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Caves & Hideaways

Laos

Tour Code : LCH07

7 Days: Starting at the world heritage city of Luang Prabang through the remote mountains to Sam Neua and the caves of Vieng Xai where the Lao Government held out during the bombing campaign of the second Indochina War, travelling...

Luang Prabang

1 days

Xieng Khuang

1 days

Sam Neua

2 days

Vang Vieng

1 days

Vientiane

1 days

Day 1 Luang Prabang (D)
Enjoy your breakfast before taking a full day tour exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside; we’ll travel by boat along the Mekong and the Ou River stopping off to see the mysterious Pak Ou Caves which thousands of Buddha statues and images left behind by pilgrims over the generations. Then we continue on to Tham ting cave and Sanghai Village to observe the traditional process of rice wine distillation on our return journey by boat to Luang Prabang we’ll make a couple more stops at the royal temple of Wat Longkhoun and Ban Phanom hand weaving village, here you will see local wares being weaved traditionally. We return to enjoy the atmosphere at Wat Mai built in 1796 and sits at the foot of Mount Phousi; Wat Mai is the largest temple in Luang Prabang with a five-tiered roof. The main hall shows the traditional architectural style of Luang Prabang with a gold relief of Buddha’s life story inscribed on its façade, climb Phousi Hill to take in the beautiful sun set over Luang Prabang, and finish our exhilarating day with relaxing walk around the local ‘night market’ (Optional Extend your stay in Luang Prabang)
Day 2 Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang (B/L/D)
Luang Prabang is a fascinating historical city with a delightful mix of Buddhist temples and French Colonial buildings. In fact, it is still very much a rural kind of city in comparison to neighbouring countries. Today we will spend the morning visiting the best known temples through Luang Prabang, which tell the story of the city through the ages. First we visit Wat Visoun: which is a replica of an older Temple which was erected in the same place back in 1513, this replica was built in 1898 on the same site as that of the monastery of the Middle Ages. The Wat houses numerous religious art treasures. Next we head to Wat Xieng Thong a royal Wat built on the banks of the Mekong river built in 1559 which has remained relatively undamaged by the various invasions mainly Chinese over the centuries. This temple is decorated extensively with impressive carving, murals and mosaics.We continue on to see the former Laotian Royal Palace officially known as Haw Kham which was built during the French colonial era for the King and his family. After lunch we depart Luang Prabang heading through the beautiful countryside, along windy roads to Xieng Khouang, located in mountainous lush surroundings, this is the area well known for the archeological finds of the mystical Plain of Jars, stone structures, dating back to between 500 BC – 500 AD. We arrive into Phonsavan city, late afternoon to early evening in time for dinner.
Day 3 Xieng Khouang - Sam Neua (B/L/D)
We’ll start the day, visiting a local market, where you’ll see the local people and tribes people, bartering and selling their merchandise before heading off to see the Plain of Jars site 2, these stone structures are shrouded in mystery, some relics found date back to 2000 BC, and definitely from the times of the bronze and iron ages. It is believed that these jars were used through the centuries and by differing civilizations as part of funeral rituals. Research is still being conducted into these amazing finds. We continue on heading for Sam Neua in the area of Vieng xay, through lush mountainous scenery, nearing the Vietnamese border arriving in Vieng xay, late afternoon with time to relax before dinner.
Day 4 Sam Neua (B)
Today we venture out into the mountainous surroundings that protected government officials and locals alike during the Vietnam and Indochina wars. The various caves around the area where used not only as bomb shelters, but for governmental operational centre’s during these times of conflict. This is a fascinating insight into the turbulent history of this particular area of Laos. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore on your own around this quaint town.
Day 5 Sam Neua – Vang Vieng (B/L/D)
After breakfast we depart from Sam Neua and head through the hills towards Vang vieng, a provincial town located by a river. On the way we will visit Tham Pieu cave, infamous for the numbers of souls that unfortunately lost their lives, trying to escape the Indochina wars. Our journey continues on through mountainous scenery to Vientiane province and Vangvieng a small rural village which is located in a stunning natural setting, with a backdrop of Limestone Mountains by the river. We arrive here late in the afternoon, to relax and unwind in the evening.
Day 6 Vang Vieng – Vientiane (B/L/D)
Our final day takes us from Vang Vieng, to the capital city of Laos, Vientiane. On the way we make one final cave visit to Tham Chang cave, have lunch on the way before arriving into the city, early in the afternoon and checking in to our hotel. After a short time to freshen up, we head out to discover Vientiane, visiting the main temples and colonial monuments that give this city and amazing architectural and cultural contrast. Our tour will start with the thousands of miniature Buddha’s at Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which used to house the Emerald Bhudda, now in Bangkok, Thailand. We’ll then take a short ride across the city to see the National symbol of Laos which is the ‘That Luang Stupa ‘and stop at the imposing Patuxay Monument Laos Arch de Triumph a reminder of the French Colonial period. We’ll arrive back at our hotel late afternoon in time for you to relax before dinner and heading out to sample the colours and exotic smells of the night market, by the river.
Day 7 Vientiane (B)
Spend the morning at the Morning Market before checking out of your hotel for your onward departure whether by flight or via the friendship bridge, overlooking the Mekong River, to the gateway into Thailand. Xplore Asia would be able to arrange a combination tour with Thailand
 
 

All of our itineraries are tailor-made - click on a price below to see what you can expect at each budget level

The quoted price exludes any international flights but includes all internal flights while on the tour. Tour costs are based on two people travelling and sharing a room. The price quoted may vary depending on the time of year and the final itinerary. If you have a specific budget please get in contact with us so we can make a proposal.


Medium: Price from
£945

 

Deluxe: Price from
£945

 

Luxury: Price from
£1075

 


For a lower or higher budget contact us for a tailored made solution

Medium

Luang Prabang River Lodge

A central Lodge with stunning views over the Mekong all designed in a contemporary stylish finish.

Elephant Crossing

Situated on the banks of the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng with breathtaking views of majestic limestone mountain backdrop.

Deluxe

Salana Boutique

Centrally Located with a great mix of Lao Traditional and contemporary style, beautifully furnished with an attention to detail.

 
Luxury

Settha Palace

In the heart of Vientiane, this remarkable hotel has been painstakingly restored to its former imperial glory. A luxury hotel with classical elegance and French colonial charm.

 
For a lower or higher budget contact us for a tailored made solution

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Tailor-made holidays designed for you. Our expertise in the region through our local offices and contacts on the ground means great planning, expert up to date knowledge and value for money, creating the perfect trip to meet your budget and requirements.