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Family Combo Trip: China / Laos
IN CONSTRUCTION
HIGHLIGHTS
- City and Buddha Park in Vientianne
- Discovering Luang Prabang and its surroundings
DAY 01 – Arrival – CHINA – VIENTIANE
With guide – With transport
Arrival at Vientiane airport.
Your English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at the exit with a sign bearing your name. Transfer to your hotel for a presentation of your stay and its organization. (Rooms available from 2:00 pm).
Vientiane, capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is relatively modest in size compared with the capitals of neighboring countries, giving travelers the impression of a small provincial town. Long a quiet and sleepy town, it has become more dynamic in recent years thanks to significant economic development.
Free time.
At the end of the day, take a stroll along the banks of the Mekong, which have undergone major redevelopment in recent years… You’ll be able to observe the capital’s residents, who like to meet there at the end of the day to indulge in sporting activities… A small night market has also been set up here, offering a wide range of goods that also attract locals…
Meals at you own expense.
Night at hotel.
DAY 02 – VIENTIANE: City tour and Buddha Park
With guide – With transportation
Breakfast at the hotel.
First you visit Pha That Luang, a great reliquary that has become one of the symbols of the nation, representing both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. This great golden stupa, surrounded by a cloister, was built in the 16th century on a Mon and then Khmer religious site, and is said to contain a relic of the Buddha. Destroyed during various conflicts, it was restored in the 20th century by the French. Every year, on the full moon in November, a major festival is held here, attracting pilgrims from all over the country.
You continue with another of the capital’s emblematic monuments, Patuxay or Anousavari, a triumphal arch built in the 60s with, rumor has it, concrete supplied by the Americans for use in the construction of airport runways. It was built to honor the memory of the dead from pre-revolutionary conflicts.
You will then visit the Vat Sisakhet, with its unique architecture and cloister walls pierced by thousands of tiny niches housing small statues of Buddha. Spared when the city was destroyed by the Siamese in the 19th century, it is the largest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane.
Next visit is the Wat Ho Phra Keo, located just accross the Wat Sisaket, built in 1565 to house the famous Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok). Destroyed in the 19th century, it was rebuilt in 1942. Set in a pretty garden, its sloping roof, typical of the northern Lao and Siamese style, features superb carved wooden panels and elegant colonnades. Today, it’s a small museum.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
This afternoon, your guide takes you to the Thadeua district, about 20 km from the capital. Nestled on the banks of the Mekong, close to the first bridge built in the 90s to link Thailand and Laos, Vat Xieng Khouane (or Buddha park) houses a large riverside garden where you can stroll and discover astonishing, colossal concrete statues built in the 60s by a Mystic and his believers. Blending Buddhist and Hindu elements, it’s an atypical place hidden away in the outskirts of the capital.
Return to town and free time.
Dinner at you own expense.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 03 – VIENTIANE – Train to LUANG PRABANG : Discovery of the city
With guide – With transportation
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Vientiane railway station, located some 15 km outside the city, to catch a train to Luang Prabang (approx. 2 hrs). Please note that you must wear a mask on the train, and aerosols are forbidden.
The railroad line built as part of China’s New Silk Roads project, and due to open in December 2021, crosses Laos from the Chinese border in the north to Vientiane and the Thai border. Crossing one of the most mountainous regions of Laos, this line, with its numerous tunnels and bridges, significantly shortens travel times. You’ll reach Luang Prabang in about 2 hours, compared with 6 hours by road.
• TRAIN VIENTIANE – LUANG PRABANG C82 08 :50 – 10 :45
Luang Prabang is a small town nestled among mountains covered in lush vegetation, at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, in an un-spoilt natural environment. The town’s rich architectural heritage – a harmonious blend of traditional Lao wooden houses, colonial brick urban structures and some of the most sophisticated and richly decorated monasteries in South-East Asia – and its exceptional state of preservation, make it a real gem that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. You’ll discover sumptuous traditional wooden houses, centuries-old pagodas, the former Royal Palace and beautiful colonial administrative buildings as you stroll along its lanes…. This former royal capital, still the country’s cultural and religious center, has a very special atmosphere.
Arrival at the Luang Prabang train station with your guide.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
This afternoon, hop on a tuk-tuk and start discovering the main attractions of the city! Let’s start with:
– The Heuan Chan heritage house: This former princely residence, built in the 19th century, was renovated by UNESCO when the town was listed. It is one of the few traditional Lao houses on stilts to be found in Luang Prabang.
– The T.A.E.C museum (Traditional Art and Ethnology Centre) – closed on Mondays
A small museum opened in 2007 in a listed building in the heart of Luang Prabang, its rich collections reveal the great ethnic and cultural diversity that characterizes Laos.
– Vat Visoun, whose construction began in the early 16th century, is one of Luang Prabang’s oldest monasteries. Destroyed by Chinese pirates in 1887, it was rebuilt in the early 20th century. Built in the Tai Lue style with baluster windows, inspired by Khmer architecture, it houses the largest Buddha in Luang Prabang…
– Vat Xieng Thong, is located on the banks of the Mekong River, at the tip of the peninsula. A royal monastery from its foundation in the 16th century until 1975, it is the most beautiful in the city and considered a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture in Laos, especially the main chapel, whose roof descends almost to the ground.
Dinner at your own expense.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 04 – LUANG PRABANG: Rice Experience & Kouang Si Waterfalls
With guide – With transportation
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning, we discover the Living Land center. Located just outside Luang Prabang, the Living Land center offers an authentic opportunity to discover all the mysteries of the region’s most emblematic cereal: rice.
Among other things, you’ll discover all the stages in its cultivation, from sowing to harvesting, right up to its arrival on your plate. Living Lang, a social enterprise and community project, also offers English classes to local students. (www.livinglandlao.org).
You then take the road to Ban Thapene, a village near the Kouang Si waterfalls, through traditional countryside, rice paddies, market gardens alternating with teak plantations and open forest.
Lunch at Carpe Diem restaurant. The restaurant offers flavorful fusion cuisine in a dream setting on the banks of the Si River. Note that the Carpe Diem restaurant donates 5% of its profits to the ASAS association, whose aim is to build access to drinking water and help rehabilitate schools in isolated villages in northern Laos.
Afternoon visit to the Kouang Si waterfalls in the presence of your guide.
Nestled in the middle of the forest, the Kouang Si waterfalls are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural sites in Laos: a splendid cascade, extended by a succession of basins whose water is a magnificent turquoise blue. Volunteers will have the opportunity to bathe in some of these enchanting pools. The well-appointed park also boasts large enclosures near the entrance, housing collared bears, a species endemic to Laos that has been rescued from poaching or illegal detention.
Return by road to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
Optional service with extra charge: One-hour massage. After effort, comfort. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation and enjoy the benefits of a massage.
Diner at your own expense.
Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 05 – LUANG PRABANG: City tour – BAN LAE SIVILAY
With guide – With transportation
Breakfast at the hotel.
Suggestion (without guide/driver): If you’re an early bird, you can head out at dawn to watch the Tak Bak: a daily ritual of offerings made by the faithful to the monks who emerge from their pagodas and make their way through the city streets in long, silent processions. This religious ceremony, which is particularly important for Buddhist believers, is unfortunately often disrupted by tourists, some of whom interfere with the procession to take photos of monks who have become stars in spite of themselves, and others who take part without any knowledge of the rules to be respected… We therefore ask you to attend in silence and from a distance, out of respect for the monks and the faithful who ensure that this ritual is still maintained in Luang Prabang.
This morning, departure with your guide to continue exploring the city by touk touk.
– The morning market of Ban Pakham, which takes place every day in a small street near the Mekong River, for a little immersion in the daily life of the local population.
– Phousi Mountain, is a mound in the middle of the peninsula, rising some 150 m above the city. A staircase of 328 steps leads to the top, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the Mekong River and the surrounding mountains.
– The former Royal Palace, now National Museum, blending French and Lao architectural elements, was the first permanent palace built in Laos for the king and his family in the early 20th century. A recently built chapel in the gardens houses the Prabang, the most sacred Buddha statue in Laos (please note that the site is closed every last Thursday of the month).
– Vat Mai, was built in the early 19th century. With its low-sloping 5-sided roof, it is built in the Luang Prabang style. Its façade, covered with gold-leaf bas-reliefs, tells the story of one of Buddha’s past lives, incorporating elements of local life.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, departure by road for a transfer to Ban Lae Sivilay.
A small, traditional Laotian village on the banks of the Nam Xuang River, a tributary of the Mekong. Located some 30 km from Luang Prabang, it is home to a few hundred Lao and Hmong inhabitants.
After settling in with your host family, you’ll set off to explore the village and its surroundings… You’ll start with a stroll through the surrounding orchards, to discover the local fruit crops, depending on the season: banana, orange, lemon, grapefruit, lichi, rambutan, sapodilla, pineapple etc., which are sold at the Luang Prabang markets. This is also an opportunity to pick a few vegetables for the evening meal.
Afterwards, you’ll board a pirogue for a nice trip down the river to observe local life… Toilet, laundry, fishing, gold panning… Volunteers can try their hand at net fishing….
In the late afternoon, a Hmong neighbor will give you a short demonstration of the khene, a local musical instrument. Afterwards, you can help prepare the evening meal or relax.
Dinner with your hosts.
Overnight with a local (basic comfort).
DAY 06 – BAN LAE SIVILAY – LUANG PRABANG: Free time
With guide – With transportation
Local breakfast at the homestay.
This morning, you’ll set off on a leisurely stroll through the village to discover its economic activities (weaving, fishing net making, embroidery…), its ethnically distinct habitat… and its large-scale plantations (teak, rubber).
In the late morning, you’ll take the road back to Luang Prabang.
Check-in at your hotel. (Rooms available from 2:00 pm).
Enjoy some free time in the afternoon.
Optional extra: Sunset cruise on the Mekong River. The perfect way to appreciate the landscape and the sunset over Luang Prabang.
Optional meal at extra cost: Cocktail and dinner on the banks of the Mekong at sunset.
Diner at your own expense.
Overnight at your hotel.
JOUR 07 – LUANG PRABANG: Elephants sanctuary – Train to VIENTIANE
With guide in Luang Prabang – With transportation.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Ban Xieng Lom, a village nestled in a loop of the Nam Khane River, about 35 minutes’ drive from downtown Luang Prabang, to spend a morning at Elephant Village, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet and spend time with elephants, one of Laos’ most emblematic creatures, formerly known as the “Kingdom of the Million Elephants”.
It’s in the heart of this little haven of peace that the majestic giants of the Laotian forests have found refuge from logging and abuse. The elephants are pampered and cared for by a team of enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation of the species.
On arrival at the center, you’ll be given an introduction to the issues involved in conserving the species, and the projects the center is working on. You’ll also receive all the information you need to prepare for your encounter with the giants. At the end of the presentation, set off to meet the elephants! This is your chance to enjoy a privileged moment with these fascinating animals.
You’ll visit the other structures that are part of the park: the elephant hospital, the museum, the gallery and the cellulose-rich dung paper factory!
You’ll then board a pirogue and sail down the Nam Khan towards the Tad Se waterfall. This is also an opportunity to observe local fishing techniques and the bucolic landscapes that line the river. You’ll have the chance to take a dip and contemplate the beauty of the place before heading back to the center.
Buffet lunch served at the center’s restaurant.
Transfer to Luang Prabang railway station to catch your train to Vientiane.
You’ll reach Vientiane in less than 2 hours, compared with around 6 hours by road.
• TRAIN LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE C81 14 :59 – 17 :00
Arrival without guide at Vientiane’s train station. You’ll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.
Rest of the day free to enjoy the city, hotel and surroundings.
Dinner at your own expense.
Night at hotel.
DAY 08 – VIENTIANE – Departure – CHINA
Without guide – With transportation
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day until your transfer to Vientiane’s airport.
| DAY | ITINERARY |
| Day 1 | ARRIVAL IN VIENTIANE |
| Day 2 | VIENTIANE : City tour and Buddha Park |
| Day 3 | VIENTIANE – Train to LUANG PRABANG : Discovery of the town |
| Day 4 | LUANG PRABANG : Living lang & Kuang Si Waterfall |
| Day 5 | LUANG PRRABANG : City tour – BAN LAE SIVILAY |
| Day 6 | BAN LAE SIVILAY – LUANG PRABANG : Free afternoon |
| Day 7 | LUANG PRABANG : Elephants Sanctuary – Train to VIENTIANE |
| Day 8 | VIENTIANE DEPARTURE FLIGHT |
Q&A
Official Language: Lao
Capital: Vientiane
Surface: 236 800 km²
Population: 7 226 000 (in 2020)
Currency: Laotian kip (LAK)
Telephone code: +856
The local currency is Kip. 8,500 kip is equivalent to about 1 USD. It is possible to exchange currency in banks, exchange offices, or even by default in jewelry shops in all major cities…. Whether it is your EUR or USD, the banknotes must be “new”, i.e., legible, not too folded or wrinkled, not graffiti, not torn or scratched, because the banks refuse them. The country’s 2nd currency is the Thai Bath, which can be used almost anywhere in the country.
Some purchases or expenses can be made directly in US$ or euros, but this is most often limited to shops in large cities, or in hotels. For your expenses, we advise you to arrive with US$ and/or euros in large and small denominations. Large denominations for the exchange mainly at the beginning of the trip, small denominations for the exchange at the end of the trip, or purchases when possible (mainly in US$). It should be noted that in recent months, it has become very difficult to buy foreign currencies from Laotian banks…. So be careful not to end up with large amounts of money in kip at the end of the trip that you may have difficulty changing…
Cash withdrawals are possible in major cities in Laos, with a credit card (Visa or American Express). Payments are also possible in some hotels, luxury shops, or restaurants. But the cost of the levies (variables) remains quite high (3% commission). We recommend that you carry cash to cover your personal expenses throughout the trip.
It is difficult to talk about gastronomy in Laos…. Laos is a poor country, where even today a large part of the population still lives in the countryside and feeds on what they can fish, hunt, or gather…. The food is therefore very basic, sticky rice being the basis of the diet with a few sauces or dishes to accompany it. In addition, authentic Lao food, due to the unrestrained use of padek (fermented fish sauce) and chili pepper, is most often unsuitable for the palates and digestive systems of Westerners.
However, there are some traditional dishes in Laos, such as “lap”, a very flavoured meat or fish salad, “olam”, a
flavored stew specialty of Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang salad, Nem Khao (rice salad with fermented port)
or mocha (meat or vegetables steamed in banana leaves) that you should discover!!!!!! Noodle soups (Vietnamese or Chinese influenced) are one of the most popular dishes in the city for local people.
No vaccination is required. However, it is recommended to protect yourself against hepatitis A and B (ask your doctor for advice). We advise you to bring your own:
of a broad-spectrum antibiotic;
of your usual medications if you are undergoing treatment;
an anti-diarrheal and an intestinal antiseptic (Intetrix, Immodium…);
a protective cream against mosquitoes;
moisturizing sunscreen, lip stick;
a healing ointment and a local antiseptic.
In the north of the country, from the 7th or 8th century onwards, Tai-kadai populations descended from southern China following the river valleys and settled and organized into small independent principalities, pushing indigenous populations back on the slopes. Southern Laos, on even earlier dates, hosted the kingdoms of Funnan and Chenla, precursor of the Khmer empire of Angkor. The 13th century saw the emergence of the first strong Tai political entities in northern Thailand and Laos, which undermined Khmer domination. Quarrels between the Thai kingdoms that followed in the 14th century allowed a Lao prince, married to a Cambodian princess and with the support of his stepfather, to take control of vast territories and create the first Lao kingdom of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol
His son Samsenthai consolidated the kingdom into a state of great importance. His successor made Theravada Buddhism the state religion. Then torn apart by quarrels over succession, the kingdom broke up again into 3 entities, falling under the control of the Burmese or the Siamese. At the beginning of the 19th century, Chao Anou, a Lao prince was installed by the Siamese at the head of the kingdom of Vientiane, allowing the restoration of the city, as well as more harmonious relations with other parts of Laos… But under pressure from the Vietnamese, he rebelled against the Siamese and suffered a heavy defeat. Vientiane is razed to the ground (except for the Vat Sisaket temple), and the population deported to Siam. The other kingdoms of Laos facing the same fate, Laos is in its largest part annexed by Siam at the end of the 19th century when the French arrive in Laos.
The signing of a protectorate treaty, followed by a series of agreements between France and Siam, will allow Laos to
recover all its territories on the left bank of the Mekong River, those on the right bank being definitively integrated into the Siamese kingdom. Although the French unified the various entities to form the current Laos, they have never made this territory a priority because of its lack of economic interest… The Second World War and the Japanese intervention allowed the nationalist and independence movements to flourish… which in 1953 succeeded in making Laos a fully sovereign state. This was followed by a period of nearly 25 years of unrelenting political upheaval between communists, American-backed nationalists and neutralists… and a succession of coups d’état.
In the mid-1960s, despite the signing of an agreement ensuring the country’s independence and neutrality, the country was dragged into the Vietnam War… The Laotian Communist Party defending the interests of North Vietnam, and therefore taking advantage of its support, the Americans bombing the Ho Chi Minh runway or relieving themselves in the east of the country of the bombs not dropped on Vietnam or financing a secret army in Laos… With the American disengagement, nothing can stop the communists from taking power in December 1975 and overthrowing the monarchy and proclaiming the People’s Democratic Republic.
Lao is a polytonal monosyllabic language of the Tai Kadai group. It is spoken by the majority of the population. However, in the most remote areas of Laos, some people only speak the dialect of their minority. Laotian is the administrative language, although it is not uncommon to see administrative panels in French. English, since the country’s opening to tourism, has replaced French, which is still spoken by a few elderly people. Vietnamese is also quite common given the large Vietnamese community living in Laos, and Chinese is booming.
MINI GLOSSARY
Hello: Sa bai dee
Good Bye: Lakon
Thank you (so much): Kob Chai lai lai
How much does it cost? : Laakhraa thaow dai ?
I don’t understand: Khroy boh Kroh Thiai
My name is: Khroy sue …
Where are the toilets? : Hong nam you saay ?
Laos offers a lovely choice of handicrafts that can be found on the markets, in shops or directly at the artisan. It is essentially basketry, textiles, silverware, wood carving, and blackberry paper products. In some shops in Luang Prabang, you can find refined decorative objects or antiques. Buying locally is a great way to support the local economy with the advantage of making beautiful souvenirs! Do not hesitate to ask your guide for good local tips.
Remember when you negotiate on markets to keep your smile. Keep in mind as well that the cheapest price is not always the best as it may happen that the seller, if in need of cash, will accept your price even if it is below their “cost price”.
One thing to be aware of: exporting historic or religious artefacts and articles containing materials of threatened flora and/or fauna is forbidden:
– Ancient Buddha statues.
– All souvenirs (food, drinks, crafts) made from endangered species (skin, hair, teeth). Examples:
Ivory jewelry, figurines and carvings,
Wine made from exotic animal remains,
Pangolin scales,
Crocodile skins,
Rosewood carvings,
Seahorses and rhino horns
No special rights to pay for photographing or filming in Laos. In some places, photos are prohibited … thank you to carefully follow the instructions on this matter. Try to connect with the people before taking their picture. For some people it could just be a matter of being shy, whilst for some ethnic minorities, a camera “can steal” one’s soul. Keep in mind a blessing or a permission may be, at times, asked through a simple look…
Just as an extra objective view, before taking a picture of someone, imagine if you were on the opposite side of the camera with your picture taken, or one of your children, without having been asked for your consent.
Regarding visiting local minorities, take the chance to make meaningful connections with the people and avoid ogling the locals, snapping pictures and only buy tourist tat. Your guide is here to help you connect, share and truly immerse to have an ethical approach.
If you have any doubt during your stay about how to act or react, ask your guide or even better, wonder if you would act this way or tolerate such behavior in your city/village/church or even your home.
On your way, you will often have the opportunity to meet local people. Wherever you are, be discreet and humble. The multiplicity of cultures and traditions means that certain attitudes are perceived differently in different countries. To avoid being disrespectful, take the time to understand the people you meet, take the time to make connections.
There too, listen to the advice of your guide! He knows better than anyone the behaviors to avoid or adopt. For example, if you want to take a picture of someone, always ask them for permission. The best way for acceptance is to have established a prior contact. Similarly, do not distribute gifts at all … This often encourages children to beg, to avoid this kind of drift, it is better to refer to the local structures competent (donate to school, hospital, village chief etc.). Finally, be careful not to wear too light clothing (short shorts, cleavage …) and avoid exuberant behavior.