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Code: LAO106 |
“Luang Prabang’s mystical charms are amplified when exploring the capital of the ancient Lane Xang Kingdom by bicycle. A less threatening form of transport probably does not exist, and a bicycle allows more access, resulting in a unique, broader and potentially deeper Luang Prabang experience. Enjoy excellent local and European cuisine and visit highlights including waterfalls, markets and a pilgrimage to the last king’s favorite Buddhist shrine; a stone grotto nestled inside a jagged limestone mountain on the Mekong”
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| 4D / 3N ROUTING:
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Around World Heritage Luang Prabang |
| GETTING THERE: |
Guided service begins
and ends at Luang Prabang airport, where daily flights serve domestic
destinations other regional international capitals. Ask our destination
specialists for suggestions on how best to integrate this tour into your
overall itinerary. |
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| DAY 1: Luang Prabang – Around World Heritage Site Temples & The Town of Luang Prabang by Bike |
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Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today. This fascinating town was the capital of the Lane Xang (million elephants) kingdom until the mid-sixteenth century. In colonial times it served as a provincial headquarters of the north. The legacy of the European presence here - well preserved French architecture and careful street planning – has blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history.
Welcome to Luang Prabang! Your guide will meet you upon arrival at the airport and bring you to your hotel. Grab your bike, enjoy a half-day spin around Luang Prabang and you will understand why it deserves the World Heritage title! Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao. Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phou Si sits atop the mountain, along side the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Then continue on to visit Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes & characterizes the uniqueness of Luang Prabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground. See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here. The gilt panel on the exterior of the royal funerary carriage house depicts episodes from the Ramayana. Then visit the National Museum, once a king's palace, where displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Also peruse the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, a private museum recently opened to explain about the livelihoods of Laos’ ethnic minorities. You’ll learn many interesting facts about the tribal peoples of Northern Laos. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, after which you can return to the hotel. This town is wonderful for walking and cycling, and today’s excursion will help to give you your bearings! Spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing on your own until dinner. Tonight enjoy a dinner of traditional Luang Prabang food.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accom: see below
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| Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Buddha Caves by Bike – Cruise to Luang Prabang |
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After breakfast, cycle 25km north to visit the famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. For those not up for the ride, our support vehicle will be on hand to help transport you. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many still pay respect with this old tradition. Walk through the caves before returning to Luang Prabang town by boat. Enjoy lunch en route.
Return to Luang Prabang for your afternoon and evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accom: see below
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| Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall by Bike – Lao Massage |
After breakfast, bike with your guide 28km to the Kuang Si waterfall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. You can climb the stairs and look down from various high viewpoints on the way to the top! Bring a bathing suit if you fancy a swim. Return to Luang Prabang by bike or in our support vehicle.
In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Lao oil massage – you’ve earned it. What a relaxing way to sample Lao culture! Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accom: see below
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| Day 4: Luang Prabang – Ban Xang Khong Handicrafts Village by Bike – Onward |
Today after breakfast, cycle 3km to Ban Xang Khong. See their amazing locally-made silk weavings as well as mulberry paper items. This is a great stop for last minute souvenirs! Then return to your hotel, checkout and transfer to the airport for your flight onward.
Meals: Breakfast
Accom: None
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End of Services |
| Rates
and Other Information |
Luang Prabang by Bike (CODE: LAO106)
Tariff: in US$ per person based on twin/double sharing room and subject to North by North East
‘General Conditions and Booking Procedures’
Note: North by North East makes every effort to provide the highest quality service for the best possible price. However, in these times of volatile exchange rates and rising fuel costs prices can be subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
CONVERT to currency of your choice.
Price per person in USD |
1 pax |
2-3 pax |
4-6 pax |
7-9 pax |
10-12 pax |
SS |
STD May-Sept 2009 |
811 |
493 |
366 |
349 |
316 |
64 |
STD Oct 2009 - Apr 2010 |
843 |
509 |
382 |
365 |
332 |
80 |
FST May-Sept 2009 |
938 |
557 |
430 |
413 |
380 |
128 |
FST Oct 2009 - Apr 2010 |
1009 |
592 |
465 |
448 |
415 |
163 |
DLX May-Sept 2009 |
1034 |
605 |
478 |
461 |
428 |
176 |
DLX Oct 2009 - Apr 2010 |
1130 |
653 |
526 |
509 |
476 |
223 |
Price valid until 30th April 2010
Hotels:
STD: Villa Chitdara or similar
FST: The Grand Hotel or similar
DLX: 3 Nagas or similar
Price Includes:
- All domestic land and water transportation as listed in the itinerary
- All meals as listed in the itinerary
- All accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- Insurance
- All entrance fees
- Government Taxes and VAT
Price Does Not Include:
- International or domestic air tickets
- Visa Fee (30-42$) depending on nationality + 1 passport size picture
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Items not listed in the itinerary
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Update 19 Feb 09 |