Luang Prabang
Plain of Jars
Morning alms collection, Luang Prabang © Paul Levrier
NORTHERN LAOS
Devoutly Buddhist and ethnically diverse with its many hill tribe communities, Laos is renowned for its friendly people and a relaxed pace making the country an idyllic destination for those visiting Asia for a second or third time.
LUANG PRABANG
The jewel of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang lies at the confl uence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Filled with a dazzling array of impressive gilded temples and religious sites, the city is one of the highlights of Indochina and should not be missed.
MORNING ALMS COLLECTION Every morning, between 5 and 6 am, the orange-robed monks of Luang Prabang walk in procession through the streets as they collect their morning alms in a beautiful ritual. It is possible to watch or give your own offering to the monks. Buddhists call this ‘making merit’.
THE PLAIN OF JARS There are over 500 jars carved out of solid stone scattered over 3 sites. The heaviest weighs close to 6 tonnes. The purpose of the jars, thought to have been carved around 3,000 years ago, remains a mystery to archaeologists even today. They are located near the town of Xieng Khoung, a short fl ight from Vientiane.
DISCOVER LAOS 11 Days from £2745 pp twin share including flights
Visit Vientiane, the mysterious Plain of Jars and charming Luang Prabang.
DAYS 1/2 – Fly to Vientiane Thai Airways fl ight to Vientiane for 2 nights at the Green Park Hotel. Afternoon visit to the Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, impressive Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge and the National Cultural Park.
DAY 3 – Vientiane City tour including Wat Si Saket and Pautousay, the Victory Gate.
DAYS 4/5 – Xieng Khoung At leisure before fl ying to Xieng Khoung for a 2 nights at the Vansana Hotel. Afternoon visit to Muang Khun and Tai Dam village. Visit a local market and on to the Plain of Jars sites. Stop at a Pou An minority village.
DAYS 6 to 9 – Luang Prabang Scenic overland journey to Luang Prabang for 4 nights at Les 3 Nagas. Evening visit to the night market. Visit Vat Xieng Thong, the golden temple and Phu Sii Hill. Watch the morning alms ceremony. Boat trip to Pak Ou caves and an H’mong village. Suggested optional tours include a half day Laos Cookery lesson or a visit to Kuang Si Waterfalls.
DAYS 10/11 – Fly to the UK Thai Airways fl ight to UK via Bangkok.
DEPARTURES DAILY
124
Speak with a Travel Expert, phone 0844 488 0668
Tailor-Made
LAOS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164