THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS – 10 DAYS
Itinerary: Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Phonsavanh – Luang Prabang
CODE TOUR : XSEL 004 - CLASSIC TOURS
Highlights:
- Just 12 days trip to Laos for exploring typical cities.
- Discover the beauty of nature and landscapes
- Discovery of famous Kuang Si waterfall and Pak Ou Cave
- Boat trip on the Nam Ou river
- Explore the Beauty of Luang Prabang
- Enjoy your days of rest with our professional services, and enthusiastic tour guide.
Overview
For all travelers looking for a tour that offers a complete discovery of Laos, this is the one for you. A mix of unmissable visits and off-the-beaten-path discoveries, we will take you from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. In contact with a local population and extraordinary landscapes, you can only appreciate this fabulous country still preserved from tourism.
Tour summary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane (D)
- Day 2: Vientiane: Full-day Sightseeing (B, L)
- Day 3: Vientiane – Drive to Vang Vieng (B)
- Day 4: Vang Vieng: Visit around – Drive to Phonsavanh (B, L)
- Day 5: Phonsavanh: Full-day Sightseeing (B, L)
- Day 6: Phonsavanh – Drive to Luang Prabang (B)
- Day 7: Luang Prabang: Full-day Sightseeing (B, L)
- Day 8: Luang Prabang-Elephant Village (B, L)
- Day 9: Elephant Village - Luang Prabang -Cooking class (B, D)
- Day 10: Luang Prabang Depart (B)
DAY 1:VIENTIANE ARRIVAL (D)
Private driver & guide
Arrival in Vientiane airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel for check in
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability).
After a short rest, we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, sunset by the Mekong Riverside and late evening. Dinner is served at local restaurant. Overnight at Vientiane.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability).
After a short rest, we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, sunset by the Mekong Riverside and late evening. Dinner is served at local restaurant. Overnight at Vientiane.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane
DAY 2: VIENTIANE FULL DAY SIGHT SEEING (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Today will be a full day to explore Vientiane – The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Our visit will take you to the key sites: Wat Sisaket – The city ‘s oldest surviving temple with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past, the next stop is Haw Phra Kaeo. This large temple is beautiful both interior and exterior, it was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani trees. Lunch is served at Local restaurant Then visit Pha That Luang ,the giant golden stupa is a sight to see as the bright gold holds a sharp contrast to the pure blue sky. Next you will go to climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai. The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling and once at the top you can see for miles around Vientiane. Back to your hotel. Dinner is your own arrangement. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane
Today will be a full day to explore Vientiane – The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Our visit will take you to the key sites: Wat Sisaket – The city ‘s oldest surviving temple with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past, the next stop is Haw Phra Kaeo. This large temple is beautiful both interior and exterior, it was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani trees. Lunch is served at Local restaurant Then visit Pha That Luang ,the giant golden stupa is a sight to see as the bright gold holds a sharp contrast to the pure blue sky. Next you will go to climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai. The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling and once at the top you can see for miles around Vientiane. Back to your hotel. Dinner is your own arrangement. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane
DAY 3: VIENTIANE - DRIVE TO VANG VIENG (B)
Private driver & guide
Approximately 3.5 hours transfer
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel .
After breakfast at your hotel, we will then travel to Vang Vieng by car. Drive to the north through the scenic province of Vientiane. The climate is pleasant and the views are nice, with mountains and cliffs along the first part of the journey.
On the way, we will stop visiting at salt field in Ban Keun. And then, we will take a boat ride on Nam Ngum Lake, a serene, man-made reservoir that also generates most of the electricity sold to Thailand. Arriving Vang Vieng , Check in hotel, Free & easy on leisure . Lunch & dinner are your own arrangement. Stay overnight in Vang Vieng.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vang Vieng
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel .
After breakfast at your hotel, we will then travel to Vang Vieng by car. Drive to the north through the scenic province of Vientiane. The climate is pleasant and the views are nice, with mountains and cliffs along the first part of the journey.
On the way, we will stop visiting at salt field in Ban Keun. And then, we will take a boat ride on Nam Ngum Lake, a serene, man-made reservoir that also generates most of the electricity sold to Thailand. Arriving Vang Vieng , Check in hotel, Free & easy on leisure . Lunch & dinner are your own arrangement. Stay overnight in Vang Vieng.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vang Vieng
DAY 4: VANG VIENG SIGHT SEEING - DRIVE TO PHONSAVANH (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately 4.5 hours transfer
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast at your hotel, we will then move to visit Pha Thao Cave. Enjoy a short trek through rice paddies with a stop at a Hmong village in Ban Pha Thao and continue to visit the cave of Tham Pha Thao. Then we visit Xang Cave – also called Elephant Cave, it contains a few Buddha images and a Buddha footprint plus the elephant shaped stalactites that give the cave its name.
After lunch at local restaurant, we will travel to Phonsavanh by car, with a stop at local villages on the way. Arrving Phonsavanh, check in hotel and relax. Stay overnight at hotel in Phonsavanh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Phonsavanh.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast at your hotel, we will then move to visit Pha Thao Cave. Enjoy a short trek through rice paddies with a stop at a Hmong village in Ban Pha Thao and continue to visit the cave of Tham Pha Thao. Then we visit Xang Cave – also called Elephant Cave, it contains a few Buddha images and a Buddha footprint plus the elephant shaped stalactites that give the cave its name.
After lunch at local restaurant, we will travel to Phonsavanh by car, with a stop at local villages on the way. Arrving Phonsavanh, check in hotel and relax. Stay overnight at hotel in Phonsavanh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Phonsavanh.
DAY 5: PHONSAVANH FULL DAY SIGHT SEEING (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, we will spend our all day visiting the famous Plain of Jars, a vast area extending around Phonsavanh from the south-west to the north-east. Mysterious and ancient, over 300 huge stone jars apparently carved out of solid rock are scattered around the plateau. The jars vary in size from 1 to 3.25 meters high and weigh up to six tons each. There are several different theories as to the purpose of the jars, which are estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old. According to local legend, King Khun Chuang had them constructed in order to store wine for the celebration of his conquest of the province in the 6th century.
Today’s tour will focues on Site I and Site II, out of the many sites so far discovered. Afterwards continue to visit Muang Khoun, an ancient capital and stronghold for the Xiengkhouang royal family was destroyed during the Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao houses and a market area and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Before return in Phonsavanh town; we will visit Wat Phia That and That Foun. Dinner is your own. Stay overnight in Phonsavanh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Phonsavanh.
After breakfast, we will spend our all day visiting the famous Plain of Jars, a vast area extending around Phonsavanh from the south-west to the north-east. Mysterious and ancient, over 300 huge stone jars apparently carved out of solid rock are scattered around the plateau. The jars vary in size from 1 to 3.25 meters high and weigh up to six tons each. There are several different theories as to the purpose of the jars, which are estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old. According to local legend, King Khun Chuang had them constructed in order to store wine for the celebration of his conquest of the province in the 6th century.
Today’s tour will focues on Site I and Site II, out of the many sites so far discovered. Afterwards continue to visit Muang Khoun, an ancient capital and stronghold for the Xiengkhouang royal family was destroyed during the Indochina War. The town was rebuilt after 1975 with rows of wooden Lao houses and a market area and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Before return in Phonsavanh town; we will visit Wat Phia That and That Foun. Dinner is your own. Stay overnight in Phonsavanh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Phonsavanh.
DAY 6 : PHONSAVANH - DRIVE TO LUANG PRABANG (B)
Private driver & guide
Approximately 5 hours transfer
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast , we will move to visit the lively open-air local market in Phonsavanh town before travelling by car to Luang Prabang. This is a slow journey that we drive on mountain roads with stunning views of the forested mountains, lush valleys and karsts formations.
On the way, we will make a stop at Muang Sui, visiting Wat Ban Phong, the second oldest temple in the province; the scenic Nong Tang Lake, rimmed with limestone cliffs; and the extensive cave network of Pha Cave, only discovered recently, this cave contains a 5m high Buddha image dating from 777 AD, surrounded by gold and wooden statues of smaller size.
Arriving Luang Prabang , check in hotel. Free & easy on leisure. Stay overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast , we will move to visit the lively open-air local market in Phonsavanh town before travelling by car to Luang Prabang. This is a slow journey that we drive on mountain roads with stunning views of the forested mountains, lush valleys and karsts formations.
On the way, we will make a stop at Muang Sui, visiting Wat Ban Phong, the second oldest temple in the province; the scenic Nong Tang Lake, rimmed with limestone cliffs; and the extensive cave network of Pha Cave, only discovered recently, this cave contains a 5m high Buddha image dating from 777 AD, surrounded by gold and wooden statues of smaller size.
Arriving Luang Prabang , check in hotel. Free & easy on leisure. Stay overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG FULL DAY SIGHT SEEING (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
At 8:00AM : you will start for full day sight seeing. Set between the Nam Khan and Nam Ou rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Start the day at Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng Thong, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street of Luang Prabang, stopping at some of the many temples that line its sides, including Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop and Wat Sene.
Continue to the National Museum (Royal Palace), a modest but graceful building that combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved, as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays). Afterwards, visit Wat Mai. Visit Mount Phousi for sunset. Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop Phou Si, the 100m-high-hill that sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river. Transfer back to your hotel. Free & easy on your own. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
Continue to the National Museum (Royal Palace), a modest but graceful building that combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved, as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays). Afterwards, visit Wat Mai. Visit Mount Phousi for sunset. Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop Phou Si, the 100m-high-hill that sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river. Transfer back to your hotel. Free & easy on your own. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG - ELEPHANT VILLAGE (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
If you are looking for an up-close and personal experience with Asia’s most majestic and iconic creature, the elephant, our Mahout Experience is the tour for you. The two days at the Elephant Village will teach you a lot about these incredible creatures, their essential uses in Laotian culture and the highly skilled job of the Mahout, or elephant trainer. Ride the elephants through the jungle or even try your hand at bathing them if you wish, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Nam Khan River and Tad Sae waterfalls.
This morning, depart from your hotel and head to the Elephant Village. First, you will be welcomed by the camp manager who will tell you more about this magical village before being introduced to your elephant and taking a ride through the beautiful forest. Partake in some elephant training where you will learn more about how to control and direct it.
After lunch you will ride your elephant into the jungle where they spend the night. Then, you can enjoy a boat ride along the Nam Khan River to the refreshing Tad Sae waterfalls where you can enjoy your tine swimming or relaxing.
Overnight at the Lao Spirit Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Elephant village
If you are looking for an up-close and personal experience with Asia’s most majestic and iconic creature, the elephant, our Mahout Experience is the tour for you. The two days at the Elephant Village will teach you a lot about these incredible creatures, their essential uses in Laotian culture and the highly skilled job of the Mahout, or elephant trainer. Ride the elephants through the jungle or even try your hand at bathing them if you wish, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Nam Khan River and Tad Sae waterfalls.
This morning, depart from your hotel and head to the Elephant Village. First, you will be welcomed by the camp manager who will tell you more about this magical village before being introduced to your elephant and taking a ride through the beautiful forest. Partake in some elephant training where you will learn more about how to control and direct it.
After lunch you will ride your elephant into the jungle where they spend the night. Then, you can enjoy a boat ride along the Nam Khan River to the refreshing Tad Sae waterfalls where you can enjoy your tine swimming or relaxing.
Overnight at the Lao Spirit Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Elephant village
DAY 9: ELEPHANT VILLAGE - LUANG PRABANG - COOKING CLASS (B, D)
Private driver & guide
Before breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the Elephant Village. You will then make your way to bathe your elephant in the nearby Nam Khan River. Return to your hotel for breakfast and free time at leisure. Your private car and guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you back to Luang Prabang.
In the afternoon, get to know Laos food. Lao cuisine relies heavily on fresh produce and incorporates a range of intriguing flavors, many unfamiliar to the Western palate. A cooking class at ‘Tamarind’ restaurant starts with an introduction to these main ingredients and how they are used in Lao cuisine. Then you will start preparing and cooking an assortment of dishes under the supervision of a cheerful chef. He will teach you the traditional techniques as well as giving you the information about Lao culture. This cooking class is an ideal way to experience a culture from the inside as Lao people take pride in sharing their love for their cuisine. Tonight, dinner consists of the dishes you have prepared. Recipes are provided for you to take back home.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
In the afternoon, get to know Laos food. Lao cuisine relies heavily on fresh produce and incorporates a range of intriguing flavors, many unfamiliar to the Western palate. A cooking class at ‘Tamarind’ restaurant starts with an introduction to these main ingredients and how they are used in Lao cuisine. Then you will start preparing and cooking an assortment of dishes under the supervision of a cheerful chef. He will teach you the traditional techniques as well as giving you the information about Lao culture. This cooking class is an ideal way to experience a culture from the inside as Lao people take pride in sharing their love for their cuisine. Tonight, dinner consists of the dishes you have prepared. Recipes are provided for you to take back home.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 10: LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE (B)
Private driver
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Be free at leisure in Luang Prabang until check out time. Meet our driver again and connect to your departure flight.
Saying goodbye to Laos & Xuan Son Travel see you again.
Be free at leisure in Luang Prabang until check out time. Meet our driver again and connect to your departure flight.
Saying goodbye to Laos & Xuan Son Travel see you again.
Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars!
NOTES
NOTES
1.The weather & our latest advice on the weather
Light clothes regardless of the season in the south and centre but for the visiting of temples and pagodas, make sure you have a top with sleeves (shoulders must be covered) and bottoms going at least up to the knee.
- Dec – April : 10°C to 25°C, Cool and mostly dry, Special From Jan to Feb : cold, From Mar to April dry and very hot,
- May – Nov: 25°C to 35°C, Rainy season
Note: from 5°C to 10°C less in the mountains; make sure you have warm clothes.
2.Visa
- To go to Laos you must have a valid passport valid at least 6 months after the date of return.
- The Citizens of the following countries are also exempt from Laos visas: Vietnam ( 30 days), Brunei (14 days), Cambodia (30 days), Indonesia (30 days), Japan (15 days ), Luxembourg (15 days), Malaysia (30 days), Mongolia (30 days), Myanmar (14 days), Philippines (30 days), Singapore (30 days), Korea (15 days), Switzerland (15 days), Thailand (30 days) and Russia (30 days).
- To get more info => please click here https://laoevisa.gov.la/index
3.International flight
Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Laos for two reasons:
- International flights from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam or Laos. It is therefore more beneficial for you to buy them from a ticketing agency in your country.
- The payment and booking conditions for international flights are strict while it is difficult for us, a local agency, to apply the same conditions to you (full payment before travel). Since international financial transactions give rise to significant bank charges, you will be led to pay unnecessary surcharges.
4.Which language?
- The official and most widely spread language is Laos
- English is spoken in all touristic areas.
5.Cancellation Policy:
- More than 30 days before arrival: no cancellation charge will be done (Client’s non-refundable deposit will be forfeited)
- 14-29 days before arrival: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- 10-13 days before arrival: 40% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- Within 10 days before arrival: 100 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited
6.What to Bring
- Sun Glasses, Sun Block, Wide Brim Hat, Insect Repellent, Swimming Suits
- Warm Clothes ( from Jan & Feb in The mountain areas)
- Original Passport
ACCOMMODATION
LIST OF OUR HOTELS:
The hotels offered by Xuan Son Travel classified from 02 to 05 stars at international standard, comfortable with all the required services.
- Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
- Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
- Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
- Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi
Luxury Category: 5 stars. Hotels with excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services. Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi…)
| CITIES /AREAS | HOME STAY | HOTEL-STANDARD | HOTELS-SUPERIOR | HOTEL-DELUXE | HOTELS- LUXURY |
| LUANG PRABANG | …. | Villa Oasis/ Phousi Guesthouse hotel or similar | Villa Pumalin/ Villa Chitdara /Villa Saykham/ Le Sen Boutique or similar | Villa Santi/ Maison Dalabua hotel/ Kiridar hotel or similar | Souvannaphoum/ Luang Prabang View/ Luang Say Residence hotel or simalr |
| VANG VIENG | …. | Green View Resort | Vansana Vang Vieng hotel /Vieng Tara hotel or similar | Silver Naga hotel / Riverside Boutique hotel or similar | …. |
| VIENTIANE | …. | Sengtawan Hotel or similar | Lao Orchid/ Chanthapanya Hotel/ Season Riverside /S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel or similar | Vieniane Plaza / Mercure/ Phasouk Vien Chantra hotel or similar | Don Chan Palace / Green Park Vientiane/Salana Boutique or similar |
| PHONSAVANH | …. | …. | Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel/Favanhmai Hotel /Jennida 2 or similar | …. | …. |
| ELEPHANT VILLAGE | … | … | …. | Lao Spirit Resort. | …. |
SERVICES & PRICE
SERVICES & PRICE
TRAVEL PRICE: THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS 10 DAYS 9 NIGHTS
From…. To…usd /per
Excluding international flights
Inclusion
- Private Transfers
- English speaking guide Guide
(Note: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available.)
- Accommodation based on double/twin sharing with daily breakfast.
- Entrance Fees
- Boat trip ( if any)
- Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Government tax and service charge
- Drinking water
- Boat trip stated in the itinerary
Exclusion
- International Airfares.
- Internal Flight Ticket (economy class, including fuel charge & airport taxes).
- Early check in/ late checkout.
- Meals not indicated.
- Drinks & beverage.
- Visa fee cost about 30-40$ depend on Nationality
- Personal travel insurance (Compulsory).
- Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills.
- Tips and gratuities.
Customize this tour
This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.
Contact us
- +84 914374251
- xuansontravel@yahoo.com.vn
My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.