Laos in Style

Itinerary

• Laos

  Laos is a landlocked country in southeast Asia, bordered by Burma (Myanmar) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west. Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, which existed from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. After a period as a French protectorate, it gained independence in 1949. A long civil war ended officially when the communist Pathet Lao movement came to power in 1975. After taking control of the country, Pathet Lao's government gave Vietnam the right to station military forces and to appoint advisers to assist in overseeing the country. Control by Vietnam and socialization were slowly replaced by a relaxation of economic restrictions in the 1980s and admission into ASEAN in 1997. In 2005, the United States established Normal Trade Relations with Laos. Tourism in the country is centered on Luang Prabang, the ancient royal city with its dozens of temples and palaces. Vientienne, the capitol, is also picturesque and quiet.

• Luang Prabang

  Luang Prabang has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it is the cultural and religious center of the country, boasting 32 large temple complexes. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most impressive temples, decorated with colored glass and gold. Testament to the fact that it had been the royal capital until 1975, the royal palace there contains fine artwork and gifts made for former kings. Nearby, in the town center, visitors can ascend Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding rivers. Also worth seeing is the Palace Museum (the former royal palace), easily recognizable by its golden-inspired stupa, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from old rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.

• Vientiane

  One of Asia’s most relaxed and quiet capital cities, Vientiane is nestled in fertile plains on the banks of the Mekong River. Many buildings reflect the country’s past links with Europe, such as the old French colonial houses and the capital’s Victory Monument, which bears a striking, if somewhat rococo, similarity to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. An important national monument is the 16th-century That Luang (Royal Stupa) that symbolises Buddhist and Lao union. Other interesting sights include the Lao Revolutionary Museum; Wat Ho Prakeo, a former royal temple; Wat Sisaket, one of the capital’s oldest temples; Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddha Park), situated 24km (15 miles) south of the city and displaying fascinating Buddhist and Hindu structures.

• • Luang Prabang
  • Amantaka

  Day 1: Luang Prabang

  Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle.

  Accommodation: Amantaka Resort

  Housed in graceful French colonial buildings, Amantaka is a peaceful retreat within walking distance of Luang Prabang’s many historical and cultural attractions, including picturesque temples, villages and night markets. The property is surrounded by lush countryside, spectacular waterfalls, sheer amber-coloured cliffs and ancient cave complexes.

• • Luang Prabang

  Day 2: Luang Prabang

  Explore Luang Prabang by minivan. Visit the former royal temples, Wat Visun (where one can see the biggest statue), and Wat Xieng Thong (the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang with its mosaic decoration and former royal carriage). Visit the Museum (former king’s palace), then climb up Mt Phousi for a beautiful view overlooking the city of Luang Prabang. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Photisak silver shop, and Minority Art Centre, learn to know different types of minority groups in Laos, their ways of living, and their survival.

  Accommodation: Amantaka Resort

• Day 3: Luang Prabang

  Take a traditional wooden boat upstream to visit the famous cave of Pak Ou. The caves are located right on the cliff, it is a very impressive and stunning sight. Inside the cave, there are more than one hundred Buddha images which have been brought by local people since the early 14th century when the cave was found. On the way, make a short stop at Ban Xanghai, where you can enjoy the taste of the local rice wine. Lunch will be served on the terrace facing the Nam Ou River. Continue our visit in the afternoon to Kuang Si waterfall, located 30km south of Luang Prabang, the many tiered waterfalls have scooped out small basins of turquoise color. A short trek and swim around the falls is recommended. On the way you will stopover to visit Ban Tha Pen the Hmong village.

  Accommodation: Amantaka Resort
• • Vientiane
  • exterior

  Day 4: Luang Prabang - Vientiane

  Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle.

  Fly from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.

  Airport transfer with driver to Vientiane Hotel.

  Explore Vientiane by vehicle, visit a few main temples such as Vat Ho Prakeo which used to be the house of the Emerald Buddha, across the street is Wat Sisaket where more than ten thousand Buddha images are housed. Continue to Pratuxai (similar to the Arc de Triumph of France). Here you are free to climb up to the top to get a great view of the city. Our last visit will be the Golden Stupa, which is well known as That Luang Stupa, and it is believed to contain a relic of lord Buddha.

  Accommodation: Green Park Boutique Hotel

  The Green Park Boutique Hotel perfectly captures traditional Lao style and contemporary Lao architecture. A combination of historic and modern designs within a magnificent setting creates an elegant, luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. Stylish guest rooms have rich wooden floors, delicate Lao silks draped over teakwood furniture and modern conveniences such as free wireless internet access. Sit in Nong Chanh Park, the biggest park in Vientiane and take a brief walk to major tourist sites like the Morning Market. Secluded without being isolated, The Green Park is undoubtedly a groundbreaking boutique property that is worth discovering.

• • Laotian Cooking Class
  • Baci Ceremony

  Day 5: Vientiane

  Learn more about Lao traditions with a wonderful cooking class held by one of the best chefs in Luang Prabang. Transfer from your hotel to the restaurant by tuk tuk, meet the chef and then proceed to the local fresh market. Your teacher will show you how to select the food and ingredients. Return to the restaurant where you will learn about Laos Cuisine. Enjoy cooking a local Loa meal, and eat your prepared food once finished!

  A Baci is a ceremony to make good luck for a person or event. It is held when people are promoted in their work, move into a new house, or start a new job. Unique to Lao culture, a Baci involves transferring good luck through blessed strings that are tied to one's wrist. The strings must stay attached for at least three days for the good luck to remain. Baci starts at around 4pm and is organized in a Lao teakwood house, then afterwards you will enjoy a Lao Buffet dinner.

  Accommodation: Green Park Boutique Hotel

• Day 6: Vientiane

  Airport transfer with driver to Vientiane Hotel.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Cultural Moments

  Throughout Asia, rice paddies are somewhat of a constant landscape element. Rice is grown in paddies, or shallow puddles carefully controlled to ensure the appropriate water depth (typically 15 cm).  The farmers take advantage of the rice plant's tolerance to water: the water in the paddies prevents weeds from outgrowing the crop. Once the rice has established dominance of the field, the water can be drained in preparation for harvest.

• Culinary Moments

  There are a vast array of fruits native to Asia that we are sure to see along the way - keep your eyes peeled for jackfruit, lychee, rambutan, mangosteen, durian, and starfruit  - all fruits somewhat unknown to the North American

• • Amantaka

  Amantaka Resort

  Housed in graceful French colonial buildings, Amantaka is a peaceful retreat within walking distance of Luang Prabang’s many historical and cultural attractions, including picturesque temples, villages and night markets. The property is surrounded by lush countryside, spectacular waterfalls, sheer amber-coloured cliffs and ancient cave complexes.

  • More information
• • Green Park Boutique Hotel

  Green Park Boutique Hotel

  The Green Park Boutique Hotel perfectly captures traditional Lao style and contemporary Lao architecture. A combination of historic and modern designs within a magnificent setting creates an elegant, luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. Stylish guest rooms have rich wooden floors, delicate Lao silks draped over teakwood furniture and modern conveniences such as free wireless internet access. Sit in Nong Chanh Park, the biggest park in Vientiane and take a brief walk to major tourist sites like the Morning Market. Secluded without being isolated, The Green Park is undoubtedly a groundbreaking boutique property that is worth discovering.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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