4 Days / 3 Nights
Bako National Park
Spiritual Vientiane
4 Days / 3 Nights
, Laos
Overview
Spirituality is central to Lao life. Experience this connection through a series of immersive activities in Vientiane. Awake in the early morning to donate alms with the locals, meditate in a secluded Buddhist temple and chat with monks to learn about their daily lives and activities.
Trip Highlights
Meet with Laos Monks
Gain a deeper insight of Lao culture by discussing Buddhism and the Buddhist way of life with local monks.
Offer alms to monks at dawn
Join Vientiane residents in the early morning as they present offerings to Buddhist monks in order to receive merit.
Visit ancient religious monuments
Explore the Buddha-filled hallways of Wat Sisaket, examine religious artwork at Wat Phra Keo and pay homage at Laos’ most holy stupa, That Luang.
Itinerary
1
Vientiane arrival
Vientiane Airport – Vientiane (4 km): 15 min
Upon arrival in Vientiane, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After checking in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure getting acquainted with the city.
Overnight in Vientiane
2
Vientiane – Alms Giving & City Tour
Begin the day early (05:00-05:30) with a hotel pick up from the guide to take part in the practice of giving alms to Lao Buddhist monks. Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, begin the city tour with a visit to the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital. Continue onwards to Wat Phra Keo, which acts as a religious museum displaying a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace, offering a glimpse into the city’s colonial past.
Next visit 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.
Enjoy a delicious lao-style lunch at Lao Kitchen.
Continue to the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where beautiful city views await from the accessible roof. The final visit is to the 16th century That Luang, the holiest site in Laos.
After the tour, return to the hotel to relax.
End the day strolling along the banks of the Mekong River where cool drinks, delicious local snacks and unique souvenirs can be found.
Overnight in Vientiane
3
Vientiane – Meeting the Monks
Vientiane – Sok Pa Luang (3 km): 10 min
After breakfast at the hotel, depart in the morning for Wat Sok Pa Luang, a forest temple renowned for its work in Engaged Buddhism. Tour the temple’s gardens and meet with one of the resident monks, who will also be the teacher/guide for the day.
Begin with a general discussion on the subject of Buddhism, providing the chance to ask any questions about the religion that may arise. The remainder of the morning is dedicated to meditation training. The relaxed surroundings provide the luxury of tranquility and time for to practice both sitting and walking meditation.
After the meditation session, visit the temple’s traditional sauna and chat with the Lao nuns that manage it. Learn how Buddhism is not only an age-old religion with regional traditions, but also a socially engaged pillar of contemporary Lao society.
The guide will have brought offerings from Vientiane, which can be presented to the monks before lunch.
This afternoon, practice the meditation techniques and learn more from the resident monks, before returning to Vientiane.
Overnight in Vientiane
4
Vientiane – Departure
Vientiane – Vientiane Airport (4 km): 15 min
After breakfast, enjoy the morning free at leisure before the guide and driver provide transport to the airport for the departing flight.
Important Information
Inclusions
Notes
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)
- 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.
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