Summary:
Aromas, spices, scents and colorful displays greet travellers looking for a cultural experience with the opportunity to prepare and cook delicious Lao cuisine and sample it too! Pearly frangipanis with their heady perfume, banks of overgrown trees peppered with scarlet flowers, temple art works, the burnt sienna robes of hundreds of monks and their novices, and resplendent gold and claret Wats all pervade the senses. The scent of fresh coffee, river activity, bustling markets and aromatic spicy food are further enticements to sample local life. Appreciate too the broader aesthetics of a country rich in history and traditions. You will be captivated by the beauty and charm of Laos and the friendliness of its people.
Details:
Day 1 - Arrival – Vientiane
Welcome to Vientiane. The timing of your half day city is flexible as arrival times will vary depending on which neighbouring country you flew from. This special tour enables us to see the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest, Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the national icon of Laos, That Luang Stupa, stopping along the way to take photos of the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Overnight is in Vientiane
Day 2 - Vientiane – Vang Vieng
After an early breakfast we head north for higher elevations. Our drive this morning passes through beautiful countryside as we start the climb into the mountains. There will be many photo opportunities and a stop at a colourful local market where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions. The scenery is spectacular and stunning as we arrive in time for lunch at Vang Vieng. It resembles a rural scene from a silk painting with a backdrop of towering cliffs and a tapestry of vivid green paddy fields.
Lunch will be at the Organic Farm where you can choose traditional Lao food and sample the distinctive taste of roasted goat cheese and local mulberry wine. After your relaxing lunch we will visit the famous Than Jang Cave, once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this rural paradise by foot or bicycle, tuk-tuk or boat ride up river. Then just relax by the pool at your hotel. Overnight is n Vang Vieng
Day 3 - Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang (Baci Ceremony)
This morning we drive further into the mountains with glorious views and you will see numerous hill tribe villages. We have lunch at an altitude of approximately 1,300m above sea level, surrounded by the endless mountain peaks in this remote region. Here you will experience a strong sense of being close to nature, in harmony with your surroundings and with the opportunity to experience local life.
After lunch we continue to pass through scenic landscape and early evening will arrive in Luang Prabang. The old town of this delightful small town is awarded World Heritage Status. You will then check in to your hotel to relax and freshen up. This evening you will see a performance of the Traditional Baci & Cultural Ceremony, followed by a meal at a local restaurant. This show is customary in Laos, calling people back to their own spirits and is performed at major life events, such as births and weddings. Out of respect we request you wear formal dress. A traditional Lao shoulder scarf will be provided for ladies. Overnight is in Luang Prabang
Day 4 - Luang Prabang – Full day city tour – Cooking Class
This morning after breakfast we head off on bicycles to begin our city tour. First we visit the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts from the Royal period in Luang Prabang. Cycling on, we see the city’s oldest temples, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Lao architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.
After your cycle tour now for cooking! You will prepare and cook a traditional Lao lunch of your choice at the Tamnak Lao Cooking School. Amongst traditional dishes you will learn to cook are Lap, consisting of minced meat and fresh herbs & spices, a fish and eggplant soup and a stir-fried chicken and pork dish. You will also learn how to make the famous Jeowbong, a traditional sauce eaten as an accompaniment to sticky rice and BBQ meat.
Relax, savour the tastes and let your lunch settle. Late afternoon we visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about the many ethnic cultures of Laos. Enjoy a coffee at the centre’s café if you wish before our climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred gilded stupa and to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and setting sun over the Mekong River. Descending the mountain you will find yourself in the midst of the famous Luang Prabang Night Market. Here you can find a unique selection of handmade textiles and handicrafts made locally by both ethnic Lao and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight is in Luang Prabang.
Day 5 - Luang Prabang – Kuang Sii Waterfall and Pak Ou Caves
This morning you have the option to rise early and participate in the daily morning ritual of ‘Alms Giving’ as saffron-clad monks collect offerings or ‘Alms’ from faithful local residents. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the daily procession.
After breakfast back at the hotel we begin our journey to Kuang Sii Waterfall, stopping along the way to visit the morning Phousi Market where locals of Luang Prabang do their daily shopping. You will see a variety of local foodstuffs and products including dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, fish, vegetables and fruit; everything needed for daily life in Laos. On arrival at the Kuang Sii Falls you will have the opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim in the topaz pools below the falls, walk along the forest trails and visit the Bear Sanctuary. A picnic lunch is taken below the falls.
Upon return to Luang Prabang we board our private boat for a pleasant and scenic cruise up on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These caves are an ancient pilgrimage site and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years. Returning to Luang Prabang we disembark and have the option of taking a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving or return to the hotel for free time to relax. Overnight is in Luang Prabang
Day 6 - Luang Prabang – Living Land Farm - Pétanque game – Spa treatment
This morning we head out to Living Land Farm, a working community farm just outside the town. There you will learn all about the rice growing process and have an opportunity to participate in seasonal farm activities such as identifying viable rice seeds, ploughing with a docile water buffalo, hand planting, weeding and harvesting rice and threshing rice seed.
You may be pick vegatables from the organic garden or catch fish to cook for your all natural, organic lunch where there will be a variety of local rice products for you to sample. We return to Luang Prabang late afternoon. You have the option to play the Laos version of Pétanque, experience a spa treatment or massage, wander around the delightful old town or just chill out and relax at the hotel. Overnight is in Luang Prabang.
Day 7 - Luang Prabang - Departure
After breakfast, you are free until transfer to the airport. You have plenty of choice with Siem Reap, Hanoi and Bangkok amongst the options. You may consider linking this tour with another short tour in any of these places as you will be rewarded with yet another rich cultural experience. In so doing think about the hub international airport you will be using such as Hanoi or Bangkok as you can return there for your flight home. Not only will this probably be a cheaper option but will save you time too.