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Day 1: Vientiane
On arrival at Wattay Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to our centrally located hotel. The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is a small city conjuring up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We start our half day city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Afterwards we continue driving to Patouxai. This imposing monument standing in Lane Xang Avenue, is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe and provides a stunning views of the city. We round off our day with a visit to the great sacred masterpiece and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. O/N in Vientiane.
Day 2: Vientiane - Vang Vieng
The bustling central market in the heart of Vientiane, sells a wide away of local treasures. We include this famous trading center in a short walking tour before we set forth to Vang Vieng. This small and tranquil village is famous for the beautiful scenery and becomes a new destination for anyone seeking the eco tourism or peaceful place to relax during days off. We drive along the road No 13 with stopover at the fishery village of Ban Mo. On arrival in Vang Vieng we enjoy a short boat trip along the Nam Song River, giving us a taste of adventure and an interesting visit to Tham Jang Cave. This sacred cavern was once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We walk uphill to see Tham Jang Cave and enjoy wonderful views across the idyllic valley to the beautiful panorama of Vang Vieng Town. Afterwards we embark on a walk to the Tham None Cave and cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different local lifestyle. ON in Vang Vieng. (B)
Day 3: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang
The following destination of our trip is Luang Prabang. We wind our way past the stunning mountain scenery. The road conditions are very poor therefore we need to bring along our spirit of adventure until Luang Prabang. This delightful town with gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, retains an unique charm rarely found in all Asia. There are plenty to see in Luang Prabang, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai. We visit these sites before we enjoy a walk up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town center to the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Today we continue seeing this charming town with the famous Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in |