TRAVEL EXTENSION | LAOS
Laid-back Laos: Where the echoes of French colonial empire linger in the unhurried east
Above: traditional teak wood boats on the Mekong in the UNESCO-designated city of Luang Prabang
PHOTOGRAPH FROM ARCHIVES
Discover the ancient kingdom that is Thailand's quieter, less-traveled cousin, an ancient land of serene temples, elephants, and French-style cafés and patisseries. A place where equanimity, graciousness and generosity remain the cornerstones of life.
A young novice monk looks out the window of a Wat or temple, its walls decorated in the traditional Lao style, with tiled mosaics of colored glass illustrating scenes of daily life and worship.
PHOTOGRAPH FROM ARCHIVES
FLY INTO LAOS, a destination on the cusp of being blessed or cursed—depending on how you look at it—by an excess of visitors; a place National Geographic calls “the world’s next great foodie destination.” This exploration of the gentle Southeast Asian country once nicknamed “the Land of a Million Elephants” begins in Luang Prabang (locally, Louangphabang), a UNESCO-heritage town situated on the banks of the mighty Mekong, cradled by the deeply forested mountains and limestone cliffs of the Phou Thou and Phou Nang mountains.
The old town center of Luang Prabang has a laid-back café culture, one of the legacies of the French.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
The morning after your arrival, enjoy a relaxed breakfast on your own at one of the delightfully Gallic restaurants or cafés in town, followed by an easy stroll down the charming main street or a farther exploration of surrounding neighborhoods where handsome colonial mansions occasionally peek at you through bougainvillea leaves. That afternoon, embark on a guided (walking) tour of Luang Prabang’s most famous temples or Wats, meet a well-known local photographer and glean insights about the town, its history and its culture.
Gleaming wetly after a sudden rainy season thunderstorm, a golden pagoda shines through the densely forested landscape of Luang Prabang or Luoangphabang, "royal city" of Laos.
PHOTOGRAPH FROM ARCHIVES
Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, the city includes 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong, a temple with a shimmering golden exterior; the 100-metre (330-ft) Phousi, a hill from which there are extensive views of the city and the Mekong; colorful Talat, the bustling local market filled with local crafts, produce and—if you have an adventurous palate—the delicately flavored rice noodle soups and hearty Laotian meat and fish dishes that are gaining the attention of foodies intrigued by the piquant, vibrant and subtle flavors of Laos.
A young mother in Luang Prabang waits for Buddhist monks to begin their daily morning rounds of ritual alms-gathering so she can model Buddhist generosity for her young son and daughter with the help of their grandmother (far left).
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
Later, take a traditional teak boat up the Mekong to see the extraordinary Park Ou caves, filled with Buddhas of a myriad types. Other excursions include the Royal Palace, now the National Museum, the surprising multi-tiered pools of the Kuang Si falls which cascade into white limestone formations. Then, on your final day in Laos’ royal city, meet a Buddhist monk for an introduction to meditation.
Declaring Laos "the world's next great foodie destination," a recent Nat Geo feature called the foods of Laos "Flavorful. Soulful. Beautiful." Laotian food and flavors are complex, diverse, and gaining popularity among international foodies, as evidenced by the brisk business at this local vendor at a night market.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
A short 45-minute flight brings you to the second half of this extension journey. For dinner this evening, splurge on an excellent French cuisine-inspired meal featuring local influences and ingredients at one of the city’s upmarket restaurants with a carafe of wine. Vientiane (pronounced “Wieng Chang” by locals), Laos’ capital, is where the French colonial influences in Laos are perhaps most strongly felt, owing in no small part to the city’s architecture. Many local residences, from small houses to large mansions, are built in the old French Colonial style.
The Patuxai or "Victory Arch" of Vientiane is modeled on the Arc de Triomphe of Paris. Ironically, it was built to commemorate those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom from France.
PHOTOGRAPH FROM ARCHIVES
Skirting the riverside along the older part of the city, called Quai Fa Ngum, walk the shaded boulevards of Lane Xang Avenue— the “Champs-Élysées” of Vientiane— where many examples of French colonial architecture, complete with shutters and red-tiled roofs, survive. In Patuxai, walk under a replica of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, featuring a meeting of Laotian and French styles and motifs and, for an optional confrontation with the troubling legacy of America’s “secret war” in Laos, visit the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), which plays an important role in rehabilitating disabled people, many of whom are injured by unexploded ordnance left from the war.
Like this vintage auto from a bygone age in Luang Prabang, Laos seems caught in many ways in a time-warp evoking the elegance of an older and slower time even as it steps out into the rush of the 21st century.
PHOTOGRAPH FROM ARCHIVES
Spend your final day in Laos at a cooking class learning to cook three traditional Laotian dishes and follow it up with an evening stroll along the banks of the Mekong, through a colorful night market before finishing the evening with a Laotian dinner and Beerlao or another elegant evening dining experience at one of the upscale French-inspired restaurants recommended by your guide.
The popular Laotian cooking class in Vientiane features traditional ingredients and cooking techniques taught in a friendly and fun atmosphere by a local chef.
PHOTOGRAPH FROM ARCHIVES
HIGHLIGHTS
Fly from Bangkok to the ancient city of Luoangphabhang (Luang Prabang) | Take a walking tour of the city's Wats & meet a local resident and photographer | Take a traditional teak boat to the Pak Ou Caves | See the Royal Palace National Museum and Kuang Si (Limestone) Waterfalls and learn meditation from an ordained Buddhist monk | In Vientiane, take a walk along the old town center | Visit area (golden) stupas and monasteries | Take a Laotian cooking class | Stroll at day's end past the river bank to a colorful night market before flying back to Bangkok | Overnight in Bangkok before flying to Bhutan (if you choose a pre-trip extension) or prepare for your return flight home (if you choose a post-trip extension.)
Like these ancient Buddha statues, the people and the landscape of Laos have weathered absolute monarchy, French occupation, American bombs, and Communist austerity.
PHOTOGRAPH FROM ARCHIVES
COUNTRY MAP
ITINERARY
Your journey into the landscape and culture of Laos through its two premier centers of Luang Prabang and Vientiane includes a walking tour of area Wats or temples, the fascinating Pak Ou caves and its myriad Buddhas, Talat Market, the Royal Palace, the Kuang Si falls, meditation with a Buddhist monk, a walking tour of Vientiane and a cooking class where you will learn to prepare three traditional Laotian dishes. In between, you will have some time to explore local restaurants and parts of both cities on your own.
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Day 1: BANGKOK - LUANG PRABANGFlight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang Arrival in Luang Prabang Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers as well as their contact information and information for local staff, offices and contacts you may need for the duration of your stay. Transfer by air conditioned vehicle (6 kms) Overnight in Luang Prabang
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DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG (DINNER)Morning at leisure A Wat to Wat Insider Walking tour (4 hours) Discover the main sights of Luang Prabang and get an insider's view of the religion and culture from a renowned photographer and author. Acommpanied your own private guide take a tuk tuk to the centre of the city to start your walking tour. Stroll through the winding streets to Wat Visoun, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Luoangphabhang. Visit That Makmo, also known as the "Watermelon Stupa." Continue to Wat Xieng Thong, the city's best-known and most visited monastery. The three tiered roof of the monastery sweeps low to the ground and the walls have been beautifully decorated in black lacquer and gold leaf with beautiful scenes carved in gold-painted bas-relief drawn from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The back of Wat Xieng Thong features an intricate glass mosaic of the tree of life set on a dark red background. Later, take a walk along the Nam Khan River to Wat Khili. Here, at the temple, you will be introduced to a Luang Prabang native who has produced photography projects about world religions, and participated in art and education projects in Laos. He currently has a permanent exhibition, 'The Floating Buddha', inside the temple. He will take you on a private tour of the exhibition and share his extensive knowledge and expertise on Laos. Our final stop on this walking tour is the National Museum, which once served as the Royal Palace. After a short orientation tour through the Museum we transfer back to the hotel by tuk tuk. Transfer to/from restaurant Restaurant: Tamnak Lao Restaurant Luang Prabang (Dinner) Overnight in Luang Prabang
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DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG (BREAKFAST)Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves (5-6 hours) Travel up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Tham Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the way to the Caves, stop at Ban Xang Hai Village (If time permits). The village is open 6.00 am - 15.00 pm and closed every major Buddhist holiday. This traditional Lao village is famous for the production of lao lao, the local alcoholic brew distilled from rice. The village also provides an opportunity to learn how to make traditional Laotian Corn Leaf Paper and Rice Tree Paper. First you learn how the material for corn leaf and rice tree paper are sourced and then prepare the paper from the raw materials provided. Once the paper is dry you will be shown how it can be fashioned into lampshades, a booklet or a postcard. You get to keep what you make as mementos of your visit. Overnight in Luang Prabang
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DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG (BREAKFAST)Sightseeing in Luang Prabang Luang Prabang, the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom, is famous for its historic temples and beautiful setting surrounded by mountains. In 1995 it was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Visit Talat local market (Tour will start early morning) (30 minutes) Visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace) and Wat Mai Visit the National Museum (Royal Palace), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. Then, visit the Hor Phrabang, a royal temple built on the palace grounds especially to house Laos' most sacred Buddha statue. The Buddha, cast in gold, silver and bronze alloy, stands at 83 cm tall and weighs about 50 kgs (more than 110lbs). Continue to Wat Mai, which was built in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, and was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj, the Patriarch of Laos' Buddhist clergy. Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls (3 hours) From Luang Prabang, travel by vehicle to the Kuang Si falls. The waterfalls are in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang. The multi-tiered falls tumble over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Bring your swim suits and sandals if you'd like to dip your toe or part of your body in a relatively gentle pool. Please exercise caution! During certain times of the year, the falls can be dangerous because of strong torrents and the volume of water rushing downstream. Visit the nearby village of Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle. Overnight in Luang Prabang
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DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG (BREAKFAST - DINNER)Today you have a free morning to enjoy a cozy breakfast for two at an interesting local cafe, relax at the hotel or do some exploring on your own. Later in the afternoon your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you by local tuk tuk to the pier. Board the local boat and then sit back and relax on a short cruise on the mighty Mekong River. Take in the scenes of local life alongside the river and look out to the distant misty mountains. Farther down the river, the boat will bring you to the opposite bank where the temple Wat Had Siew is located. After exploring the temple environs, you will be introduced to your monk teacher who will take you through a short guided meditation (your guide is on hand to help with the translation.) After clearing your mind through meditation amid the spiritual surroundings, travel by boat and tuk tuk to a local yoga school (optional). After a warm welcome by the instructor, you will be taught some basic yoga aimed at improving mental and physical balance. Be sure to wear or bring some comfortable clothes if you plan on doing yoga this afternoon. At the end of the day return to your hotel by vehicle. Restaurant : Dyen Sabai Restaurant and Lounge (Dinner) Overnight in Luang Prabang
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DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST)Transfer by air conditioned vehicle (6 kms) Flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane Transfer by air conditioned vehicle Sightseeing in Vientiane The capital city of Laos and the seat of Laotian government sits on a bend of the Mekong River amid the fertile alluvial plains. Vientiane (pronounced Wieng Chang by the locals) is a laid-back city with lots of history, interesting temples and lively markets. Overnight in Vientiane
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DAY 7: VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST)Sightseeing in Vientiane (8 hours) The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, still feels like a sleepy city with a relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, beautiful temples and colorful markets. Tour the many highlights of the city, including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa with a vibrantly painted interior (below) that is perhaps the most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculptures; Wat Si Saket, another built in 1818; Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by Paris' Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs. Stop by the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) for a reckoning with the awful legacy of American bombs, and the progressive work of the organization rehabilitating those injured by unexploded ordnances. See Wat Si Muang, a gold monument built in 1563. End your day at the Talaat Sao, or the "morning market" (actually open all day), the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics. Overnight in Vientiane
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DAY 8: VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST - DINNER)Today you have a chunk of leisure time to explore on your own, try some interesting local restaurants, visit an art gallery or just spend some time reading and relaxing at the hotel. This evening visit the home of a local chef and learn how to cook delicious Lao dishes. Travel to Ban Nong Bone Village, where the Head Chef, Vanpheng, will welcome you to her home and teach your cooking class. Over the next few hours you will learn how to cook three local dishes using traditional ingredients and techniques. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the feast everyone has created together. Traditional sweets and snacks will also be on offer, although the savoury dishes tend to be most popular to prepare. Tropical drinks are also included with the meal. Say farewell to Vanpheng and spend the rest of the evening at leisure (or see recommendation below): Recommended Tour: This evening we recommend a stroll along the banks of the Mekong River through Chao Anou Park and the Night Market, observing locals and taking in the views. Both are situated along the Mekong and this area comes alive after dark. Adventurous foodies can sample a wide range of local snacks along the way. Cap off the night with a bottle of the Beerlao, a tasty local beer brewed from local rice and high-quality malt. Overnight in Vientiane
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DAY 9: VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST)Transfer by air conditioned vehicle Flight from Vientiane to Bangkok
Gentle, friendly, and quick to smile, these women selling rice noodles to day-trippers visiting the famous limestone pools near Luang Prabang symbolize the timeless Laotian attitude of getting by. The people of Laos have emerged with their good humor intact despite an absolute monarchy dating to 1353, in spite of French Colonial occupation from 1893 to 1954 and, more recently, a severe period of communism that now seems to be pursuing poverty reduction and improved education, at least on paper.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KARMA DORJI
FEATURED LODGES
We have picked a pair of properties that evoke the romance of French Indochina for this extension. The hotels were selected for their comfort, location, and their charming blend of local culture and French colonial style.
*Please click on the gallery images of the featured lodges below for more on the main lodges on this itinerary.
Reminiscent of French Indochina, this lovely old hotel in Vientiane features a London taxi that can pick you up from the airport for the leisurely drive back to your hotel that can feel like taking a step back in time.
PHOTOGRAPH FROM THE HOTEL
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RELATED DISCLOSURES
Accommodation is subject to availability. If the listed properties are fully booked, alternatives will be offered. Occasionally guest numbers, the time or season of booking, renovations & repair and/or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control may make them unavailable. In such circumstances, we always rebook our confirmed guests at resorts, hotels and lodges of equal or comparable value. Therefore, please take the Featured List of Lodges & Accommodations for your trip to mean either the establishments named in this document “or resorts, hotels or lodges of equal or comparable standard and/or value."
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EXTENSION COSTS & DETAILS
TRIP TITLE
Laid-back Laos
DURATION
9 days Round-trip from Bangkok, Thailand includes flights shown on itinerary)
DATES
Can be arranged before or after your Bhutan journey
TRIP PRICE
US$3,535 per person, double occupancy
Includes: round-trip flights from Bangkok and any domestic flights or inter-country regional flights and transfers, all taxes, surcharges, accommodations, guides, transportation services, entrances and land costs*
*DETAILED INCLUSIONS
Included Services
• English-speaking guide.
• Accommodation in hotels as mentioned above or equivalent.
• Meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight
• Flight ticket(s) as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang
• Flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
• Flight from Vientiane to Bangkok
• Current fuel surcharges are included, however, these are subject to change prior to tour start date.
• Boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary.
• Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle.
• 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour.
• Sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary.
• International and domestic airport taxes included in ticket.
Excluded Services
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Visa fees, drinks, personal expenses.
Local visa costs, where applicable, are not covered and are the responsibility of the trip member; not all meals are included in order to let guests explore and try some local restaurants on their own - please consult your extension itinerary to see which meals are included and which ones are not.
Local visa costs, where applicable, are not covered and are the responsibility of the trip member; not all meals are included in order to let guests explore and try some local restaurants on their own - please consult your extension itinerary to see which meals are included and which ones are not.
Cancellation Policy
Please see our Trip Cancellation & Refund Policy in print copy (downloadable above) or ask for it by email.
FLIGHTS
Round-trip flights from Bangkok, Thailand, and any inter-country regional flights as well as domestic internal flights are included
GETTING THERE
Depart your home city for Bangkok, Thailand. Thai visas are automatically granted to US citizens and EU citizens on arrival for up to 15 days per entry.
For regional travel between Bangkok and our travel extension destinations all logistical arrangements, including round-trip flights from Bangkok, will covered under the trip cost. The flights and transfers and tour logistics in each country will be handled through our regional partners, and extension tour activities and highlights as described on our extension itineraries will be guided by experienced local guides who are licensed and government-approved in each country where our travel extensions are offered.
In some cases, you may have to prearrange your own visas to the countries listed on the extension journey (such as Myanmar). Other countries like Laos and Cambodia will grant visas on arrival at all the major airports where you land, for a nominal fee ranging approximately between US$30 to US$50.
Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions is responsible for all your flights, hotels and other logistical arrangements for Bhutan. Please let us know at the time of booking your travel extension journey whether you would like to take the travel extension before or after your trip to Bhutan with us. Please note we do not require that you participate in our Travel Extensions in order to be eligible for our Bhutan journeys. Regional Travel Extensions and our featured journeys in Bhutan are priced separately.
Your Bhutan journey with us begins with your arrival in Paro and closes with your departure from the Paro Airport. Passports should be valid up to 6 months after the last date of your travel in the region. If you need to renew or request a new passport, please let us know in advance so we can send you the proper reminders and resource information.
The national airline, Druk Air, offers flights daily from Bangkok to Bhutan, and less frequently from major Indian cities Delhi and Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). Bhutan Himalaya staff will make your round trip flight arrangements to Bhutan from Bangkok, Thailand, or India.
FINAL NOTES & DISCLAIMERS
Please note that while we design our travel extension itineraries with our regional partners to complement our Bhutan journeys, travel extensions are not operated or guided by Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. All regional travel between Bangkok and our travel extension destinations, all logistical arrangements for the extensions, including round-trip flights from Bangkok, regional flights and domestic flights and transport, airport transfers as well as tour logistics in each country are handled by our regional partners. Travel extension tour activities and highlights as described on our extension itineraries are guided by experienced local guides who are licensed and government-approved in each country where our travel extensions are offered.
PROGRAM ACCURACY DISCLAIMER: While this is an accurate representation of this travel extension journey at the time of printing actual activities and arrangements during your journey may vary due to unexpected weather and/or changes in local conditions beyond our control. We may also change or modify the journey to best serve the needs of the journey and in response to space availability at our featured hotels and resorts, or the spaces available on regional flights. When modifications are made we will make our best efforts to distribute an updated itinerary prior to your arrival with all the changes. Please note, however, that this may not always be possible for a variety of reasons. In all instances we strive to always improve the quality of the featured journey through such changes if any are deemed necessary.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to send us a message, or call us at 1.805.534.9224 during normal business hours. We look forward to sharing the happiness of the Bhutan Himalaya with you soon!
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