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Laos Tours    Laos Cruise   Romantic Mekong River 4 Days / 3 Nights

Routing :  Huai Xai, Laos – Pak Beng – Luang Prabang and Surrounding area 4 days / 3 nights

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Huai Xai – Pak Beng by Romantic Mekong Riverboat ( L, D )

Your guide will pick you up at Huai Xay ferry boat pier for transfer to another pier to board a huge traditional Mekong riverboat for the downstream cruise to Pak Beng, departure at 09.00 hrs. This portion of the Mekong is very remote, which sometimes allows glimpses of wildlife in the extensive forests. There are occasional stops at local hilltribe villages to meet people and observe life on the riverside. Buffet lunch is served on board. Enjoy the lovely scenery along both sides of the Mekong cruising to today’s destination. After arrival in Pak Beng, check in at the lodge, and then enjoy a buffet dinner here.

Meals : Lunch, Dinner
Accom : LuangSay Lodge

Day 2 : Pak Beng – Pak Ou River Buddha Caves – Ricewine Making Village ( B, L )

Before or after breakfast at the lodge, you can make a quick walk to visit the Pak Beng morning market to check out the local wares. Then continue the river journey for the second leg downstream to Luang Prabang. En route, stop to visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed here since 16th century. King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Ever since that time, local people have continuously brought Buddha images here to pay respect. Picnic lunch will be served at the caves after which you will re-embark, stopping once at a village specializing in making rice wine! Have a taste, or perhaps just browse the small market the villagers have erected before continuing on to Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital & crown jewel of the Lane Xang Kingdom (pronounced ‘lan sang’) – the Land of a Million Elephants. Transfer to your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day either exploring on your own or at leisure in the hotel. Dinner is on your own in local restaurant.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 : Luang Prabang -World Heritage Site Temples & The Town of Luang Prabang  ( B, L )

Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today. This fascinating town was the capital of the Lane Xang (million elephants) kingdom until the mid-sixteenth century. In colonial times it served as a provincial headquarters of the north. The legacy of the European presence here - well preserved French architecture and careful street planning – has blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history.

If you wish, get an early start (6:00am or so) and go watch or participate in the traditional Lao rite of Almsgiving to the monks. In the city, some 300+ monks file through silently collecting alms. This is an amazing sight and your guide will be on hand to demonstrate and explain this important ritual. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day spin around Luang Prabang and you will understand why it deserves the World Heritage title! Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao. Phou Si hill stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phou Si sits atop the mountain, along side the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Then continue on to visit Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes & characterizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground. See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the royal funerary carriage depicts episodes from the Ramayana. Then visit the National Museum, once a king's palace, where displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Also peruse the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, a private museum recently opened to explain about the livelihoods of Laos’ ethnic minorities. You’ll learn many interesting facts about the tribal peoples of Northern Laos. This town is wonderful for walking, and today’s excursion will help to give you your bearings! Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

Return to the hotel to relax or explore on your own. Luang Prabang is a wonderful walking town, and you can find dinner on your own at any number of fine international restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accom: See below

Day 4 : Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall – Onward ( B )

After breakfast, drive with your guide by car to the Kuang Si Waterfall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. You can climb the stairs and look down from various high viewpoints on the way to the top! Bring a bathing suit if you’d like to swim. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

Trip Include:

• All domestic land and water transportation as listed in the itinerary

• All meals as listed in the itinerary ( B = Breakfast, L = Lunch )

• All accommodation as listed in the itinerary

• All entrance fees

• Government Taxes and VAT

Trip Excluded :

• International or domestic air tickets

• Visa Fee (30-42$) depending on nationality + 1 passport size picture

• Meals not listed in the itinerary

• Tips and gratuities

• Items not listed in the itinerary

• Insurance

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