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A Taste of Laos
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
5 days (Vientiane to Luang Prabang)
Highlights:
Take a private tour of Vientiane, Explore the culture and cuisine of Luang Prabang, Travel along the Mekong River, See thousands of Buddha images at Pak Ou Caves, Experience the charm of slow-paced Laos
Trip Code:
LAB
Price:
Prices from USD $530
Valid for departures 1OCT07-30SEP08
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Experience the essence of Laos on this short but enlightening trip. Colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards and Buddhist temples impart a unique timelessness to the charming town of Vientiane, situated on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. The former royal capital of Luang Prabang never fails to enchant visitors with its abundance of temples, faded French provincial architecture and friendly people. Visit these sites and get a memorable introduction to a fascinating country, seemingly lost in time.
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meals included: 4 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
transport: Plane, minibus, riverboat
accommodation: Hotels/guesthouses (4 nts)
budget: Allow USD $100 for meals not included.
departs: Daily, subject to availability
important notes:
Roundtrip airport to hotel transfers are included
Day 1 Vientiane
The fascinating capital of Laos possesses a tropical Asian vibe laced with faded French-colonial charm. Faded colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples impart an atmosphere of timelessness along the Mekong River. Take a private tour to see the thousands of Buddha images at Wat Si Saket and visit Pha That Luang, a symbol of Lao sovereignty.
Day 2 Luang Prabang
Once the heart and soul of the ancient Lao Kingdom, Luang Prabang is now a designated World Heritage site. Visit the Royal Palace Museum, an eclectic blend of French and Lao architecture, where the royal family's quarters have remained untouched since 1975. There is a collection of rare Buddha images of crystal and gold on display here as well as rare articles of royal regalia including the king's own elephant saddle. Explore the historical red-roofed temples, experience the city's rich culture and dine on some of the country's most refined cuisine.
Day 3 Pak Ou Caves
Take a boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves, two sacred limestone caves filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes. Each year devoted villagers bring more treasures to the caves. The lower cave is entered from the river by a series of steps and is flooded with sunlight, while the higher cave requires torch light. Stop in at the silk weaving village of Ban Phanom on return to Luang Prabang.
Days 4-5 Luang Prabang
Watch lines of saffron-robed Buddhist monks walk the narrow streets and laneways to receive alms from the faithful. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang's most magnificent temple or wander the banks of the Mekong.
This trip is part of our Intrepid Independent range. As it is not a group trip it has no fixed departure dates. Select your preferred start date from the menu below and our reservations team will process your booking request. Please note that is a booking request and is subject to availability at your preferred travel time.
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This is where you will find everything you need to know... from what's included to suggestions about what to take. This is also where you will find the most up-to-date itinerary and any late changes.
The Trip Notes provide you with a detailed outline of your trip itinerary, and important information like where to meet your group, what to pack, what's included, estimates of spending money requirements and much more. They make great reading.
These documents have been prepared by Intrepid staff to give you a brief introduction to the places you are visiting. We think it's important to understand the culture you are visiting, and the expectations of their society.
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On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
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Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
A good itinerary. The local guides were great- very friendly, knowledgable.
The accomodation needs to be looked at- quite dirty...
Louise Moody
Neat trip and location
Local operator lost us 1/2 day as they could not get us into our confirmed hotel
Then tried to put us in a 2 star...very bad call.
In the end we were put intio hotel way out of town
Brian Cossar
The trip was very good. Knowledgeable guides, OK hotel / guest house, OK transport. The Laotian food is excellent. Luang Prabang is a beautiful town.
Bjørn Titland
A short but enjoyable taste of what Laos has to offer.
Glenda Tustin
Sorry, only passengers from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are able to request flight quotes online at this stage.