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Explore one of the world’s unsolved mysteries with a visit to the Plain of Jars. Set in the eastern part of Laos, thousands of stone jars scatter across the area enticing visitors and historians to make conjectures about their origin. Wandering about the enigmatic jars is an experience like no other.
Departure from Vientiane, you'll discover the capital of Laos with ancient temples, stupas and palaces.
Then, arriving in Xieng Khouang, begin with the exploration of this small town which suffered greatly during the American bombing campaign of the 1970s. The unexploded ordinances and landmines of this era still liter the area and a visit to the Mine Action Group (MAG) will explain more about the efforts to de-mine the area.
The next morning, as the mist dissipates over the plains, set off for your tour of the Plain of Jars. Estimated to be over 2000 years old, the stone jars range in size from 70cm to 3 metres. They lie haphazardly across three main sites, in a tranquil countryside setting, adding to the obscure feel of the site.
Several theories propose that the jars were used as funerary urns, while local legend suggests they were drinking vessels for the giants who used to inhabit the area. As your guide takes you through the three main sites, learn more about these conjectures and form your own theory as to this great mystery.
The area surrounding the Plain of Jars is equally fascinating, and a drive through scenic rice fields and low-lying valleys takes you to Muang Khoun village. Spend the afternoon exploring the town’s old pagodas, including several from the Lanna period of architecture.
Finally, Luang Prabang is a interesting place. You'll experience the cultural fervor of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang. In addition to fascinating temples and relics, Luang Prabang offers its guests the opportunity to integrate themselves with the local culture.
Welcome to Vientiane. Arrive at Vientiane airport, and after customs & immigration formalities, transfer with your guide to your hotel. Enjoy a city tour to Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Visit Wat Simuang and Wat Prakeo, which was the original home of the famousEmerald Buddha, which today lives in Bangkok. There are many excellent restaurants in Vientiane, and you will easily find something to suit your taste. Visit the huge golden That Luang monument, where all Lao citizen respect as holy pagoda. Visit Vientiane's own Victory Monument, which looks like the Arc de Triumphe. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumoured 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. Overnight in Vientiane.
After breakfast tack a short flight to the plain of jars, welcome to Xieng Khuang! Your guide will meet you at the airport upon arrival and bring you to your hotel for check-in, before escorting you to the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. Have lunch at a local restaurant, and then continue to visit the old capital of Muang Khun Province and nearby hill tribe villages. They have a fascinating culture and a colourful history. Return in the late afternoon to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Ovenright in Xieng Kuang.
After breakfast visit ethnic minority peoples and observing their essentially unchanged culture, living close to nature. Have a lunch in a local restaurant before turning back. Visit Thai Dam and Thai Dang villages and a silk-weaving handicraft village. Continue back through the extensive rice-paddy region of the plateau. Stop at Thampiu Cave, which houses remarkable memorabilia of the war in Laos. On the way back we stop for a swim in natural hot-spring pool, before finally returning to Phonsavan to your hotel for dinner and overnight same hotel.
Today Half day drive to the former Royal capital, Luang Prabang around 6h & half arrive in Luang Prabang, en route you stop to talk with local ethnic people who have built their houses and settle down along the road. Also enjoy the very beautiful landscape that will make you temporary forget your home town. Upon arrival, your guide will bring you to your hotel. Then take a spin around Luang Prabang with your guide…and you will understand why it deserves the World Heritage title! Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. Phou Sii hill stands right in the Center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, along side the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! The rest of the day is you’re leisurely. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
After breakfast Visit the National Museum, once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artefacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Begin a Mekong Riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit the famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Then Cruise down Mekong river visit Por Sa Paper Handicraft & textile area at Ban Xang Khong. Overnight same hotel.
After breakfast Continue to visit Wat Mai, built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Visit Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground. See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana. Transfer you to the airport for your next destination.
Lunch at Pak Hauy Mixayphone Rest
Note: (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
TOUR DURATION: 6 Days / 5 Nights
TOUR OPERATES: Year Round / On Demand
TOUR PRICE: Available upon Request
ates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
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