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Day 1:     Arrival - Luang Prabang

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 2:    Luang Prabang - Pakou 

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local speciality of rice wine is produced. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. We also have time to visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, small villages well known for silk weavings and for Saa (jute) Papermaking Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3:    Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfalls

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. You can also visit the morning Phosi Market where you canl see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional handicrafts, and today you will visit local village of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene. Time permitting you may also wish to drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can take a dip in the inviting pools or walk along the forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well-known weaving village, and then return to the city by late evening to admire the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4:    Luang Prabang – Xiengkhouang (Road)

After breakfast, we visit the National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Today, we drive 306km uphill a mountain surrounded by wonderful natural scenery to Xiengkhouang. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau. If time permits, we see the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Overnight in Phonsavanh.

Day 5:    Xiengkhouang – Vientiane (Flight)

Following breakfast, we visit the Central Market. After you will have free time to explore the town further before catching our flight back to Vientiane. After checking into the hotel, time permiting we continue our sightseeing tour of the surrounding areas of Vientiane; we visit the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. A spectacular view of the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane (B)

Day 6:    Vientiane - City Tour

After breakfast, we continue to explore Vientiane capital by visiting 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, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. . Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

We continue visiting the rest of Vientiane by foot, including Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok. We pass by the major shopping area continuing to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao and Talad Kouadin where various goods are displayed for sale; including fresh food, household goods, souvenirs, textiles, gold, silver and antiques. We return to the Mekong Riverside in the late afternoon for observing the sunset. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 7: Vientiane – Pakse – Don Khone Island (Flight)

After breakfast, we catch an early flight to Pakse. On arrival, we drive south to Champassak and tvisit the fascinating pre-angkorian ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao.  Overnight in Pakse.

Day 8: Pakse –Tadlo

The next destination of our trip will be Tadlo. On our way we pass many lush plantations, hills, forests and villages. Part of our pleasure of travelling in this region is to observe the beautiful countryside and meet local people. We stop over at some of the nearby villages, home of the Kato hilltribe group. The hill tribe people are unfailingly friendly; welcoming you with waving hands and smilling faces. These ethnic minorities still retain their age and old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. We continue our journey through the Paksong and Boloven Plateau. The Boloven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Rivers run off this high plateau in all directions and then plunge out to lush forests along in a series of spectacular surging waterfalls. The scenery around Tad Fan waterfall is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to see the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that are grown in the area. This trip gives visitors the chance to venture off the beaten track and to discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region. Overnight in Tadlo

Day 9: Tadlo - Wat Phou – Donkhone

The views of tumbling water and lush vegetation around the waterfalls are nothing short of spectacular. We leave this lovely destination and drive back to Pakse and enjoy a leisurely trip to the former royal capital of Champasak, our base for exploring the ruins of Wat Phu. One of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 9th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. A festival of this site is held yearly during the full moon in February and attracts numerous pilgrims from all over southern Laos. We continue our journey by motorboat to Don Khone, in the South Mekong river region known as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos. Overnight in Don Khone Island

Day 10: Donkhone – Khong Island – Surrounding

Heading out of town we embark on a long tail boat for venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where during the dry season the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets, giving this area a lovely name” Si Phan Done”. We explore the local peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with it’s locomotive. We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by boat and visit the marvelous Liphi waterfall, also called the "Corridor of the Devil" one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking Lao border with Cambodia. If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. Overnight in Done Khone Island.
 
Day 11:  Done Khone Island – Cambodia Border.

After breakfast, we board a boat to Ban Nakasung and take a short drive to the Lao – Cambodia border, en route we visit the breathtaking Khone Phapheng waterfall, the South East Asia’s biggest waterfall, known as the Niagara of the East.

Crossing the border at Veun Kham bordergate. Arrive at the border towards 10h or 11h then take a boat with Steung Treng. After the lunch continue the voyage until the province of Kratie. The travelers must arrive to Veun Khan to make immigration before10:00am. Overnight at Kratie.  

Day 12: Kratie

After the breakfast, transfer to visit Wat Phnom Sambok and visit Kampee water fall & 100 column pagoda. Overnight in Kratie.

Day 13: Kratie - Siemreap

Transfer to Siem Reap by air-con vehicle. After arriving in Siem Reap check in hotel. Siem Reap city sight seeing and then view sunset from Phnom Bakeng Hill, offering an outstanding view over Angkor Temples. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 14: Angkor Thom

After breakfast, visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom: the South Gate, the Bayon with 54 towers, each carved with four faces of the compassionate Boddhisattva, the nearby temple-mountain of Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure with the Phimeanakas temple, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King .  

In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat (early-mid 12th century) dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. This huge temple-mountain, built by King Suryavarman II, is considered as the masterpiece of Khmer architecture and art. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 15: Banteay Srey -Ta Keo - Ta Prohm

Visit the famous temple of Bantey Srey “the Citadel of Women”. This small pink sandstone temple (late 10th century) is considered as the crown jewel of classical Khmer art with the delicate beauty of its carvings. Continue to Bantey Samre (mid 12th century), which has been admirably restored and the Kbal Spean temple. Lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to visit the twin temples of Ta Keo, the Srah Srang holy pond, Bantey Kdei and then the scenic Ta Prohm monastery, left to the devouring jungle. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 16: Siemreap - Kampong Thom

After breakfast, drive towards Kampong Thom. En route, visit traditional Cambodian villages and stop at Naga Bridge, an ancient Angkorian bridge which is still in use. Upon arrival in Kom Pong Thom, check-in at your hotel. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover Sambor Prei Kuk, the antique capital of Chenla (early 7th century). Originally called Ishanapura, Sambor Prei Kuk is home to the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments with more than 100 temples scattered through the lush forest. Overnight in Kampong Thom.  

Day 17: Kampong Thom - Kampong Cham

After breakfast, drive towards Kampong Cham. On the way, visit Vat Kohar Nokor, built during the 11th century during the reign of Suryavarman I, and the nearby village with its monastery. Then stop at Phum Prasat and see its pre-Angkorian tower within the compound of the village pagoda. Upon arrival in Kampong Cham, check-in at your hotel. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, cross the Mekong River and drive to Chhup rubber tree plantations, established in the early 20th century on the fertile Cambodian red soils. Overnight in Kompong Cham.

Day 18: Kampong Cham - Phnompenh

After breakfast, drive to Phnom Penh. En route, discover Phnom Bros and Phnom Srei Khmer temples (the site was used as a Killing Field during the Khmer Rouge era), Vat Nokor, an Angkorian temple (12th century) housing a colorful modern pagoda. Take a tour in Kampong Cham - the Cambodia’s third city. Check-in at your hotel in Phnopenh. Overnight.

Day 19: Phnom penh

In the afternoon, visit the National Museum displaying a collection of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian sculptures, the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda, and then Vat Phnom, the namesake of the capital city of Cambodia. If time permits, stroll through the bustling Central Market, famous for its Art-Deco architecture. Lunch in a local restaurant Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 20: Phnompenh - Kampot

Breakfast at your hotel, trip to Kampot in the morning, on the way visit Tonle Bali and Limestone caves in Kampong Trach province, and then continue driving to Kampot. Take Boat cruise for sunset view along Kampot River as unique atmosphere... Overnight in Kom Pot.  

Day 21: Kam Pot - Sihanoukville

In the morning depart to Sihanoukville. En route visit pepper and durian garden, then proceed to Ream National Parks and Otres beach - the new developed beach and embark on a wooden boat to visit Bamboo island and Tres island for snorkelling. Late afternoon return to Sihanoukville and overnight.

Day 22: Sihanoukville

Full day free at leisure at the beach.

Day 23: Sihanoukville - Phnompenh

In the morning, transfer to Phnom Penh. Check in hotel for relaxation and in the afternoon take 2 hours Cyclo ride for city sightseeing with a visit to Independent monument and Wat Unaloum. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 24: Departure

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure. End of the tour.

Inclusive of above prices:   
•    Domestic airticket without airport tax
•    Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
•    Accommodation in twin shared room
•    Boat trip as stated in above sights
•    English speaking guide (each city)
•    Admission fee to indicated sights
•    Meals: daily breakfast at hotel
•    Gov’t tax and service charge
•    Luggage handling and drinking water  

Exclusive of above prices:

 •    Visa stamping fee on arrival
•    Int’l airport departure tax
•    Int’l air tickets to / from Laos or Cambodia
•    Travel Insurance in all kinds
•    Meals:(lunch or dinner, quoted separately)
•    Single room (quoted separately)
•    Additional tour require beside above sights
•    Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others

indochina tours