Press Digest 13th March 2007

Top city, top beer! Already hailed as the best-preserved city in South East Asia, Luang Prabang in Laos, wins ‘Top City’ category in the Wanderlust Travel Awards 2007. Laos also produces one of the world’s top beers – Beer Lao - a refreshing and convivial prospect after a day’s exploration. Simon Calder checks out Laos and its local brew on BBC One’s Holiday programme on Wednesday!

However, if touring by folding bicycle is not your bag, tailor made Far Eastern specialist Magic of the Orient’s 7-night tour visits the Laotian capital, Vientiane, the royal gem - Luang Prabang (World Heritage) and concludes with a stay in Bangkok, departing Heathrow daily.
On arrival in Laos enjoy a city tour of Vientiane including Vat Sisaket - the city’s oldest original temple featuring 6,480 Buddha images, Haw Phra Kaew - the former royal temple of Lao monarchy and Patousay - the victory gate constructed in 1958 and inspired by l’Arc d’Triumph in Paris, one of the country’s most photographed images. Next, explore the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, surrounded by mountains and nestling at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers. The first Lao Kingdom was established in 1353 with Luang Prabang remaining a Royal Capital until 1975. Right at its heart are temples, traditional stilted wooden houses, French colonial buildings and the Royal Palace Museum. Highlights include a city tour and a boat ride along the Mekong River to explore the mysterious Pak Ou caves brimming with thousands of Buddha statues. After a picnic lunch, visit the riverside village of Ban Phanom, where rice wine is locally produced and traditional Lao textiles are woven on ancient wooden looms. Transfer to Bangkok for a final two nights at the Banyan Tree Bangkok before returning home.

Holidays costs from £1,550 p/p including scheduled flights, all transfers and full board hotel accommodation in Laos (B&B in Bangkok).