Exploring Laos: Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Train
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Embark on a delightful journey exploring the charming cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang with this exciting tour. In Vientiane, marvel at the intricate details of Wat Sisaket and the grandiosity of That Luang monument. Explore the Victory Monument and experience the bustling night market along the Mekong River. Transition to Luang Prabang via a scenic train ride, where you will visit iconic temples like Vat Xiengthong and Wat Sene. Discover the rich history at the former Royal Palace turned National Museum and witness the breathtaking sunset from Phousi Hill. Enjoy the local flavors at authentic restaurants and immerse yourself in the vibrant night markets in both cities.
Highlights:
- Explore Wat Sisaket with its myriad of miniature Buddha statues
- Visit the impressive That Luang monument, a revered pagoda in Laos
- Discover Vientiane’s Victory Monument resembling the Arc de Triomphe
- Experience the lively night market by the Mekong River in Vientiane
- Tour the picturesque temple Vat Xiengthong and visit the National Museum in Luang Prabang
- Witness the golden bas-reliefs at Wat Mai and the magnificent sunset from Phousi Hill
- Engage in the local culture at night markets, enjoy traditional cuisine, and cruise the Mekong River to Pak Ou caves
- Participate in the unique alms giving ritual in Luang Prabang and explore the weaving village of Ban Xangkhong
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Arrival at Wattay international airport and meet your guide, then transfer to restaurant for lunch.
This afternoon, visit Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, visit the huge golden That Luang monument, where all Lao citizen respect as holy pagoda.
City tour ends at Vientiane’s Victory Monument, which looks like the Arc de Triumph. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumored to be American, and earmarked for the airport’s new runway. Thus the departing Americans dubbed this monument the vertical runway! Have a look at the lovely arches inside the monument.
Then transfer to hotel for check-in, before dinner at local restaurant.
This evening, visit night market (open every day) on the bank of Mekong River.
Overnight in hotel.
Pick-up by guide and driver then transfer to train station and catch morning train (~2h) to Luang Prabang. Welcomed by local guide in Luang Prabang and depart for city tour.
Visit to the most photographed temple, Vat Xiengthong. Located at the end of peninsular closed to the confluence of Mekong and Khan River. Next, visit Wat Sene temple, then lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue to former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Next, visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple.
If time permits, climb up to Phousi hill where you enjoy the sunset and the panoramic view of Luang Prabang town.
Transfer to hotel for check-in, before dinner at local restaurant.
This evening, enjoy visiting the authentic night market before going back to hotel.
Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. Stop and visit fresh local markets and back to hotel for breakfast.
This morning transfer to the pier where you board a traditional long trail boat, for a relaxing cruise upstream on the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery and witness the simple rural lifestyles. You will reach Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. In these 2 caves are displayed hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities around mid-April. Cruise back Luang Prabang. Stop and visit Ban Xangkhong, a weaving village, where you can jump into wooden looms with local expert for practical and experience. Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, driving through green rice paddies and farms. On your arrival at the Kuang Si waterfall, enjoy your short walking on trails of falls to visit the bear rescued centre. Enjoy spectacular views and surrounding of orchids inside the park and falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. Return to Luang Prabang.
Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in hotel
Breakfast at hotel.
Free time until your transfer to the airport for your international flight
Inclusion
- English speaking guide as mentioned
- Accommodation as mentioned
- All transfers in vehicle with air-conditioned
- Train ticket VTE-LPQ (on 1st class)
- Meals as mentioned in the program
- All entrance fees during the sightseeing
- All excursions, cruises and activities as mentioned in the program
- Services charged & Government tax
Exclusion
- International & domestic flights
- Visa fees, bank fees
- Travel & Covid-19 insurance
- Meals non-mentioned and beverage
- Personal expenses, tipping
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