Page Text Content
their stilt houses, where ancient spirit and animal worship is still practised. Late afternoon return to Pakse, a bustling market town on the banks of the Mekong. DAY 10 - Drive south to take a ferry across the Mekong to Champassak in order to visit the remarkable Wat Phou temple ruins. This early Khmer temple pre-dates Angkor Wat and defines the easternmost border of the mighty Khmer empire. After lunch you will re-cross the Mekong and drive to the traditional village of Kiet Ngong, where working elephants are still used. A 60-minute elephant ride through fascinating countryside is included. You then continue south and cross the Mekong by small boat to Don Khong Island, in the fabled 4000 Islands region. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay, right on the banks of the Mekong. DAY 11 - This morning take a bicycle ride around the island before departing by boat for the one hour trip downstream to Don Khon Island. Here you will see LUANG PRABANG "Luang Prabang is the best preserved city in SouthEast Asia," declared UNESCO when granting World Heritage Status to the entire city. Situated in Northern Laos in an idyllic mountain setting at the confluence of the River Nam Khan and the mighty Mekong, Luang Prabang boasts an extraordinary number of working temples, many pre-dating the French colonial era. The way of life is gentle, and a sense of timelessness and mysticism pervades the whole city. Gleaming temple roofs, colonial buildings, Buddhist monks, traditional Lao homes, the majestic Mekong a tranquil mix which has enchanted travellers for centuries. Luang Prabang is a city to be explored on foot. The centre, on a narrow peninsula, is compact. Our
the old bridge and train used by the French to transfer goods upstream around the still impassable waterfalls and rapids which make this part of Laos such a scenic wonderland. Continue to the dramatic Phapheng Waterfalls before driving to the border trading village of Vuenknam, which looks across the river to Cambodia. Late afternoon return by road to Pakse and an overnight stay. DAY 12 - Morning visit to the local market before driving across the border into Thailand and continuing to Ubon Ratchathani for your flight to Bangkok for a final overnight stay. DAY 13 - Late morning transfer for the return flight to the UK, with arrival later the same day.
ADD-ON
comprehensive sightseeing programme includes Wat Visoun, site of the impressive Thad Makmo Stupa, and Wat Xieng Thong, considered the most splendid in Luang Prabang. During your stay you will have plenty of opportunity to visit other temples as you wish. Our tour also includes Phousi Hill, which dominates the city and affords excellent views, ideally at sunset. Then there is the stunning Royal Palace, with the National Museum located within the former royal quarters. Every evening, certain streets are closed for the extensive night market, and another `must-see' is the morning procession of monks gathering food from the local people. There is also the delightful Mekong riverfront, and the lively Central Market. Local handicrafts include silk weaving and paper making.
Cambodia
From only £529
Why not visit neighbouring Cambodia, including Angkor Wat, after your stay in Laos. For full details please see page 53
To view dates & prices click here To book click here
55
|
inbro