Luang Prabang(1)

11/27(Sat)	Tokyo(Narita) 10:55-Cathay Pacific Airways(CX)501-15:10 Hong Kong(Chek Lap Kok) 18:25-Cathay Pacific Airways(CX)706-20:15 Bangkok(Don Muang)
Lodging	Airport Suite Don Muang Bangkok / US$37 (1,400B) per night
Lodging	[booking sites for you / agoda.com]
Major expense(s)	Taxi / Don Muang - hotel: 150B
Related Sites	General Links - Asia Thailand Bangkok and its surroundings
My Advice	In case of transit at Hong Kong International Airport, I recommend you to go to free Internet Lounges near Gate 21, 22 and Cyber Trip near Gate 62. If you have much time, you should go to Regal Airport Hotel for using the transit travellers' services. Airport Suite Don Muang Bangkok (ex Comfort Suites Airport) Hotel offers free shuttle bus transfer from-to the airport. You should advise arrival flight details in advance, or you call the hotel when arrival. There is nothing to see around the hotel. If you arrive there at night, I suggest get a Thai traditional massage in your room. It cost you 400B. And Internet access fee is 125B per half an hour.

11/28(Sun)	Bangkok(Don Muang) 12:20-Thai Airways(TG)616-13:30 Chiang Mai 17:00-Lao Airlines(QV)645-18:00 Luang Prabang
Lodging	Phousi / US$47 per night
Lodging	[booking sites for you / agoda.com]
Major expense(s)	Airport Tax for International: 500B sawng-thaew (Laotian bus) coupon ticket / Luang Prabang airport - hotel: US$5 (50,000K)
Related Sites	General Links - Asia Thailand Laos Bangkok and its surroundings
My Advice	You shouldn't expect Lao Airlines to fly on schedule as my friends said so. This flight was an hour and a half delayed because of Tenth ASEAN Summit, Vientiane, 29-30 November 2004, I heard Lao Airlines are often delayed. The exchange bank at Luang Prabang Airport was closed because of Sunday, I guess. Since US dollars are usually accepted in Laos, I recommend you to carry them. If you visit there via Thailand, you should also carry Thai baht because of good market price. Please see exchange rate on Vientiane Times for your information. The tourist information staff at Luang Prabang Airport help you to find hotels or guest houses, and go downtown by sawng-thaew (Laotian bus). The coupon is US$5 (50,000K), which is recommended because you can avoid being overcharged.


Lunch at Chiang Mai Airport	Dinner at Luang Prabang

11/29(Mon)

sightseeing in Luang Prabang
visit of Ban Xang Hai and Pak Ou Cave

Lodging

Phousi / US$47 per night

[booking sites for you / agoda.com]

hotel's staff

Major expense(s)

admission fee

That Phousi, Vat Xiengthong, Pak Ou Cave: US$1 (10,000K) each

tuktuk hired

visit of Ban Xang Hai and Pak Ou Cave: US$10 (100,000K)

Pak Ou Boat

Pak Ou Village from-to the Cave: US$1 (10,000K)

Related Sites

My Advice

Many of temple in Luang Prabang are within walking distance, but tuktuk is easy to use because of reasonable price. Its price is US$1 (10,000K) for one way, US$2 (20,000K) for round trip, including waiting your destination. Bargaining by Lao Kip recommended.
If you would like to go a long way by chartered tuktuk, you should avoid this way except dry season because of dirt road in suburban area.
And you may be often asked to get off and walk or push the car on the uphill road. If you feel it troublesome to be done it, I suggest join a half day mini bus tour. Its price is about US$5, which is far lower than chartered tuktuk.
The chief merit of chartered tuktuk is exploring any tourist attractions at your pleasure. If you meet a conscientious driver, you will have a grand day.

That Phousi
The sacred hill across the street from the museum is accessible through the 328-step staircases to That Chomsi on the top of the hill, the view on the Mekong and Nam Khan river is splendid. It is also a perfect place to enjoy the magnificent sunset.

Vat Xiengthong
Built during the 16th Century by King Saysethathirath and completed in 1560, Vat Xiengthong temple is one of the most interesting examples of art and Buddhist architecture. The intricate golden facades, colorful murals, glass mosaics and unique three-layered roof make this one of the most beautiful temples in Asia.

Vat Sene
Thai style wat built in 1718 and restored in 1957. The abbot Ajan Khamjan who was ordained here in 1940 is one of the most revered monks in Luang Prabang and perhaps in all of Laos.

Lunch at Sack Restaurant, opposite of the Vat Sene (Nov. 29 and 30)

Kao Soi (Northern Lao Noodles)	Laap Kai Pa (Minced Wild Chicken)

Dried Mekong Seaweed It is the best snack with drinks.

Ban Xang/Shang Hai and Pak Ou Cave
Situated on the Mekong River, just a short distance from Luang Prabang, the sacred Tham Ting Caves can be visited. These underground sanctuaries have been venerated for centuries where thousands of Buddha statues are housed. The number of Buddha images has been increasing in these caves as locals bring Buddhas to place in the cave when they visit. The cave can be reached either by short trip to the point where the Nam Ou River meet the Mekong River or by road to Ban Xang/Shang Hai Village. At this village you can also witness the villagers making "Laow Lao"(fermented rice liquor). Visitors can sample the drink and purchase locally made handicrafts.