Page 19 - Thailand Laos Cambodia Myanmar 26 Day Sample

At the La Residence Phou Vao reservations for a Mountain View Room have been confirmed for the following 3 nights. Positioned atop a hill, with stunning mountain views, La Résidence Phou Vao is an unforgettable place to stay. Its calm, tranquil ambience echoes that of the sleepy World Heritage town of Luang Prabang—former royal capital of Laos. The hotel is known for its wonderful French-influenced local cuisine. Relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy stepping back into a more gracious era. Laos, also known as the "Land of a Million Elephants," is one of the most unknown and least developed countries of Indochina. Maybe this is due to the fact that it is the only Southeast Asian country without access to the sea, or maybe because Laos has never played a significant role in the world history and had disappeared in the 19th century from the maps for a considerable time. Laos is a country of soft voices. Uncomplainingly the Lao people bowed to their fate during the Vietnam War when the American pilots dropped most of their bombs on Laos - overall more than Germany was bombed with during World War II. The Laotian people are predominantly Buddhist and are a very friendly and hospitable people. The national religion of the Laotian people is Theravada Buddhism, which was introduced into Laos in the 14th Century. Thus, about 2,000 ancient pagodas in Laos are not only worshipping places but also socio-cultural institutions. Luang Prabang is rich in cultural heritage, known as the seat of Lao culture, with monasteries, monuments, traditional costumes and surrounded by natural beauty. According to the Luang Prabang legend, the first name of Luang Prabang was Muang Swa, named after King Khun Xua around the 8th Century. Later known as Xieng Dong and Xieng Thong. During the reign of King Fa Ngum between 1354 and 1372 A.D. Xieng Dong and Xieng Thong cities were renamed Luang Prabang in the name of the gold image of Buddha, The Phrabang. Luang Prabang was the capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom from 1354 A.D. The capital was then transferred to Vientiane city in 1560 A.D. This evening enjoy a baci ceremony where gentle villages offer their foreign visitors tidings of good luck for their travels. After the ceremony, enjoy beautiful classical and folk dances, and take part in Laos’ social dance "Lamvong" with the local people. You’re also invited to try some local Laotian food such as sticky rice, local canapés & tea. Overnight: La Residence Phou Vao – Mountain View Room