AUTHENTIC LAOS – 6 DAYS
Itinerary: Vientiane – Luang Prabang
CODE TOUR : XSEL 016 - CULTURE TOURS
Highlights:
- Start in Vientiane - end in Luang Prabang! With the Discovery tour the Culture of Laos 6 Days 5 nights in Vientiane and Luang Prabang
- Visit ancient temples and golden stupas in Vientiane
- Discover Kuangsi Waterfall and its beautiful waterfalls
- Visit Royal Palace museum, Pak ou caves...
Overview
This program is designed for tourists who love to explore the culture, traditions and customs of the beautiful Laos. Enjoying gorgeous landscape and warm contacts with local people to understand about their local life and working.
Tour summary:
- Day 1: Arrival Vientiane - Traditional Performance (D)
- Day 2: Vientiane - Local market - Buddha Park (B, L)
- Day 3: Vientiane fly to Luang Prabang- Discovery of Religiuos Heritage (B, L)
- Day 4: Luang Prabang - Authentic Local Markets - Ban Xiengmien - Ban Chan (B, L)
- Day 5: Luang Prabang - Bamboo experiences- Kuang Si Waterfalls (B, L)
- Day 6: Luang Prabang Depart (B)
DAY 1:VIENTIANE ARRIVAL - TRADITIONAL PERFORMANCE (D)
Private driver & guide
Arrival in Vientiane airport, you will be welcomed by local tour guide of Laos Travel and transferred to hotel in Vientiane – the country’s charming capital, with its laid-back riverside ambiance, and alluring monuments.
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability)..
Being the heart of Laos, Vientiane is a city so calm and peaceful. As it was a former French colony, you can find buildings and ancient houses with French architecture that embellish this quiet but luxuriant capital. However, over the years, the Laos’s capital always retains its authenticity.
At the beginning of the evening, we invite you to attend the traditional dance performance at the Kualao restaurant while enjoying delicious Laotian food. 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)..
Being the heart of Laos, Vientiane is a city so calm and peaceful. As it was a former French colony, you can find buildings and ancient houses with French architecture that embellish this quiet but luxuriant capital. However, over the years, the Laos’s capital always retains its authenticity.
At the beginning of the evening, we invite you to attend the traditional dance performance at the Kualao restaurant while enjoying delicious Laotian food. Overnight at Vientiane
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane
DAY 2: VIENTIANE - LOCAL MARKET - BUDDHA PARK (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately Vientiane – Budda Park (22km): 35minutes transfer
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, the second day of your Culture and Local Life tour begins with the orientation tour in city. Stop to visit the Talat Sao Market and Shopping mall where you observe the daily commercial activities of local people.
Move to the magnificent Vat Si Saket temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in the heart of the capital. Built in the Thai style, the temple’s sanctuary is surrounded by a typical cloister with beautifully carved doors. In its inner facade, there is a gallery of nearly 7,000 Buddha statues of different sizes and shapes. Have lunch at local restaurant.
Then our guide takes you to Buddha Park (also called Wat Xieng Khouane) which is located 25 km south from Vientiane. Along the way, you can observe the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, built by the Australian government, which connects Vientiane with Nong Khai in Thailand. Upon your arrival, take your time to have a walk in the park. The latter is filled with more than 200 artistic statues linked to Buddhism and Hinduism, including an enormous statue of the 40-meter-high Buddha. All these works of art are mostly made of concrete or bricks coated with cement. Near the entrance is a building 6 meters high, called the Pumpkin Tower, which is divided into 3 floors: Hell, Earth and Paradise. At the top of this tour, you will have an amazing view of all this beautiful Buddha Park. End of your visit, transfer back to town.
Evening time is free for your wandering on the bank of Mekong river and visit night market.
Dinner on your own. Overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, the second day of your Culture and Local Life tour begins with the orientation tour in city. Stop to visit the Talat Sao Market and Shopping mall where you observe the daily commercial activities of local people.
Move to the magnificent Vat Si Saket temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in the heart of the capital. Built in the Thai style, the temple’s sanctuary is surrounded by a typical cloister with beautifully carved doors. In its inner facade, there is a gallery of nearly 7,000 Buddha statues of different sizes and shapes. Have lunch at local restaurant.
Then our guide takes you to Buddha Park (also called Wat Xieng Khouane) which is located 25 km south from Vientiane. Along the way, you can observe the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, built by the Australian government, which connects Vientiane with Nong Khai in Thailand. Upon your arrival, take your time to have a walk in the park. The latter is filled with more than 200 artistic statues linked to Buddhism and Hinduism, including an enormous statue of the 40-meter-high Buddha. All these works of art are mostly made of concrete or bricks coated with cement. Near the entrance is a building 6 meters high, called the Pumpkin Tower, which is divided into 3 floors: Hell, Earth and Paradise. At the top of this tour, you will have an amazing view of all this beautiful Buddha Park. End of your visit, transfer back to town.
Evening time is free for your wandering on the bank of Mekong river and visit night market.
Dinner on your own. Overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane
DAY 3: VIENTIANE- FLY TO LUANG PRABANG - DISCOVERY OF RELIGIOUS HERITAGE (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel .
After breakfast at the hotel, free time until transfer to Wattay airport for flight to Luang Prabang.
Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local driver and Lao guide who will take you to the hotel for check-in.
Luang Prabang is a must-see destination on your trip to Laos. It is a site surrounded by magnificent mountains with a healthy atmosphere and which has been classified by UNESCO on the list of world cultural heritages for thirty temples and buildings with a maximum of 2 floors. The first impression of tourists on Luang Prabang is the beauty of the landscapes and architecture, combined with the rigors of daily life.
Start your very first discovery by visiting the Wat Xieng Thong temple, which plays an important role in the psychic life of Laotians. Wat Xieng Thong means the “Monastery of the Golden City”, one of the higher symbols of Buddhism in Laos. This place is built in a particular architectural style of Laos, with a curved roof that nearly touches the ground.
Then the Wat May temple which lies on a vast ground and features a style of religious architecture and consists of an ordination hall (sim) and some koutis (the monk’s dwellings). Lunch is served at local restaurant.
Afterwards, explore the Royal Palace Museum, it is an ideal place to study or learn some history and Royal lifestyle of Laos. The architecture of the building is a mixture of French Beaux –Art style and traditional Laos style, making it not only old, but also contemporary.
In the evening, free time to walk to the Hmong night market, located at Sisavangvong Street where you could find jewelries, silks, scarves and more that are more authentic than those in big city’s markets.
Dinner on your own. Overnight at Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local driver and Lao guide who will take you to the hotel for check-in.
Luang Prabang is a must-see destination on your trip to Laos. It is a site surrounded by magnificent mountains with a healthy atmosphere and which has been classified by UNESCO on the list of world cultural heritages for thirty temples and buildings with a maximum of 2 floors. The first impression of tourists on Luang Prabang is the beauty of the landscapes and architecture, combined with the rigors of daily life.
Start your very first discovery by visiting the Wat Xieng Thong temple, which plays an important role in the psychic life of Laotians. Wat Xieng Thong means the “Monastery of the Golden City”, one of the higher symbols of Buddhism in Laos. This place is built in a particular architectural style of Laos, with a curved roof that nearly touches the ground.
Then the Wat May temple which lies on a vast ground and features a style of religious architecture and consists of an ordination hall (sim) and some koutis (the monk’s dwellings). Lunch is served at local restaurant.
Afterwards, explore the Royal Palace Museum, it is an ideal place to study or learn some history and Royal lifestyle of Laos. The architecture of the building is a mixture of French Beaux –Art style and traditional Laos style, making it not only old, but also contemporary.
In the evening, free time to walk to the Hmong night market, located at Sisavangvong Street where you could find jewelries, silks, scarves and more that are more authentic than those in big city’s markets.
Dinner on your own. Overnight at Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG – AUTHENTIC LOCAL MARKETS - BAN XIENGMIEN - BAN CHAN (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Morning option: At about 05:00, the monks walk barefoot in the streets of Luang Prabang in search of offerings. If you wish to attend this original parade with the locals (only in Laos), you should get up early.
Approximately Luang Prabang – Ban Xiengmene : 1 hour transfer
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your Laotian guide and driver who will take you to local markets: the Morning Market and the Phou Si Market. These markets are infinitely populous and hectic with several edible and various products. By visiting them, you will have the opportunity to observe the dealings of local residents.
Then you will visit a Hmong family. The Hmong men are now famous for their flutes which have succeeded in public musical performances. After the conversation with the host, he will give you an explanation on how to play the flute. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear both original and romantic flute melody sounds.
Continue your excursion on the other side of the Mekong River in the Ban Xiengmene, a very quiet village where the Kmus and Lao Loums reside. This is certainly a memorable experience that takes you off the beaten path of Luang Prabang.
Then discover Ban Tjan, a traditional pottery-making village. By using the local manufacturing techniques, this small village have specialized on bricks and manufacturing pottery. The raw material is processed directly on spot and everyone can participate in this activity, even children. Finish your day by crossing the Mekong to reach the pier in the city center. In the beginning of the evening, you will attend Baci (also called Soukhouan) meaning in Laotian ‘The call of the soul’, an interesting and calm traditional Laotian ceremony which is enveloped in an infinitely spiritual silence. The Baci is given on special events like a marriage, a homecoming, a welcome, a birth, or one of the annual festivals. During the ceremony, each participant will tie a string around the wrist. This will bring you luck, happiness and prosperity!
Lunch at local family. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
Approximately Luang Prabang – Ban Xiengmene : 1 hour transfer
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your Laotian guide and driver who will take you to local markets: the Morning Market and the Phou Si Market. These markets are infinitely populous and hectic with several edible and various products. By visiting them, you will have the opportunity to observe the dealings of local residents.
Then you will visit a Hmong family. The Hmong men are now famous for their flutes which have succeeded in public musical performances. After the conversation with the host, he will give you an explanation on how to play the flute. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear both original and romantic flute melody sounds.
Continue your excursion on the other side of the Mekong River in the Ban Xiengmene, a very quiet village where the Kmus and Lao Loums reside. This is certainly a memorable experience that takes you off the beaten path of Luang Prabang.
Then discover Ban Tjan, a traditional pottery-making village. By using the local manufacturing techniques, this small village have specialized on bricks and manufacturing pottery. The raw material is processed directly on spot and everyone can participate in this activity, even children. Finish your day by crossing the Mekong to reach the pier in the city center. In the beginning of the evening, you will attend Baci (also called Soukhouan) meaning in Laotian ‘The call of the soul’, an interesting and calm traditional Laotian ceremony which is enveloped in an infinitely spiritual silence. The Baci is given on special events like a marriage, a homecoming, a welcome, a birth, or one of the annual festivals. During the ceremony, each participant will tie a string around the wrist. This will bring you luck, happiness and prosperity!
Lunch at local family. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG – BAMBOU EXPERIENCES - KUANG SI WATERFALLS (B, L)
Private driver & guide
Approximately Vientiane – Budda Park (22km): 35minutes transfer
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend the morning discovering a unique specialty that is only found in Bamboo Experience. Your guide will provide you with explanations on how to work bamboo and its essential role in the daily life of Laotians.
You will be able to learn all the techniques of transformation and manufacture of bamboo products, namely: fish traps, musical instruments, baskets, hats, …Then, do not hesitate to take part in a bamboo weaving course. During this course, an expert teacher will give you detailed guides to make a bamboo item. Next, participate in cooking Laotian dishes with bamboo shoots such as bamboo shoots, bamboo shoot soup, bamboo shoot with banana leaf with sticky rice, …. End of the course, you will taste your creations while admiring natural landscapes intact and rice fields.
You cannot leave this ancient capital without visiting Kuang Si, the most beautiful waterfalls in Luang Prabang. Take to the road, (about 30km), to discover these waterfalls where the water is turquoise all year round. At the bottom of the falls, a series of natural pools invites you to swim.
In addition, you can take a walk in the forest or continue to climb to the top of the falls. On the way back to the city centre, you can observe daily life in a few ethnic minority villages of Laos, like the Hmong village (in Ban Ouay), the Laoloum village (in Ban Ou), and the Khmu village (in Ban Thapene).Dinner on your own. Overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend the morning discovering a unique specialty that is only found in Bamboo Experience. Your guide will provide you with explanations on how to work bamboo and its essential role in the daily life of Laotians.
You will be able to learn all the techniques of transformation and manufacture of bamboo products, namely: fish traps, musical instruments, baskets, hats, …Then, do not hesitate to take part in a bamboo weaving course. During this course, an expert teacher will give you detailed guides to make a bamboo item. Next, participate in cooking Laotian dishes with bamboo shoots such as bamboo shoots, bamboo shoot soup, bamboo shoot with banana leaf with sticky rice, …. End of the course, you will taste your creations while admiring natural landscapes intact and rice fields.
You cannot leave this ancient capital without visiting Kuang Si, the most beautiful waterfalls in Luang Prabang. Take to the road, (about 30km), to discover these waterfalls where the water is turquoise all year round. At the bottom of the falls, a series of natural pools invites you to swim.
In addition, you can take a walk in the forest or continue to climb to the top of the falls. On the way back to the city centre, you can observe daily life in a few ethnic minority villages of Laos, like the Hmong village (in Ban Ouay), the Laoloum village (in Ban Ou), and the Khmu village (in Ban Thapene).Dinner on your own. Overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 6: LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B)
Private driver
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After your breakfast in the hotel, depending on flight schedules, you will be transferred to Luang Prabang Airport by your driver for your departure flight.
Saying goodbye to Laos & Xuan Son Travel see you again.
After your breakfast in the hotel, depending on flight schedules, you will be transferred to Luang Prabang Airport by your driver for 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 flights
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 |
| 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 |
SERVICES & PRICE
SERVICES & PRICE
TRAVEL PRICE: AUTHENTIC LAOS TOUR – 6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS
From…. To…usd /per
Excluding international flights
Inclusion
- Accommodations with daily breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Service of English speaking guides in every location.
- Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited.
- Boat trip as mentioned in program
- Government tax and service charge
- Drinking water
Exclusion
- International Airfares.
- Internal Flight Ticket (economy class, including fuel charge & airport taxes).
- Early check in/ late checkout.
- Single supplement surcharge
- 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.