 |
|||||||||||||
|
Arrival
Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand.
Overnight in Bangkok. Dinner if required.
Bangkok, Thailand - Luang Prabang, Laos
Today we fly to Luang Prabang. In the 14th century, this city was established as the royal capital by Fa Ngoum, the first monarch of Lan Xang, the ěLand of a Million Elephants.î By this time, the city had already been the seat of local kingdoms for 600 years. According to legend, the site of the town was chosen by two resident hermits and was originally known as Xieng Thong -- ěcopper tree cityî.
After checking in to our hotel, we will depart for a visit of some of Luang Prabang's most famous and beautiful temples. We tour the 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong, which has a richly decorated wooden interior. Wat Mai is another old temple of classic Luang Prabang design with gracefully curved roofs. We see many 400 years old wooden Buddha statues at Wat Wisunalat. We finish with a visit to Wat That Luang and Wat Saen. Our bus will meet us and head back down main street; anyone who wants to climb Mt. Phousi (300 steps) for sunset can be dropped off en route to the hotel.
NOTE: The order of our sightseeing in Luang Prabang may vary depending on flight schedules which are subject to change.
Overnight in Luang Prabang. Breakfast and dinner.
Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang
An early departure today takes to the Mekong River for a boat journey to visit the Pak Ou Caves. The boat is long and quite large, covered, with comfortable seat cushions, life jackets and a WC. Drinks available.
The Pak Ou caves are two crannies in the side of a mountain stuffed with thousands of old Buddha images. The site has long been sacred for the Lao, even prior to Buddhism, when they worshipped spirits. The lower cave has over 4,000 images, ranging from 3 inches to 9 feet tall, stuck in nooks and crannies. The upper cave is actually even more interesting. Its Buddha images are placed far back into the cliff, so you'll need to bring a flashlight. A real highlight of a trip to the caves is the breathtaking view of the mountains during the 2-hour boat ride.
We return to Luang Prabang arriving at approx 14:30 with balance of the day at leisure. We recommend a walk through town and enjoy the atmosphere. Time comes to a virtual stand still here; there is also lots of good shopping on the main street and other temples to visit if you wish.
Overnight in Luang Prabang. Breakfast and dinner.
Luang Prabang - Ban Phanom - Xieng Khouang
This morning we visit the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, a museum containing a collection of 15th-17th century Buddha statues including the significant Golden Buddha. The last member of the Lao royalty to live here was Sisavang Vongís son, Crown Prince Sisavang Vatthana. One of the best views of the general layout of the palace is from Phu Si Hill. Looking directly downwards you can see that the palace has a cruciform ground plan. The private chapel is one of the most interesting wings of the palace. Here you will see the priceless gold Phra Bang Buddha in Abhayamudra (dispelling fear). It is made from 90% pure gold and is said to weigh 50 kg (110 lb).
This afternoon we travel via a very scenic route to Xieng Khouang.
Overnight in Xieng Khouang. Breakfast and dinner.
The Plain of Jars
In the 18th and at the beginning of the 19th century, Xieng Khouang was the center of a kingdom of the Hmong (Meo). In 1832, it was conquered by the Vietnamese, annexing the entire region. The town of Xieng Khouang was totally destroyed during the Vietnam War. Even though it has been rebuilt in 1975, the name Xieng Khouang is now primarily used in reference to the province of the same name.
The highlight of our visit here is the "Plain of Jars." Scattered over the plain are hundreds of enormous clay jars, each about 1 to 2.5 metres high, with a diameter of about 1 meter. There is still no explanation as to how the clay jars found their way onto the plain, nor what purpose they served. Archaeologists have come up with the wildest theories, among them a claim declaring them brewery cauldrons. More likely, the jars are enormous urns. Many jars were destroyed or damaged during the Vietnam War, when American planes bombed positions of the communist Pathet Lao.
Overnight in Xieng Khouang. Breakfast and dinner.
Xieng Khouang - Viangchan (Vientiene)
Today we fly to Viangchan.
Overnight in Viangchan. Breakfast and dinner.
Viangchan, Laos - Bangkok, Thailand
Today we fly from Viangchan to Bangkok.
NOTE: Our flight to Bangkok usually takes place in the afternoon, though air schedules can change without notice. Time permitting in Viangchan we will visit the morning market an dallow 30-45 minutes here for shoppiong and absorbing the local colour. We will then drive to Pha That Luang, the most important Stupa in the city/country, followed by a stop at Haw Pha Kaew, a temple now serving as a museum of religious artifacts.
Overnight in Bangkok. Breakfast and dinner.
Departure
Departure from Bangkok.
Breakfast.
