Buddhism and Blossoms in Vientiane
Overview
Experience the serenity of Laos through its religion and nature. Visit tranquil Buddhist temples where locals partake in deeply spiritual daily rituals. Trek through a National Park to seek out exotic wild orchids growing in the jungle. Stay overnight in a rural village untouched by the modern world.
Trip Highlights
Join an Orchid Trek
Trek through the beautiful environs of a National Park to seek out exotic wild orchids and other indigenous Lao flora.
Sleep in a Village
Spend a night in a rural Laos village and join the local residents for a traditional dinner.
Embrace Buddhism
Witness the rituals and traditions of Buddhism and understand how they are integrated in to the daily life of the Lao people.
Itinerary
Vientiane - Arrival
Vientiane Airport – Vientiane (4 km): 15 min
Upon arrival to Vientiane, our guide and driver will be waiting at the airport to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free at leisure to explore Vientiane.
For a great first experience, head down to the riverfront in the early evening. Strolling along the Mekong, enjoy sampling local snacks or browsing some of the many souvenir stalls. As this area is also very popular amongst the locals, it’s a great place to get acquainted with Lao culture.
Overnight in Vientiane
Vientiane - City Tour - Orchid Farm - Ban Hatkhay
Vientiane – Orchid Farm: 20 minOrchid Farm – Ban Hatkhay (100 km): 2 hours
This morning, enjoy a half-day guided tour through Vientiane. Start off at Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. While it can only be viewed from outside, the nearby Presidential Palace is a beautiful glimpse into the colonial past of Laos.
Continue with a visit to COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them.
Next is a visit to the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where sweeping views of the city await from its accessible roof. Afterwards,Enjoy a delicious lao -style lunch at Lao Kitchen.
After lunch, head to the Orchid Farm to meet up with an orchid expert (French & English speaking). The guide will explain the different species of orchids and the efforts made to protect these fragile flowers.
Drive on to Ban Hatkhay, the final destination for the night, arriving around 17:30-18:00. After a short tour of the village, enjoy a traditional Lao dinner alongside the locals.
Overnight in Ban Hatkhay
Orchid Trek - Vientiane
fter breakfast at the village, depart around 09:00 for the Tad Sae waterfall. It will be a 2-hour walk to reach Tad Saang, a cascade of over 50 meters wide and 5 meters high. The waterfall is a beautiful place with a large pool, ideal for swimming.
After lunch nearby the waterfall, depart for the other side of the Nam Leuk to reach the trek’s starting point. The second part of the trek, which is rich in forest and a variety of landscapes, will last around 2 hours.
After the trekking experience, head back to the village for refreshments and a transfer to Vientiane around 18:00.
The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Vientiane
Vientiane - Departure
Vientiane – Vientiane Airport (4 km): 15 min
After breakfast, enjoy the remainder of the morning free at leisure before transport (provided) to the airport for the departing flight.
Option: Enjoy a relaxing Lao massage
This traditional massage technique will help relieve aches and pains stored in the muscles, improve blood circulation, increase energy and flexibility. The technique uses firm thumb and palm pressure on the body's energy lines.
Price: from 12 USD/pax (without transfer)
Important Information
Our Services Include:
- Hotel accommodation in shared twin/double room with daily breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles.
- English speaking local guide (for other languages supplements apply) – Orchid expert on Day 2 and 3 (French & English speaking – for other languages supplements apply)
- All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary.
Our Services do not Include:
- International and domestic flights (quoted separately).
- Meals other than mentioned above.
- Camera/video entrance fees.
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance, tips, visa
- Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Please consider that wild orchids are rare plants, even in national park! Most of them blooming one time a year and just a few days, some just appear in rainy season, but there is some blooming every month, the pick is January to June.
- Maximum 10 pax per group
- Trekking difficulty level: 2-3, moderate
- Responsible Tourism: This trip not only shows you the ecological wonders of Laos, but the trek was designed to support the local villagers and teach them important conservation techniques.
“This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your guide will have the final say.”
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