Day 1. Chiangrai – HoueiSay – Pakbeng
After passing through immigration, you cross the Mekong River to
HoueiSay in Laos where your Lao guide will be waiting for you at the
immigration point. After completing border formalities, you board a
ready traditional boat for the trip down the Mekong River. Serene,
timeless Laos is one of Asia’s most unvisited, unchanged countries. This
once-powerful kingdom known as Lane Xang (Million Elephants) was
founded in the 14th century with the help of the Khmers, and it went on
to become one of the largest kingdoms in Southeast Asia until its demise
in the late 19th century. Bisected and bordered by the Mekong River,
omnipresent symbol of Indochina, Laos today is an amalgam of cultural
influences; Theravada Buddhism, animism, France, and the socialist
ideal. It is a peaceful place, and the legendary hospitality, resilience
and friendliness of the Lao people is much in evidence. Laos is Old
Asia preserved. As your journey downriver you will stop at some tribal
minority villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu. Upon arrival in
Pakbeng, we visit local market; experience daily lifestyle of colorful
hill tribe traders exchanges their goods. Overnight in Pakbeng.
Day 2. Pakbeng – Pak Ou Cave – Luang Prabang (B)
Breakfast, as you sail downriver as a second leg, you will pass areas
of un-spoilt forest with little villages along the riverbanks and
perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. You visit a fishing
village and a rice winemaking village and perhaps even taste some of the
infamous beverage known as Lao Rice wine. You also visit the Pak-Ou
caves, where thousands of Buddha statues are stored. You arrive in Luang
Prabang around sunset and transfer to your hotel. This charming city of
UNESCO world heritage site, The Luang Prabang is a small, dream-like
town on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, in a beautiful mountain setting.
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.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 3. Luang Prabang – City Tours – Khouangsi Waterfall (B)
This morning you may want to wake up 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.
AM: We are exploring, 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.
PM: We excursion out the town to experience local lifestyle of Luang
Prabang Villages and most beautiful waterfall in Luang Prabang. On the
way, visit Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as
dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens,
vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its
traditional handicrafts, and continues visit local village of Lao ethnic
minority groups at Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene and the weaving village of
Ban Phanom. Time permitting you may also wish to drive to the beautiful
Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk
along the forest paths. Return to Luang Prabang city by late afternoon
and visit 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 – Vientiane (B)
Breakfast, We are strolling around and visit the Silver smith’s and
the Central Market are not to be missed. We visit these sights, this
morning before we catch a flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, we see the
major temples including the oldest Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of
miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo
previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the
famous, sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some
pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc
de Triumph, sunset by Mekong Riverside and late evening, Overnight in
Vientiane.
Day 5. Vientiane – Departure (B)
After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market and the weaving village
of Ban Nong Bouathong (if time permits). The tour ends after your
transfer to Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge for departure.
GroupCost: US$ per pax |
1 pax |
2 pax |
3-6 pax |
7-11 pax |
12-15 pax |
16-19 pax |
20 up pax |
Singular |
Lunch |
Dinner |
Superior |
1,520 |
830 |
762 |
495 |
423 |
408 |
426 |
178 |
74 |
96 |
First Class |
1,576 |
874 |
804 |
535 |
464 |
448 |
441 |
193 |
90 |
113 |
Deluxe |
1,947 |
1,050 |
980 |
711 |
640 |
624 |
617 |
387 |
113 |
150 |
City |
Superior 3-Star |
First Class 4-Star |
Deluxe 5-Star |
Vientiane |
Day Inn |
Lao Plaza |
Settha Palace |
Luang Prabang |
Parasol Blanc |
Villa Santi |
La Residence |
Pakbeng |
Pakbeng Lodge |
Pakbeng Lodge |
PakbengLodge |
HoueiSay |
Thaveesinh |
Thaveesinh |
Thaveesinh |
Price includes:
- Transportation in private air-conditioned
- Domestic airticket with airport tax
- Accommodation in twin shared
- Boat trip as stated in above sights
- English or French speaking guide
- 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.