LAOS ESCORTED TOUR
12 night part escorted tour from £ 3299pp
Kong Lor cave The Royal Palace Museum , Luang Prabang
THE BEST OF LAOS
12 NIGHT PART ESCORTED TOUR BY AIR-CONDITIONED CAR
Wat Sisaket Plain of Jars ideal for first time visitors • fascinating towns and villages • opportunity to meet local people VIETNAM
DAY 1 Fly to Vientiane
DAY 2 Vientiane
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure .
DAY 3 Vientiane
Morning at leisure . This afternoon take a city tour which includes Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues , and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo . See also the imposing Patuxai Monument , which resembles Paris ’ Arc de Triomphe before continuing to Laos ’ national icon , the golden stupa of That Luang .
DAY 4 Vientiane / Hin Boun
Stop first at Prabaht Ponsan , a 15th century stupa and then at the interesting Ban Ton Na Mae Hmong Market , before you travel into the mountainous Khammouane province . Here you can stop at Phou Pha Marn for amazing views , and , the more adventurous can brave the incredible spider net bridge an unforgettable experience ( extra cost ). Arrive at Hin Boun late afternoon .
DAY 5 Hin Boun
Drive to Kong Lor village and onwards by small boat into the famous 4 mile long Kong Lor Cave , which has a spectacular 300 feet high cavern , and a breathtaking stalagmite gallery which you can explore on foot . On the other side of the cave , walk to Ban PonNgam , a remote village , where you can enjoy your picnic lunch . Later , return through the cave by boat , then continue downstream along the river for two hours admiring the superb limestone scenery .
DAY 6 Hin Boun / Phonsavan
After an early departure , stop at Ban Thabak , the ‘ bomb boat village ’ where fuel tanks from the Vietnam War are used as boats . Continue through rolling countryside , stopping to admire the Nam Mouan River before arriving at Ban Thasi for lunch . This afternoon , drive up the mountains and stop at several minority villages . Later , visit the ancient town of Muang Khoun , the former provincial capital , where you can explore the ruins of ancient pagodas and Wat Phiawat , a ruined temple containing a huge sitting Buddha . Arrive in Phonsavan by early evening .
DAY 7 Phonsavan
Visit the Mines Action Group ( or MAG ) to learn about their important work . Travel on to the famous Plain of Jars sites , starting at picturesque Jar Site 2 and Jar Site 3 , which has over 150 stone jars located on top of a hill , with great views . Later , visit Jar Site 1 which has over 300 jars . In the afternoon , stop at Mulberry Farm , a cooperation of local farmers , weavers , and artisans before heading to the Lone Buffalo Foundation . At this community project teachers improve opportunities for local children through education and sport . Afterwards , enjoy the sunset at PhouXang Viewpoint .
DAY 8 Phonsavan / Luang Prabang
During today ’ s drive stop at Buddha Cave , which served as an army hospital during the Vietnam War . Also visit Ban Somboun , a Hmong village . After lunch in Phou Khoun , stop at Ban KiuKharm Pom and Ban Nam Ming . Arrive in Luang Prabang late afternoon .
DAY 9 Luang Prabang
Visit the quaint Royal Palace Museum , then follow the quiet back lanes to the beautiful historical Heuan Chan Heritage House . Walk onwards to Wat Xiengthong and then Wat Khili before finishing at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre . This afternoon , board a private boat for a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves , which are crammed with thousands of Buddha statues . Enroute back , stop at Wat Dhone Khoun Temple .
DAY 10 Luang Prabang
Head out of town to the lovely Kuang Si Waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip in the turquoise pool or walk along the forest trails . Nearby , the Bear Rescue Centre does a great job protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear . There is the option to stop at Ock Pop Tock , a silk weaving centre on your way back .
DAY 11 Luang Prabang / Bangkok
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok . On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel .
DAYS 12-13 Bangkok
At leisure to explore as you wish . Don ’ t miss the Grand Palace , Wat Arun , the amazing shopping and more
DAY 14 Bangkok Transfer to the airport for your onward journey .
Luang Prabang to Bangkok
THAILAND
LAOS
Vientiane
Phonsavan
Hin Boun
Vientiane 2 nights ~ Hin Boun 2 nights Phnonsavan 2 nights ~ Luang Prabang 3 nights Bangkok 3 nights
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Daily . Meals : Breakfast . Lunch also included on day 5 .
Tour price : The price shown for this part-privately escorted tour by air-conditioned car includes international flights , private transfers between your hotels , 3-4H accommodation , sightseeing as outlined , private services of an English speaking guide and entrance fees .
The Lone Buffalo Foundation is closed at weekends and during school holidays .
Before flying home , why not extend your stay at a Thai beach ? See pages 30-65 . visit your travel agent or call 08444 937 444 • www . premierholidays . co . uk
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