Capturing a Blissful and Blessed Vientiane
Vientiane is not your average capital. Heavily influenced by the French, the seat of the Laotian government lacks aspects of what is commonly defined as a hustle-and-bustle metropolis where time moves fast. The contrary is actually the truth; tree-lined boulevards with small coffee corner, temples and religious shrines where a coming-and-going of the faithful may be the only traffic jam during that day, and where life takes on an even slower pace when settling down along the Mekong for the sun to set.
The aura of Laos’ kind-hearted city flows, not inadvertently, also further afield. A slightly different approach of Vientiane’s artistic and warm-hearted side comes in the shape of this almost full day exploration of the often overlooked side.
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Capturing a Blissful and Blessed Vientiane
Pickup included
What's included in Capturing a Blissful and Blessed Vientiane
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Buddha Park
In tune with the city’s rhythm, your guide and driver will arrive at your hotel at around 9:30pm, ample time to prepare yourself without the rush. The tour commences with an approximately 45-minute drive to the Buddha Park. Situated on the outskirts of Vientiane on the Mekong River is a vast manicured garden lined with trees that is home to over 200 concrete sculptures of Buddha, Hindu Gods, demons and mythological creatures of different sizes. The park's most striking sculpture is a huge pumpkin with three levels representing earth, heaven and hell which can be explored via a staircase and at the top offers spectacular views of the park. Despite its interesting sculptures, Buddha Park is not a temple although locals regularly frequent the park to worship its religious monuments like its large reclining Buddha. Built in 1958 by an eccentric business man, The Buddha Park offers great views into neighboring Thailand.
Lao Disabled Womens Development Center Shop
We head over to our lunch address at a unique and meaningful place in Laos. The Lao Disabled Development Centre is a non-government organization delivering free education and support to the disabled females in the Laotian society. Women from across the country are able to come, live and study here to become valuable and contributing members of the Laotian population. After enjoying a locally prepared lunch, your guide will show you around the complex where handicraft, sewing and weaving are being taught by volunteers. The whole centre is maintained through donations: contributing and visiting this centre of hope and empowerment directly contributes to the wellbeing of disabled women. After this meaningful visit, we head back to Vientiane to bring you back to your accommodation at around 2:30pm.
Inclusions
- A professional English-speaking guide.
- All applicable taxes and service charges
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
- Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)
- All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
- Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
- Single supplement charges for single travellers, where applicable
- Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
- Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
- Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Vientiane.
- Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Ngam Num Lake, Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, and Vientiane International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
- Customers are reminded to submit their passport number and expiration date with their reservation. These are essential requirements as outlined by local immigration regulations.
- We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
- Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
- We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
- It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
- In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.
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Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Additional Information
We can pick up from hotels inside Vientiane, Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
- Please contact Asian Trails at least 72 hours before your activity date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation. Changes within 24 hours may be on request. - Pick-up times for excursions will be reconfirmed one day prior to commencement of your booked excursion. As an indication, the pick-up time from your accommodation is scheduled 30-60 minutes prior to the confirmed starting time. - Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minute prior to your scheduled pick up time. - Upon pickup, please present your confirmation/voucher or photo ID in exchange for your activity. In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.