Day 1: Chiangkhong – Pakbeng (B)
On arrival at HoueiSay in Laos from Chiangkhong (Thailand), we embark
on our traditional boat for cruising downstream on the Mekong River.
This portion of the Mekong River is not too large but both banks of the
rivers are bordered by very beautiful mountain ranges and green forest.
The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe rural life close up.
Along the way, we stop over at Ban Houeilampen to visit the Hmong hill
tripe people. They are very poor, but have an interesting culture and a
colorful history, overnight in Pakbeng.
Day 2: Pakbeng – Oudomxay – Nong Khiow (B)
Early morning upon leaving Pakbeng, we visit the hill tribe market;
we then begin our expedition, venturing into northern Laos mountain
remote area. The roads conditions are good enough to explore; however
the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local
population makes for an unforgettable experience. Today, we drive
through the area, home to various ethnic minority groups including the
Hmong, Khmu, Akha and Taidam. The journey leads us through the scenic
area to Nong Khiow. Here is a chance to visit Hmong at Ban Jarong, Ban
Songja, Khmu hill tribe people before reach Nong Khiow by late
afternoon. Overnight in Nong Khiow.
Day 3: Nong Khiow – Luang Prabang (B)
Breakfast, we board a traditional boat down stream on Nam Ou River,
leisurely on peaceful river and visit some timeless villages starting
from Nong Khiow. Along the way we stop to visit some weaving village of
Khmu. We then continue our journey down to the mount of Pak Ou, where
Nam Ou River meets with Mekong River. There, we visit mysterious caves
of Pak Ou, which are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha
statues of various sizes. We continue our trip down to Luang Prabang.
This former royal capital with its gleaming temple roofs, fading
colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop retains a unique
charm rarely found in all Asia. UNESCO recognized in 1985 as World
Heritage Cultural City, perhaps it’s the best preserved traditional city
in South East Asia”. There is little traffic on Luang Prabang roads and
monks in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas to
shade themselves from the Sun. Observing sunset by the mount of Phousi.
From there, we explore Street Night Market, where you can find the
lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people
surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4: Luang Prabang – City Tours (B)
Early this morning you may want to rise early and participate in the
daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black
Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including
the ubiquitous sticky rice.Breakfast, we are exploring this charming
city of UNESCO world heritage cultural city. From 1353 until 1545 it
was the capital of Lane Xang before power was transferred to Vientiane.
Despite the move Luang Prabang reMained the seat of monarchical power
and when the kingdom broke up in 1694, one of the deceased king’s
grandsons established a rival kingdom to those in Vientiane and
Champassak. Though weakened, the Luang Prabang royalty endured until
1975, when after the reign of 63 kings it was formally dissolved. You
spend the day exploring the temples and sites in what is called one of
the last Shangri-La’s of Southeast Asia. You will visit Wat Xiang Thong,
the most important Buddhist monastery in the country, Wat Visoun, Wat
Khili and Wat Mai. Later, visit the former Royal Palace, now a National
Museum where you will find ornate, gilded and brocaded reception rooms,
as well as Buddha and Atacular artifacts including the Prabang, a large
holy image, which was given in the 14th century by the Khmers to King Fa
Ngum. At sunset climb the nearby temple-topped hill of Phousi where
you’ll catch a lovely view out over the town and the river. From there,
we explore Street Night Market, where you can find the lovely collection
and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang
Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng (B)
An early morning breakfast and departure to Vang Vieng. The journey
is strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic but rough routes
in the whole of Asia. We arrive in Vang Vieng, a small town which is
located on a bend in the Nam Song River. This tranquil town is rapidly
developed with the advent of tourist, but the beautiful scenery with a
mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops is unchanged for century.
We visit Tham Hoy Cave and surrounding village of Khmu and Hmong hill
tribe minorities, where we call another home to colorful ethnic
minorities. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 6: Vang Vieng – Vientiane (B)
Breakfast, we drive ahead to the capital city of Laos is Vientiane
which is located on the banks of the Mekong River. This small town
conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese,
Vietnamese, French influences. After a half day traveling by winding
roads, we arrive in Vientiane and start our city tour [if time permits].
We visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane.
This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha images.
The following sight is Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple of Laos
monarchy, where previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Statue. We
then visit the imposing Patuxai Monument which is well known as
Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph before continuing to the famous That
Luang Stupa. Over night in Vientiane.
Day 7: Vientiane – Lakxao (B)
Early morning, we are heading out to southern Lao capital, driving on
the 13th south, experience the flatland to central Laos and turn to
road no.8, which is the trading route
and
also become one of the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. On the way, we visit
local villages, enjoying the great scenery limestone mountain along the
road, overview the peaceful landscape on Nam Theun River. Arriving at
Laksao, just before Laos – Vietnam border gates, upon arrival, we are
strolling around to this little town and experience local market.
Overnight in Lakxao.
Day 8: Lakxao – Departure. (B)
Early morning, we transfer you to the border between Laos and Vietnam.
GroupCost: US$ per pax
|
1 pax
|
2 pax
|
3-6 pax
|
7 - 11 pax
|
12-15 pax
|
16-19 pax
|
20 up pax
|
Superior
|
2,465 |
1,265 |
927 |
678 |
501 |
488 |
472 |
First Class
|
2,523 |
1,307 |
970 |
722 |
545 |
531 |
516 |
Deluxe
|
2,855 |
1,462 |
1,126 |
877 |
700 |
687 |
671 |
City |
Superior 3-Star |
First Class 4-Star |
Deluxe 5-Star |
Pakbeng |
Pakbeng Lodge |
Pakbeng Lodge |
Pakbeng Lodge |
Nong Khiow |
Phaiboun House |
Phaiboun House |
Phaiboun House |
Luang Prabang |
Parasol Blanc |
Villa Santi |
La Residence |
Vangvieng |
Vansana |
Thavonesouk |
Villa Namsong |
Vientiane |
Day inn |
Lao Plaza |
Settha Palace |
Sala Hinboun |
Sala Hinboun |
Sala Hinboun |
Sala Hinboun |
Price includes:
- Transportation in private air-conditioned
- Accommodation in twin shared
- Boat trip as stated in above sights
- English or French speaking guide
- Elephant riding 2 hrs
- Admission fee to indicated sights
- Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
- Domestic gov’t tax and service charge
- Luggage handling
Price excludes:
- Visa stamping fee on arrival US$30.00/pax
- International airport departure tax US$10.00/pax
- Domestic airticket with airport tax
- International air tickets to/from Laos
- Travel Insurance in all kinds
- Meals: (lunch or dinner, quoted separately)
- Single room (quoted separately)
- Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others not stated.