Tour III: World Heritage of Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. The town was described by the global body as "an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions".

Date: 17 - 19 Feb 2012 (3 days/2 nights)

Price: 28,000 Thai Baht

Price Includes:

Airplane ticket (round ticket) from Bangkok – Luang Prabang – Bangkok in economy class.

Accommodation in twin sharing with Breakfast. Extra charge for single room approx. 5,000 Baht.

Accidental insurance (exceeding 100,000 Baht per person).

Insurance tax and fuel surcharge.

All meals as in the itinerary.

Travelling cost.

Tour guide and entrance fee.

Price excludes:

Laos entry visa (approx. 30 USD per person, visa can be applied on arrival).

Personal expenses such as drink, laundry, etc.

Itinerary
Day 1: 17 Feb 2012 (Bangkok – Laung Prabang)

(07.00) Check-in at the counter of Bangkok Airways, Gate 3 Row F

(09.15) Depart for Luang Prabang by Bangkok Airways, flight number PG 941

(11.15) Arrive at Luang Prabang Airport. Pass through the immigration and customs control. Meet and greet by English speaking guide.

(13.00) Lunch at a local restaurant

(Afternoon) Check-in at Hotel Ramayana or similar.

Visit National Museum at “The Royal King’s Palace”, which nowadays displays gorgeous collected works of private artifacts of the royal family such as photos, musical instruments and tributes received from foreign countries. The Royal King’s Palace was built as a residence for King Sisavang Vong and his family in 1904 by the French, like Wat Xieng Thong the palace was built on the riverfront, to be in direct view of arriving official visitors. Displaying traditional Laos motifs fused with French beaux-art styles.

Wat Phousi, the main hill in the city from which you have a good view of the whole area. It's not a very steep climb from the bottom and sunrise and sunset are the most sensible and rewarding times to go up. There is a near-panoramic view from the top.

(18.30) Dinner at a local restaurant. Free time for shopping at night market in which vendors selling all the typical Lao arts and crafts, some more touristy than others, and is set up every day along the main street parallel to the river. Be warned that it closes down around 9 P.M. This is the best place to buy lower end souvenirs and hone your bargaining skills.

Day 2: 18 Feb 2012 (Luang Prabang – UNESCO the world heritage Site)

(05.30) This morning you may wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowl being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice.

(A.M.) Ban Xang Hai inhibitants, referred to by local boatmen as the “Whisky Village”, are quite used to thirsty visitors stopping by for a pull o awaitn the bamboo straw.

Ting Cave, the lower cave, just above the water’s surface, is more of a large grotto and is light enough to explore without an artificial light source. You can see many Buddha image inside the cave.

(Noon) Lunch at local restaurant.

(P.M.) Ban Pha Nom, a few hundred metres beyond the golden stupa of Santi Chedi, attracts its share of the tourist dollar through its pedigree as a former royal weaving village.

Tat Kwang Si waterfall, 29 Kilometers south of Luang Prabang (about one hour), is definitely worth a visit with their soaring limestone surfaces and cascading drops they make for some memorable views and fun activities. Travellers can also visit hill-tribe people en-route to the cave. Beautiful scenery, flora and fauna surround the area. Before entering the park there are the usual street vendors selling local arts and crafts and delicious fare.

(Night) Dinner at a local restuarant. Free time for shopping at night market.

Day 3: 19 Feb 2012 (Laung Prabang – Bangkok)

(A.M.) Fresh market (fresh fruits and vegetable, traditional stuff, etc.). Breakfast at the hotel.
              
(9.30) Wat Xieng Thong is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture from the 16th century, impressing visitors with its golden facades and mural paintings. The temple was used for the highest royal ceremonies and to temporarily house the bodies of deceased kings. Built in 1560, by King Setthathirat, Wat Xieng Thong remained in royal benefaction until 1975. Placed on the northern tip of Luang Prabang, the magnificent structure is fringed by the river. The sim (main building) is thought to represent classic Luang Prabang architecture with its sweeping roofs. The rear wall of the sim has an interesting 'tree of life' mosaic set on a red background and the temple's interior is stenciled with gold images of the former King Chanthaphanit. A smaller adjoining building, houses a reclining Buddha created in classic Lao style - a rarity.

Wat Vishun, Built in 1513, this is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang. Originally built with wood the temple was remade with brick and stucco after it was set fire to by Black Haw riders in 1887. The sloping-style of the roof is a distinctive feature due to the fact that it is a not a common Laotian design trait. Inside the building is a stupa that was commissioned in 1503, complete with small Buddha images made from precious materials and sacred objects, many of which were stolen when the Haw invaded the temple.

Phothisalk silver shop.

(12.30) Lunch at a local restaurant.

(14.00) Transfer to Luang Prabang Airport.

(16.10) Depart for Bangkok from Bangkok Airway, flight number PG 946.

(18.10) Arrive at the Bangkok International Airport safe and sound.