LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE - 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – ARRIVAL On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel. The rest of the day is your own time at leisure Optional: Enjoy a private Baci ceremony after sunset at a local family. The Baci ceremony as a traditional ritual of the Lao people expresses the spirituality of the country and is a highly memorable experience and a deep insight into Lao culture for the participants. Overnight in Luang Prabang DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES (B) Today, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which displays many interesting artifacts and learn the history of Royal Family. We then embark on a small motorboat upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. You will explore some thousands of gold plated Buddha statues in different shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On arrival back in the city, we will visit magnificent Wat Xiengthong, which represents classical Laotian architecture a the one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religions and was built in 16th Century. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. And then, we will transfer to visit Wat Siphouthabaht to watch the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang Option: if time permits, you may wish to visit the Kopnoi Promotion Center, and enjoy the Tea tasting Ceremony, where you can also have a small lecture about Lao culture. DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALLS – VIENTIANE (B) An optional early start that gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, and we will take a short visit to the morning local market near the Royal Palace. At the market, you can find anything from rice, to fresh vegetables, to steamed fish, frogs, and anything else that might be the day’s catch, just set up on the ground, this is what the locals do every day. This is really the chance for you to get a real flavor of the local culture. After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat (Visoun) as Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas. We then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed on Tuesday), one of the must-visit spots, where you can have an optional 15 minute tour to learn about butterflies and local flora. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where you will have a short tour so you get information about Silk, about weaver, about the Women that work in the Centre. We then transfer out to the airport to take the flight to Luang Vientiane. Overnight in Vientiane We will arrange a good flight such as QV104 LPQ VTE 18:45 19:35 DAY 4: VIENTIANE – BUDDHA PARK (B) In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. On the way, stop and take photos of the Friendship Bridge which was built by the Australian government in 1994 and links Laos and Thailand. Arrive at Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll around the park. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures which were built in 1958 by a Laos’s shaman. The concrete sculptures are bizarre but intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful park. After visiting Buddha Park, start the drive back to Vientiane. En route, stop at Mai Savanh to explore the traditional textiles of the Lao people. This shop specializes in high quality silk products and involves several families in their process from the northern province of Luang Nam Tha Province and the southern provinces of Attapeu and Sekong. (Note: Mai Savanh is closed on Saturday & Sunday) In the afternoon, have a visit to Tha Phat Luang as the holiest site in Laos and constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe" as a war monument in the centre of Vientiane, Laos, which was built between 1957 and 1968. The Patuxai is dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. Continue down Lane Xang Avenue for the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Overnight in Vientiane DAY 5: VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE (B) You are free to stroll around before taking the departure flight End of services INCLUSION: Transportation with air-condition in private Accommodation in twin shared room Boat trip as stated in above sights English speaking guide Admission fee to indicated sights Meals as per program Gov’t tax and service charge Luggage handling and drinking water EXCLUSION: Visa stamping fee on arrival All air tickets quoted separately Travel Insurance in all kinds Single room (quoted separately) Other foreign language guide Peak tourist season or special event rates Tip, drinks and other personal expenses .