Itinerary
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Day 1
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. Airport transfer with driver to Vientiane Hotel. Ansara Hotel is Vientiane’s small-size boutique destination that will delight the visitor at first sight. A unique visual treat in the heart of the capital, the hotel combines quiet sophistication with genuine functionality. Providing just 14 rooms and suites, the emphasis is on personalized attention to its guests, catering to the needs of individual travelers and only accommodating parties not exceeding 8 people. Elegant yet relaxed, the hotel exudes the warm and inviting feel of a private home while professionally addressing guests’ needs for comfort and practicality. Overnight at Ansara Hotel. |
 Vientiane |
 Ansara Hotel |
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Day 2
Vientiane 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. 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. Overnight at Ansara Hotel. |
 Vientiane |
 Baci Ceremony |
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Day 3
Vientiane Drive north from Vientiane to Nam Ngum Lake, about 90 km in total. On the way stopover to visit Vang Xang, a small archaeological site of Mon origin located near a small river. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the lake. Embark on a traditional boat trip for 1 hour on the vast and beautiful Nam Ngum lake. Return to Vientiane via Ban Keun near Phou Khao Khouay. On the way, stop to see the traditional salt extraction at Ban Keun. Arrive Vientiane end of afternoon. Overnight at Ansara Hotel. |
 Nam Ngum Lake in the morning |
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Day 4
Vang Vieng Vang Vieng is a town in Laos, located in Vientiane Province. The population is around 25,000. Vang Vieng today is mainly a backpacker town. The main street is littered with guest houses, bars, restaurants, internet cafes and tour agencies. One of the main attractions of the town is inner tubing on the river and Kayaking. During the wet season, the river can be a series of raging rapids, but during the dry season, some of it is little more than a trickle. Climbing the limestone mountains is another popular activity. Landscape in Vang ViengThe market is located five kilometers north of the town selling Lao textiles, household items and several stalls selling dubious foodstuffs. It is possible for stalls to sell bats, squirrels, monkeys, rats, mice and other animals as food. In the town there is a wat that is notable in looking rundown and keeping its valuables chained behind a door. The town is situated on the main north-south highway, Route 13 from Luang Prabang to the capital, Vientiane. But the real attractions of the area are the scenery, the limestone hills and the numerous caves and caverns. Perhaps the most interesting is the Tham Phu Kham cave, half an hour's spine-compacting ride away from Vang Vieng by tuk-tuk or rented motorbike. You will be picked up by car, starting at your hotel in Vientiane. Along the way you will stop to visit Posa paper handicraft and local market. Once in Vang Vieng you will visit Tham Jang Cave and a local mulberry farm. Enjoy the evening at leisure. The Elephant Crossing Hotel is a boutique hotel in Vang Vieng. Situated on the banks of the Nam Song River, The Elephant Crossing Hotel boasts breathtaking views of majestic limestone mountains, excellent service, free Wi-Fi internet access, and a range of rooms to suit singles, couples, families or groups. Our boutique hotel welcomes you with the special ambience of Laos: the traditional Lao open-air Sala for relaxing, lounging and dining; and a riverside restaurant and bar that encompass the magnificent views of our unspoilt landscape. This is a truly unique and highly pleasurable encounter with the scenery and customs of "The Land of a Million Elephants". Overnight at The Elephant Crossing. |

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 Inside Tham Jang cave |
 The Elephant Crossing |
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Day 5
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. After breakfast at your hotel, continue your journey from Vang Vieng onward to Luang prabang. Make a short stop to visit the Phatang, the breathtaking and unique mountainous landscape of the region. Arrive at Luang Prabang later in the afternoon, and transfer to your hotel. The Maison Souvannaphoum was once the home to Laotian royalty, it exudes old world charm but with a touch of the contemporary. This hotel also features the celebrated Angsana Spa, ideal for discerning guests. Each guest room is warm and inviting, with a modern décor that is also reminiscent of the colonial era. Be tempted by a variety of mouth-watering French, Laotian and Indochinese dishes at The Elephant Blanc, all served up in a casually chic poolside setting. The former residence of Prince Souvannaphouma in the 1960s and 70s, Maison Souvannaphoum is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the ancient temples and enchanting scenery of Luang Prabang. Overnight at Maison Souvannaphoum. |
 Luang Prabang |
 Phatang |
 Maison Souvannaphoum |
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Day 6
Luang Prabang Explore Luang Prabang by bicycle. Visit former royal temples, Wat Visun where you can see the Biggest Buddha statue, Wat Xieng Thong the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang with its mosaic decoration and the former royal carriage. Visit the Museum (former king's palace), then climb up Mt Phousi overlooking the city of Luang Prabang. Time permitting, take a ride around the outskirts of town. Take a traditional wooden boat upstream to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou. The caves are perched on the sheer face of the cliff, offering impressive and stunning views of the Mekong and surrounding mountains. Inside the cave, there are more than one hundred Buddha images which have been attracting local people since the early 14th century when the cave was discovered. On the way, a short stop at Ban Xanghai, enjoy the taste of the local rice wine. Distilling rice wine and weaving are important economic activities for the majority of people in the village. Overnight at Maison Souvannaphoum. |
 Gold Stupa on top of Mount Phousi |
 Pak Ou Buddha Cave |
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Day 7
Luang Prabang You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning, and will proceed to the Adventure and Elephant camp about 15 km from town. After crossing the small river you will be introduced to our Asian Elephants and go out for a scenic ride. Enjoy this new perspective and their wonderful nature on this trek, lasting about an hour and a half. Make your way through forests and along the Nam Khan river up to the waterfalls of Tad Sae. After stopping for lunch, you will be instructed regrading the soft 4 hour kayak back into town. There are some easy rapids along the way, as well as beautiful nature and great views. Village stops along the way are included, as well as a stop at the grave of Henry Mohout. Overnight at Maison Souvannaphoum. |
 Elephants |
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Day 8
Luang Prabang Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport). |
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Trip Includes
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
Trip Excludes
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.kensingtontours.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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