= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Jewel of the Mekong
 Enjoy some local music |
|
Click to download PDF itinerary:
5 days / 4 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Vientiane | 1 |
| Luang Prabang | 3 |
Day 1 Arrive Vientiane
Arrive to your private A&K welcome and settle into your heritage hotel. Your introduction to the charming Laotian capital includes 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 WatPhraKeo. Used as a religious museum, WatPhraKeo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace. Although you are not allowed inside, it is a good glimpse in to the town’s colonial past as this building formerly served as the French governor’s palace. Stop at Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, as it is considered the guardian of the spirit of the city. Within its grounds you will find an Angkorian-era pillar and it is a popular belief that if you circle it three times and make a wish, your wish will come true.
This afternoon continue to the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Next, your tour takes you to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire (L).
Green Park Boutique Hotel (Deluxe)
Day 2 Vientiane - Luang Prabang
The day’s adventure starts with a morning flight north to the imperial capital, Luang Prabang, serenely situated at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers and surrounded by mountains. Explore the city with your guide on board a tuk tuk. Start your city tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you will explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and WatSensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. Finish the tour at WatXieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.
After that, climb the 328 stairs of Mount Phousi and watch the sun set over the city and surrounding hills. Visit the hill tribe evening market for some shopping. This colourful market takes place every evening around 5pm along the main streets of town and is a great place to look for mementos of your visit (B,L).
La Residence Phou Vao (Mountain View)
Day 3 Luang Prabang
A boat cruise along the Mekong this morning to Pak Ou. Laos has several waterways that have traditionally been used as the local form of transportation and they continue to be used in that manner today in many parts of the country. Taking a local boat cruise is probably one of the most rewarding ways to discover life along the rivers. As you cruise along, observe the daily activities of fishermen, how they throw their nets in an elegant arm gestures, and rely on the water for their livelihood. For the villages settled along the Mekong, the river plays an important role in their daily life and usually represents the only means of transportation and commerce.
Two hours upstream from Luang Prabang, disembark to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues. The statues range in size from a few centimetres tall to the height of a human and are crammed into the cave which is nestled in a limestone cliff. The caves are a destination for local pilgrimages.
After visiting the caves, reboard the boat for a cruise back to Luang Prabang. En route, stop at Ban Xang Hay, a village which specialises in making traditional rice-wine.
Lunch today is at Tamarind. Run by an Australian woman and her Lao husband, they have created a fresh menu of Lao dishes and are dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the local cuisine.
This afternoon, enjoy a visit to Kuang Si Waterfall, south west of Luang Prabang (32km). Along the way, stops will be made to visit some villages of the various ethnic minorities of the area. Upon reaching the falls, relax and enjoy the scenery, and if the weather is good, you can enjoy a swim in the cool, clear waters.
For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views await you at the top.
After leisurely time at the waterfalls, transfer back to your hotel in Luang Prabang.
A traditional Baci welcome this evening is a recommended option (B,L).
La Residence Phou Vao (Mountain View)
Day 4 Design your day Luang Prabang
Your choice of activity:
Option 1:Trek and Hill tribe Discovery
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Elephant Village, a scenic elephant camp on the outskirts of Luang Prabang. A longtail boat is waiting to transfer you across the Nam Khan River to the starting point for the hike. Your local guide will lead you along the pathways and through small Kamu villages where you will be able to interact with the locals. Continuing along a narrow rocky track make your way to a Hmong village for lunch in a local house. After lunch, take a short walk around the village to learn more about the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Hmong people. Trek back to the starting point by following a stream where a long tail boat awaits to transfer you back to the Elephant Village and you transfer by road back to your hotel in Luang Prabang.
Option 2: Stencil Class &Traditional Art & Ethnology Centre
Your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Yensabai Books and Art where you will meet with your stencil teacher, Anousith, who will tell you about the history of stencil art in Laos and explain what the different motifs and patterns represent. Then you will have the opportunity to create your own work of art by carving a stencil with close guidance by Anousith. Afterwards, stop at the Traditional Art & Ethnology Centre for more details on ethnic groups living in Laos (B,L).
La Residence Phou Vao (Mountain View)
Day 5 Depart Luang Prabang
Transfer airport for onward flight (B).
Enquire Now
Luang Prabang
Wake-up early and join the locals in Luang Prabang. Catch the dawn procession of hundreds of the town’s monks collecting alms from obliging residents and onlookers kneeling on the kerbside. A visit to the market with your guide will ensure the purchase of suitable offerings.
