Dear Travel Partners,

 We are pleased to provide the following new tours, hotel promotions and information for Laos...

 NEW SIC Tour: Experience the majesty and beauty of Luang Prabang

*SIC Tour - Every Wednesday - June to September 2015*

This tour will take you on an excursion to Laos' most beautiful and cozy town - Luang Prabang.  Luang Prabang is the former royal capital and spiritual center of Laos. It lies around 425km north of Vientiane, and is situated on the border of the well-known Mekong River. Luang Prabang offers some of the most interesting fusion of traditional architecture and European colonial style, giving it the status of a World Heritage Site.

After breakfast, visit Wat Xieng Thong, this 15th century wat is the most important in Luang Prabang and one of the most important in the entire country.  Walk down a few steps from the temple to the Mekong River, where you'll board a traditional slow boat for the next part of the journey.

In the afternoon, visit the holy Tam Ting Caves (also called the Pak Ou caves), where the Nam Ou River meets the Mekong.  This is a site of ancient spiritual significance, both Buddhist and animist. Within the two caves of Tam Ting are over 4,000 stupas, shrines, and carvings of Buddha.  Then continue on to some local villages along the river where locals produce Lao Whisky (Lou Lao) and craft paper made from the bark of mulberry trees.

After resting for the night at your hotel, visit a colourful local market before heading by car to the stunningly beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls with crystal clear turquoise waters, stopping along the way to visit the H'mong and Khamu villages to learn about their traditions and cultures.

On the final day, rise early (around 5:30am) to assist with the ritual of the "Tak Bat," practice of offering food to the monks.  The monks leave the monasteries early in the morning, walking in a single file, oldest first, carrying their alms bowls in front of them. Laypeople wait for them, sometimes kneeling, and place food, flowers or incense sticks in the bowls.

For the remainder of the day, enjoy a tour of Wat Visun and Wat Aham. Walk along the street, climb Phu Si Mountain to enjoy the view overlooking the city and take in the amazing view the Nam Kan River joining the Mekong. From here you we can clearly see the magic Mekong and the tributaries of the Nam Khan River.

 
 Green Season "Stay 3 Pay 2" Hotel Promotions:

 Victoria Xiengthong Palace:
 Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, surrounded by the golden spires of the town's famous Buddhist temples is Victoria Xiengthong Palace, the last residence of the Laos Royal Family. This beautiful boutique property has been lovingly restored to its former glory, and once more sits proudly on the banks of the Mekong River.
 From 1st April until 31st October 2015
  

3 Nagas: Located in Luang Prabang's Old Quarter, The 3 Nagas is a charming boutique hotel within a short walk to the city's major tourist attractions. It is also on the path of the morning alms giving procession. Housed in 3 restored UNESCO Heritage buildings. A gorgeous courtyard garden, which is beside the Nam Khan River and wonderful fine dining restaurant, makes 3 Nagas the perfect place to enjoy the idyllic Lao lifestyle.
 From now until 30th September 2015

Villa Maly: 4+ Star Luang Prabang boutique hotel. An oasis. A destination unto itself. Once the home of Lao royalty, Villa Maly is today an exquisite luxury boutique hotel, ensconced by a profusion of tropical flora. Its rooms evoke the subdued elegance and creative flourishes of yesterday's aristocrats. Its wonderful situation, in an enclave of classic old homes, will embed itself in your dreams of.
 From 1st April until 30th October 2015 

 Focus Asia ITB Representative for Laos

On behalf of Focus Asia Laos, Mr Laothong - Deputy Office Manager, will be attending ITB.  He will be available to answer any questions you may have or provide more detailed information.  

He looks forward to meeting you there - Hall 26A, Booth No.110, from March 4th-8th.

If you have any questions or require more detailed information on the articles above, please contact your Sales Manager in charge.

Sincerely,

Your Focus Asia Team