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2 THE BEST OF LAOS IN 1 WEEK<br />
Although infrastructure in <strong>Laos</strong> is vastly improved, traveling can still be a little rough. If<br />
you have only a week, it is probably best to confine yourself to Vientiane, Vang Vieng,<br />
and Luang Prabang.<br />
Day 1: Vientiane<br />
After arriving in Vientiane, start the day<br />
by visiting the city’s oldest temple, Wat Si<br />
Saket (p. 231). Check out the thousands<br />
<strong>of</strong> miniature Buddha statues. <strong>The</strong>n head<br />
for the former royal temple <strong>of</strong> Haw Pha<br />
Kaeo (p. 228), which previously housed<br />
the famous emerald Buddha image that is<br />
now in Bangkok. On the way to the<br />
famous and sacred structure <strong>of</strong> Phra That<br />
Luang (p. 230), you can stop to take a<br />
look at the imposing Patuxai Monument<br />
(p. 230), a huge structure very closely<br />
echoing the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. As<br />
the sun goes down, make your way to the<br />
Mekong for a relaxing drink before enjoying<br />
a meal at one <strong>of</strong> the many superb restaurants<br />
the city has to <strong>of</strong>fer.<br />
Day 2: Vang Vieng<br />
Travel by road to Vang Vieng, possibly<br />
making a stop at the 11th-century archaeological<br />
sight <strong>of</strong> Vang Xang. Upon arrival at<br />
Vang Vieng, you can cross the Nam Song<br />
River, and then enjoy a short walk or trek<br />
through the breathtaking and eerie karsk<br />
scenery to Tam None cave and the nearby<br />
hill villages. Today ends with a glorious<br />
view <strong>of</strong> the sunset over the Nam Song<br />
River. Enjoy a quiet dinner in one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
restaurants in town, although in all honesty<br />
Vang Vieng is a little disappointing on the<br />
food front. Pick one by the river, near the<br />
hospital unless you like noise.<br />
Day 3: Tubing on the Nam Song<br />
River<br />
Have a relaxing and watery day drifting<br />
down the Nam Song river on inflated<br />
tractor-tire inner tubes. This has become a<br />
must-do in Vang Vieng over the years.<br />
Day 4: Driving on Rte. 13<br />
Travel by road on the truly spectacular<br />
Rte. 13 to Luang Prabang. It is one <strong>of</strong><br />
Asia’s most beautiful drives. You will need<br />
to start early. <strong>The</strong> scenery is unrivaled,<br />
with a mixture <strong>of</strong> steep terraced fields and<br />
hill-tribe villages, and there are some interesting<br />
stops along the way.<br />
Day 5: Luang Prabang<br />
Spend the day wandering the spellbinding<br />
city <strong>of</strong> Luang Prabang, enjoying the faded<br />
colonial charm <strong>of</strong> the place including the<br />
city’s oldest temple, the magnificent Wat<br />
Xieng Thong (p. 278). In the afternoon,<br />
take a cruise on the Mekong River, enjoying<br />
the special tranquillity <strong>of</strong> the area, and<br />
visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves,<br />
crammed with thousands <strong>of</strong> gold Buddha<br />
statues (p. 280). Along the way, make a<br />
stop at the village <strong>of</strong> Ban Xang Hai,<br />
known as Lao Whiskey village for their<br />
local moonshine (p. 281). Once back in<br />
Luang Prabang, take a short drive to Ban<br />
Phanom, well known for its hand weaving<br />
(p. 280). In the evening, wander through<br />
the night market where handicrafts, jewelry,<br />
and souvenirs <strong>of</strong> all sorts amount to a<br />
shopper’s nirvana.<br />
Day 6: More Highlights <strong>of</strong> Luang<br />
Prabang<br />
Visit the Royal Palace Museum (p. 270),<br />
which houses a superb collection <strong>of</strong> Lao<br />
cultural artifacts dating from the days <strong>of</strong><br />
the early kings right through to the last<br />
one. <strong>The</strong>n take a look at the impressive<br />
stupa <strong>of</strong> Wat Visoun (p. 278), the shrine<br />
<strong>of</strong> Wat Aham, then climb up to the top <strong>of</strong><br />
Phousi Hill for an exploration <strong>of</strong> the<br />
sacred, gilded stupa, and a beautiful sunset<br />
view <strong>of</strong> the city and the Mekong River.<br />
53<br />
SUGGESTED CAMBODIA & LAOS ITINERARIES 4<br />
THE BEST OF LAOS IN 1 WEEK