4 days / 3 nights
Luang Prabang
Venture deep into the heart of Laotian culture with a visit to the ancient settlement of Luang Prabang, where temples and pagodas rise out of the forest and the pace of life is relaxed and unhurried.
Featuring three nights at La Résidence Phou Vao, plus a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city or a river trip on the Mekong.
Laos is landlocked by its neighbours - Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar(Burma), China and Vietnam - and offers the visitor an unspoilt, fascinating adventure, as most of the country remains untouched by tourism. Beautiful, forested hills hide their treasures of caves and pure, refreshing waterfalls.
The ancient town of Luang Prabang was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Considered by many travellers and writers to be the heart of the Laotian culture, the tiny town is encircled by mountains and is at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers.
The deeply entrenched Buddhist culture touches every part of life, making the tourist's encounter with the Lao people one of warm welcomes. Temples, pagodas and stupas dot the country, with glints of golden rooftops visible as the sun rises over the mountains. Early morning alms-giving ceremonies see the towns flooded with saffron-robed monks, collecting food offerings in their small bowls. Laos is a truly captivating country, where the gentle pace of life invites the visitor to relax and absorb the beauty of their surroundings.
Day 1 : Luang Prabang
Fly from Bangkok to Luang Prabang with Bangkok Airways, and transfer to La Résidence Phou Vao for three nights. Breakfast and two dinners are included.
La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang (Laos)
Offering travellers a peaceful sanctuary set at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers with breathtaking views of the mountains is La Résidence Phou Vao, an Orient-Express property. Set among three hectares of lush gardens, rich with bougainvillea, frangipani and palms, the hotel offers 32 spacious rooms and suites, each with balcony, decorated with rosewood and furnished with local materials to reflect the harmony and heritage of Lao architecture. Each room has a mini bar, safe and satellite TV.
Leisure facilities include a stunning infinity pool, and a sumptuous Spa - the first in Luang Prabang. The Spa offers a full range of face and body treatments including facials, massages, and packages for individuals and couples. The custom-designed spa treatments are based on traditional Lao herbal remedies aimed at healing and nurturing, and use only pure botanical ingredients from the organic herb garden and local farms.
Follow a passage, with doors painted with guardian divinities, to the restaurant. French cuisine, with exotic touches, and traditional Lao dishes, are served with impeccable service. After dinner, perhaps enjoy a nightcap in Dok Champa bar.
Day 2 : Luang Prabang
Full day city tour or river trip on the Mekong River to Pak Ou. Lunch is included.
Day 3 : Luang Prabang
Day at leisure - optional sightseeing can be arranged.
Day 4 : Bangkok
Transfer to the airport and the return flight to Bangkok.
Holiday Prices (per person) 2011 :
|
January / |
March / |
May - September |
October | November / |
| Mountain View | £1,070 | £905 | £800 | £920 | £1,100* |
| Garden View | £1,025 | £875 | £755 | £890 | £1,025* |
Prices are based on sharing. Single supplements on request.
Additional Sightseeing can be arranged on your arrival and/or departure day.
*Supplements may apply over Christmas and New Year.
