TASTE OF LAOS

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Day 1

Day 1: Vientiane Arrival

On arrival in Vientiane, you will be welcomed by local tour guide of Laos Travel and get transferred to hotel in Vientiane – the country’s charming capital, with its laidback riverside ambience, and alluring monuments. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk around the hotel area or the guide will show you the river bank area where you could...

On arrival in Vientiane, you will be welcomed by local tour guide of Laos Travel and get transferred to hotel in Vientiane – the country’s charming capital, with its laidback riverside ambience, and alluring monuments. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk around the hotel area or the guide will show you the river bank area where you could view the sun sink over the Mekong. Overnight in Vientiane. Meals: N/A Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

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Day 2

Day 2: Vientiane City Tour – Cooking Class

Today we have a full day to explore Vientiane- the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Our visit will take you to the key...

Today we have a full day to explore Vientiane- the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Our visit will take you to the key sites: National Museum, Wat Sisaket the city ‘s oldest surviving temple with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past, the next stop is Haw Phra Kaeo. This large temple is beautiful both interior and exterior, it was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani trees. Next is the visit Pha That Luang, the giant golden stupa is a sight to see as the bright gold holds a sharp contrast to the pure blue sky. Then you will go to climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai. The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling and once at the top you can see for miles around Vientiane. You will take a short transfer to home of Mrs. Viengdawon - a local Chef. The chef will lead you to market to prepare the ingredient and then, over the next two hours you will learn how to create local dishes using traditional ingredients and techniques. At around 19:00 it will be time to relax and enjoy the feast, which you have created together. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

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Day 3

Day 3: Vientiane - Fly to Luang Prabang

Have breakfast in the hotel and the staff of Laos Travel will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at the airport, you are welcomed and transferred to hotel in town for check in. The rest of the day we will visit The Royal Palace (official name "Haw Kham") which was built in 1904 during the French colonial...

Have breakfast in the hotel and the staff of Laos Travel will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at the airport, you are welcomed and transferred to hotel in town for check in. The rest of the day we will visit The Royal Palace (official name "Haw Kham") which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. Continue our trip to Wat Mai, the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang. Before sunset, ascend the 328 steps to the top of Phou Si Mountain that offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding rivers and cityscape before wandering through the bustling Hilltribe Market for traditional textiles and handicrafts made by the hill tribes. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

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Day 4

Day 4: Luang Prabang – City Tour – Pak Ou Caves

Take a morning cruise along the Mekong River, about two hours upstream from the centre of Luang Prabang, and discover the numerous Buddha images at Pak Ou Caves. Pak Ou (mouth of the Ou river) includes the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the founder...

Take a morning cruise along the Mekong River, about two hours upstream from the centre of Luang Prabang, and discover the numerous Buddha images at Pak Ou Caves. Pak Ou (mouth of the Ou river) includes the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the founder name Mekong River. They are a group of caves on the right side of the Mekong River. It is then only a short distance from the caves to the village of Ban Xang Hai. We’ll stop here to learn about LauLao (Lao whisky) and LauHai (Lao wine). Before returning the old town we stop to visit Ban Xangkhong where the Lue peoples of this village are noted in particular for their arts and crafts. Back to centre, we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong - representative of classic Laotian architecture. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

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Day 5

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Cooking Class (Join-In group class)

We start the day by meeting at a restaurant and before transferring to the local market. Learn more about the market while taking in the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy place. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson. You will be...

We start the day by meeting at a restaurant and before transferring to the local market. Learn more about the market while taking in the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy place. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson. You will be transferred to a picturesque lakeside pavilion where you will be introduced to the Laos kitchen. The chef will give you an introduction to all the fresh ingredients you have just bought from the market. Learn how to make Jeow, this is a spicy Laotian dipping sauce and Mok Pa, a popular fish dish steamed with herbs in banana leaves…. Enjoy the tastes of your newly discovered recipes for lunch. Back to hotel, rest of the day is free at leisure. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

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Day 6

Day 6: Luang Prabang – Khuang Si Waterfall

This morning you will wake up early (05:30 AM) and take participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. Back to hotel for breakfast. Today we explore Ock Pop...

This morning you will wake up early (05:30 AM) and take participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. Back to hotel for breakfast. Today we explore Ock Pop Tok craft living center overlooking the Mekong, set in a tropical Mekong garden. Meaning “east meets west”, Ock Pop Tok brings the fascinating world of traditional Lao handicrafts alive for visitors. Continue our trip to the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will take soft trek to visit the Ban Ouay, Hmong Hill tribe and Ban Ou, Lowland Lao. Continue driving to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths. You are free to visit the Bear Rescue Centre which relies solely on partners, corporate sponsors and donations from the public. Back to the old town and relax. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

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