Images of Laos

Images of Laos

12 days from £3950 per person

Route: Bangkok – Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Dong Daeng Island – Bangkok

The 'forgotten country' of South East Asia, life in land-locked Laos is centred on the meandering Mekong. Largely undeveloped, this is a land of temple complexes and colonial architecture, of sleepy towns and vast swathes of emerald green jungle. Spending two days in bustling Bangkok, fly north to the beautiful UNESCO town of Luang Prabang before continuing on to capital Vientiane. End the journey in southern Laos with a stay at the charming La Folie Lodge – an ideal base from which to visit the spectacular temple complex at Wat Phou and the rural 'Four Thousand Islands'.

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Bangkok

Bustling and eccentric, intriguing and unforgettable, Bangkok is the gateway to the country and Thailand's principle city. With a history stretching back a little over two-hundred years, Bangkok has always been a modern forward-thinking place yet much traditional Thai culture remains, as do beautiful monasteries, colourful markets and opulent palaces. (N)

Accommodation in Bangkok: Ariyasom Villa

Alternative option: The Sukhothai

Upgrade option: Mandarin Oriental Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Bangkok

Today explore Bangkok with your guide starting at the Grand Palace. Built by the early kings of the Chakri dynasty, this vast complex contains not only the King's private residence, stables and ministries but also over fifty temples including Wat Phra Kaeo, Thailand's oldest temple which houses the thousand year old Emerald Buddha. Afterwards visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Po, then the atmospheric flower market before boarding a private long-tail boat to cruise the quiet canals of the Chao Phraya River. End the day at Wat Arun for a panoramic view of the Grand Palace and river. (B/L)

Accommodation in Bangkok: Ariyasom Villa

Alternative option: The Sukhothai

Upgrade option: Mandarin Oriental Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Bangkok to Luang Prabang – by air

This morning transfer to Bangkok Airport and fly to Luang Prabang. Encircled by the mountains of northern Laos and resting on the banks of the Mekong River, the former Royal capital of Luang Prabang is an eclectic mix of historic temples and beautiful old French colonial mansions. (B)

Accommodation in Luang Prabang: Xiengthong Palace Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: La Residence Phou Vao

Day 5 Luang Prabang

Today takea guided tour of Luang Prabang. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wonderfully atmospheric and romantic place to explore with its historic temples and colonial architecture. Begin the morning with visits to the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong and That Makmo, known locally as the 'Watermelon Stupa'. That afternoon travel south to the villages of Xangkhong and Xienglek, which are famous for the textiles they produce. Later return to Luang Prabang and head the temple Mount Phu Si for a spectacular sunset view. (B)
Accommodation in Luang Prabang: Xiengthong Palace Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: La Residence Phou Vao

Day 6 Luang Prabang

After breakfast visit the mesmerising and crystal blue falls at Khouang-Sy which are on a tributary of the Mekong. Take a walking trail through the lush vegetation and stop off at the numerous sheltered turquoise pools which are ideal for swimming. In the afternoon, return to Luang Prabang and travel by boat to Pak Ou – a place famous for caves full of small Buddha images. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure back to Luang Prabang. (B)
Accommodation in Luang Prabang: Xiengthong Palace Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel

Alternative upgrade option: La Residence Phou Vao

Day 7 Luang Prabang to Vientiane – by air

Transfer to Luang Prabang Airport and fly to Vientiane. Set on the banks of the Mekong River, this afternoon explore the Laotian capital with your guide. Places of interest include That Luang Stupa and the superb temples of Wat Phra Keo and Wat Sisaket. Also visit the Anousavari Monument which bears more than a passing resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe. (B)

Accommodation in Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Vientiane to Pakse – by air/ Pakse to Dong Daeng Island – 45kms

After breakfast return to Vientiane Airport and fly south to Pakse. On arrival continue by road and boat to Dong Daeng Island and the pretty La Folie Lodge. Set amidst lush tropical gardens, this simple colonial-style lodge has twenty-four comfortable rooms all with fabulous views over the river to the Khmer temple ruins of Wat Phou. There is also a lovely swimming pool and good restaurant. (B)

Accommodation in Dong Daeng Island: La Folie Lodge (or similar)

Day 9 Dong Daeng Island

Today cross the river to Champassak which is located close to the fascinating archaeological site of Wat Phou. Sitting in the shadow of the sacred mountain of Linga Parvata, this is one of the finest temple complexes anywhere in Southeast Asia. Re-discovered by a French explorer in the mid-19th century, the crumbling ruins pre-date those at Angkor Wat by almost 200 years and are equally mysterious. Explore the fascinating site before enjoying an afternoon at leisure at the hotel. (B)
Accommodation in Dong Daeng Island: La Folie Lodge (or similar)

Day 10 Dong Daeng Island

Today follow the Mekong south to visit the 'Four Thousand Islands'. Located at the southern tip of Laos, close to the Cambodian border, here the river swells covering a vast area and dividing into numerous channels which in turn surround higher ridges of land forming the islands. Starting at Khong Island, travel by long-tail boat to the small village of Ban Khone, with its French colonial buildings, before visiting Liphi waterfall and Khone Phapheng the largest waterfall in South East Asia. (B)

Accommodation in Dong Daeng Island: La Folie Lodge (or similar)

Day 11 Dong Daeng Island to Ubon Ratchathani - 160kms/ Ubon Ratchathani to the UK via Bangkok

This morning leave La Folie Lodge and head towards the Laos-Thai border. After crossing back into Thailand continue to the airport at Ubon Ratchathani for the onward flight to Bangkok. Here connect onto the Thai Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Day 12 Arrive in the UK

In the morning arrive back into the UK. (N)

12 days from £3950 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £3950 per person

Itinerary: Images of Laos

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