavangvong Road), you will find the fascinating Royal Palace Museum, which is also known as Hor Kham. The museum is well worth a couple of hours of your time if you want to learn more about Lao history and culture. Originally the residence of the king, the museum was designed in the French Beaux-Arts style, with many tasteful accents of traditional Lao culture. When the communists came to power in 1975, they took over the palace and sent the royal family to re-education camps. The palace was converted into a museum that was opened to the public in 1995 after careful renovation, and remains in good condition. The grounds contain a number of other buildings including a new exhibition hall and a chapel (Hor Phra Bang), and a statue of King Sisavangvong.

HEUAN CHAN LUANG PRABANG
A treasure trove of Lao antiques house built in the early 1900’s is almost 115 year-old house. It is one of the rare surviving examples in Luang Prabang of a pre-colonial Lao style aristocratic mansion dating back from the days before the colonial influences. Here we experience the Banana Leaf and Flower Workshop (1 hour).  In Lao Culture, the flowers are always used on special days such as: Lao’s New Year Ceremony, Wedding, Baci ceremony, especially on the holy day of Buddhism and for worshiping and offering to Buddha.

WAT SENE
Wat Sene was constructed in 1718 under the mandate of King Kitsarath with 100,000 stones from the Mekong River. The name has been dubbed since then. Wat Sene was once restored in the year 1957 commemorating the Buddha’s birthday dating back to 2500 years ago.

WAT SOP SICKHARAM
Wat Sop Sickharam is on a street corner marked by a blue and green glazed stupa just inside its boundary wall. It is next to Wat Sene. Lots of lanterns hang from the entrance to its main hall. There will be plenty of monks around who are happily going about their daily lives.

WAT XIENG THONG
Founded at the tip of the Luang Prabang peninsula is one of Laos most beautiful and richly decorated temples. This temple is a Royal temple built by King Setthathirath in 1559 on the banks of the Mekong river. It is one of the few temples that was not destroyed during the Black Flag Army invasion of 1887.

MOUNT PHOUSI
Rising 150 m above the centre of town, Mount Phousi cuts a distinctive figure on the Luang Prabang skyline. The hill is extremely popular as a place to watch the sun rise or set over the Mekong River. From the summit, enjoy a spectacular 360 degree outlook across the city and its many temples, and out over the surrounding landscape to the mountains in the distance. For a complete experience, we go up Mount Phousi on one side and use the other set of steps to make your way down again.

DAY 3 : LUANG PRABANG – TAD KUANG SI WATERFALL (FLIGHT TO VIENTIANE)

Travel by vehicle to the beautiful Tad Kuang Si Waterfall, stopping on the way to visit Hmong and Khamu villages. Hmong and Khamu villages have different structures and ways of life; here, we can learn about their traditions and the differences between Lao, Khamu and Hmong culture.

TAD KUANG SI WATERFALL AND BEAR RESCUE CENTER
Tad Kuang Si Waterfall is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular pools, before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming spots and are very popular with both tourists and locals. Visit the Bear Rescue Center in the Kuang Si Waterfall.

Depending on the confirmed departure time we transfer you to the airport for the short flight to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. After arrival you are transferred to your hotel. Rest of the evening at your own disposal.

DAY 4 : VIENTIANE – CITY TOUR 
Discover the charm of Vientiane, a quiet but endearing capital city. The tour includes Wat Sisaket, Hor Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument. Visit the Talat Sao (Morning Market), where you can find an abundance of locally made handicrafts.

WAT SISAKET
Wat Si Saket is an early 19th century Buddhist monastery in the centre of Vientiane. It is the oldest temple of the town and is still in its original form. The temple was built in 1820, near the Royal Palace in the centre of town by King Anouvong, the last King of Vientiane. It is one of the very few temples that survived the destruction that came with the Siamese armies, that looted and burnt the city in 1827. The temple was restored in the 1930’s. Next to the cloister is the more recent, active part of the temple with resident monks. Right across the street is another one of Vientiane’s most important temples, the Hor Phra Keo.

HOR PHRA KEO
Hor Phra Keo is one of Laos’ most highly venerated temples, now turned into a museum. The temple derives its name from the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most highly revered Buddha image which was enshrined in the temple for over 200 years

THAT LUANG STUPA
That Luang Stupa or “Great Stupa” is the most important Buddhist monument in Laos. The large golden stupa in Vientiane is believed to enshrine the breast bone of the Buddha. The pagoda also known as That Luang is officially named Pha Chedi Lokajulamani, which translates to “World Precious Sacred Stupa”.

PATUXAY MONUMENT
Vientiane’ s Arc de Triomphe replica is a monumental sight. Officially called ‘Victory Gate’ and commemorating the Lao who died in pre-revolutionary wars, it was built in the 1960s with cement donated by the USA intended for the construction of a new airport. Climb to the top for panoramic views over Vientiane.

TALAT SAO (MORNING MARKET)
Talat Sao (Morning Market) and it’s two malls sit on Lane Xang Road. Talat Sao mostly serves locals seeking housewares, textiles, everyday products, and souvenirs. It is straddled by two malls. One mostly offers clothes, mobile devices, gold jewellery, and nick-knacks, while the newer mall offers more upscale products and cafes.

DAY 5 : VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE 

Transfer to Vientiane International Airport for departure flight.

This whirlwind tour will provide a wonderful introduction to Laos.  Most travellers tend to tag this twin city centre tour onto extended stays in Thailand or Vietnam.  Our trusted destination management company, Tour East, can certainly help with ideas, prices and variances to the above tour sample.  Please do not hesitate to ask Select Representation for help or guidance on: sales@select-rep.com