Laos is a Southeast Asian country traversed by the Mekong River and known for mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries. Vientiane, the capital, is the site of the That Luang monument, where a reliquary reportedly houses the Buddha’s breastbone, plus the Patuxai war memorial and Talat Sao (Morning Market), a complex jammed with food, clothes and craft stalls.
Luang Prabang
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Upon arrival at the border gate in Houeixay, transfer to the boat pier. Luang Say boat leaves slow boat pier at around 9 a.m. for cruising down the Mekong River to Luang Say Lodge in Pakbeng. One stop is made en route to Pakbeng to observe a rural life along the Mekong River at Ban Houei Phalam; a Kamu village. A buffet lunch is served on board. The boat arrives at Luang Say Lodge before sunset for an overnight stay and a dinner is served on the terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
A continental breakfast is served on the terrace from 7a.m. The boat leaves Luang Say Lodge at 8a.m. and the first stop is at Ban Baw village to observe the local village‘s way of living. A buffet lunch is served on board. The boat stops again opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River to visit Pak Ou caves where there are two caves ‘Tham Ting’ and ‘Tham Phoum’ and thousands of Buddha images. The boat arrives in Luang Prabang at Calao pier (a UNESCO world heritage city) before sunset. Meet your tour guide and transfer to hotel for checking in.
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. You will visit the morning Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill- tribe weavings. After breakfast, we visit Wat Mai before going to the National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Then continue to Wat Sene – the oldest temple in Luang Prabang Afternoon we drive our way to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority groups-Ban Ouay. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
• 8:30am to 9:00am: Pick up by our Guide at your hotel lobby • Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants • Bareback Elephant Ride: Enjoy the impressive experience of a 1 km bareback elephant ride! 1 person per elephant. • Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Take a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae waterfall and relax, dip your feet or go for a swim in the clear, cool ponds • Mahout Training: Receive your mahout training on how to control an elephant like a mahout • Lunch: Special Shangri-Lao set menu lunch served at the beautiful Shangri Lao Tree House restaurant overlooking the Nam Khan river • Bring Your Elephant to the Jungle: Enjoy the unique experience of riding your elephant in the evening to her jungle hideaway where she gets to retire for the evening • Dinner: Enjoy special set menu dinner at Shangri Laos Restaurants • Overnight: Enjoy a relaxing night at our Shangri Laos Tent with stunning views of the Nam Khan river
• Awake from your Slumber: You won’t believe how tranquil and beautiful the Lao jungle mornings are! • Pick Up Your Own Elephant: In the morning, retrieve your elephant from her jungle hide away • Bathe Your Elephant: Take your own elephant down to the Nam Khan river for an exhilarating bathing experience! • Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at our restaurant (set menu with coffee / tea and drinking water) • Depart: Transfer back to your Hotel in Luang Prabang between 10:00 am and 11:00 am
Breakfast then spend the rest of the day free for own experience in this city, transportation to the airport. End of services.
We had an excellent time working with this travel agency for this vacation. Like many things now days we briefly attempted to put it together on our own but trying to put such a complex trip together the way we like it is pretty much impossible.