Laos Express Train

ITINERARY

Day1. Arrival –Vientiane

On arrival at in the capital, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating place, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we start visiting the major city sights; including Wat Sisaket, the country’s oldest temple, with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. En route to the famous 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. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the fine restaurants.  Overnight in Vientiane

Accommodation: N/A

Meal: Dinner

Day2. Vientiane- Luang Prabang  (Express Train/C82 07.30- 09.30)

After an early breakfast, we take an express train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. After a short rest, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. Next, we will visit the city’s oldest temple, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong where you can see the impressive “tree of life” mosaic set in colored glass.  Continue visit to The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre – the first exhibition space and fair trade store dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of Laos’ traditional arts and lifestyles. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Accommodation: N/A

Meal: Lunch

Note: as per local regulations, vehicles over 16seaters are not allowed in the city

Day3. Luang Prabang – Pakou caves

Today, we board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Muangkeo where the local rice wine is produced and Ban Xiengmene. We also have a chance to climb up to Wat Chomphet. Here you will have one of the best views of Luang Prabang from across the river. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek – small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking.  Overnight in Luang Prabang

Accommodation: N/A

Meal: Lunch

Day4.  Luang Prabang- Ban Long Lao- Kuangsy Waterfalls (no trekking)

After breakfast, we transfer to Ban Long Lao. On arrival, we begin with a visit to the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Longlao Nung before heading to the nearby Hmong village of Ban Longlao Song. You will be able to observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups and see how despite their differences they manage to work together on a day to day basis and even sharing the same school.

Afterwards, we continue our excursion to the beautiful Kuang Sy Fall. En route, stop and short tour visit Buffalo Dairy Farm: http://www.laosbuffalodairy.com/, The tour will be lasted about 40minutes -Tour included a guide tour of the mini farm, Buffalo feeding & Washing, Milking Demonstration, & Feeding Chickens and rabbits. Afterwards, we visit some ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live. We then continue to the beautiful Kuangsy Waterfalls where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. Return to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Phabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: N/A

Meal: Lunch

Day5. Luang Prabang – Departure  

After breakfast, you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will find dried buffalo skins, local teas and saltpeter among the many foodstuffs and hill-tribe textiles before transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Accommodation: N/A

Meal: N/A