Day 1: ARRIVE VIENTIANE (D)
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Upon arrival Vientiane you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon there will be a tour of Vientiane. Although it is a capital city, Vientiane has a feel of a small provincial town. The wide boulevards are almost devoid of traffic, and with its many temples, the city retain the feel of another age. Our tour icludes visit the major temples of Wats Sisaket, Prakeo, and the impresive That Luang Stupa, the country's most important monument. We will also see the Arch of Triumph, the National Museum and the main market. In the evening, following the meal you can enjoy an evening stroll along the banks of the Mekong River.
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Day 2: FLY TO LUANG PRABANG (B, L)
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This morning we transfer to the airport for the short domestic flight to Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is the best known for its beautiful scenery and high numbers of ancient temples. This former capital has a rich variety of architecture from the old facades of French colonial homes to the glittering temple rooftops. We embark on a tour of this enthralling town visiting Wats Xieng Thong, the Golden City monastery. Dating back to the 16th century this splendid temple is considered to be the finest in Laos. We will also visit the fine temples of Wats Mai, Vixoun, and That Luang. Later in the day we adjourn to the Phousi Holy Hill to enjoy the excellent views of the town and a great sunset.
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Day 3: IN LUANG PRABANG (B, L)
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Today we take a trip to the Royal Palace Museum. The palace built in 1904 is relatively new by Luang Prabang standards and is a mix of traditional Lao and colonial French design. Afterwards we visit the morning market and the weaving village of Ban Phanom. This will be followed by an excursion by boat on the Mekong River to the Holy caves of Pac Ou. The caves are crammed with the images of Buddha. Along the way we will have a picnic lunch before returning to Luang Prabang.
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Day 4: IN LUANG PRABANG (B)
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Free day to explore this magnificent World Heritage site.
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Day 5: BY BUS OR VAN TO XIENG KHOUANG (B, L, D)
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Following breakfast at the hotel, and then by bus or van on the road No 13 north and No 7 to Xieng Khouang. Xieng Khouang province is home to the amazing Plain of Jars. This amazing plain has thousands of mysterious stone jars some as large as 6 tonne! The experts don't seem to able to agree on where these come from or what they were used for, some say they were huge funerary urns while others believe they were used to store necessities such as rice wine! They don't know how they got here as the stone itself isn't found naturally in the region. In recent times the plain was the site of heavy fighting between Hmong warriors and the communist Pathet Lao in what is known as American's Secret War during the 60's. You'll find it fascinating as you explore the area and maybe you'll come up with your own theory! Approx 6 hours driving.
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Day 6: FLY TO VIENTIANE (B, L)
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This morning we will have an exciting half day visit the plain of Jars site No 1,2,3 and the local market before transfer to the airport for the flight to Vientiane in the afternoon by QV402 16:30 17:00. The remainder of the day is free.
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Day 7: IN VIENTIANE, TRIP CONCLUDES (B)
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This morning following breakfast at the hotel, there will be a transfer to the airport for your connecting flight out of Laos.
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