Day 1: Thailand - Houeixai - Pakbeng
On arrival at Houeixai border gate, you are met by our guide and
transferred to the boat landing. We embark a traditional boat
for a cruise downstream on the Mekong River. This reach is not
too large but both riversides are bordered by imposing mountain
ranges. The pace of our trip is very relaxing, a perfect way to
observe the breathtaking scenery and the rural life close up.
Along the way we will anchor for a short walk to visit some
riverside villages, which are inhabited by the Hmong and Yao
people. They are very poor, but have an interesting culture and
a colorful history. By late afternoon we arrive in Pakeng. This
lovely village sets against the mountain backdrop and overlooks
the confluence of the Mekong River and Nam Beng Rivers. The
various ethnic minority people are frequently seen on the main
street of Pakbeng and small vendors sell local textiles and
handicraft. O/N in Pakbeng. (L)
Day 2: Pakbeng - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
The traditional morning market in Pakbeng also attracts numerous
ethnic minorities who converge from the outlying valleys and
mountainsides to sell their goods and buy provision. Today we
have time to walk around this bustling congregation. Upon
leaving this riverside village we re-embark our boat navigating
towards Luang Prabang. This river cruise passes through the
stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. They
are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of
various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers.
We explore these famous grottoes and navigate to Luang Prabang.
This delightful town with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial
architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, retains an unique
charm rarely found in all Asia. On arrival we check in hotel and
enjoy a short walk to catch our first glimpse of town. O/N in
Luang Prabang. (B,L)
Day 3: Luang Prabang
Today we spend a full day exploring this town with the
magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which is overlooking the Mekong
River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with
gilded stuccoes , doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic
pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple
architecture of Luang Prabang. We follow it with the national
museum. This interesting mansion displays a lovely collection of
treasures and artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture
dating from the days of the early kings right through the last
sovereign. There are also plenty to see in this town, some of
which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese
styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five
tiered roof Wat Mai. We visit these sites and embark on a walk
up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town
center and the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading
us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded
stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N at Luang Prabang. (B)
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Khouang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang
The mountainous areas around Luang Prabang Town are also home of
many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in
secluded jungle. Today we catch a drive southwards to Phosi
Market that sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts.
Upon leaving this lively market we make our way through the
verdant and rugged scenery to Ban Thapene , Ban Xom and Ban
Namai which are conquered by the Lao Loum, Khmu and Hmong
people. They are very poor but have interesting culture and
colorful history. These tribal groups have originally settled in
mountain side therefore it may involve some short walks to visit
their villages. We arrives at Khouang Si Fall and spend the time
relaxing in marvellous setting of waterfall and lush forest. The
waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into
the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable
escape. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang (Overland)
The following destination of our trip is Xieng Khouang. This
remote province was devastated by American bombing between 1964
and 1973. Upon leaving Luang Prabang Town we set off on a drive
along a zigzag route past the rugged and verdant landscape.
These back roads are a great way to explore the real Laos. We
see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are
just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of
theirs. The journey is very long and bumpy at times, but we can
make many stops as we please, to stretch our legs or catch some
wonderful photographs. The drive will deliver us to Phonsavanh,
center of Xieng Khouang by mid or late afternoon depending the
roads and traffic conditions. O/N in Xieng Khouang. (B)
Day 6: Xieng Khouang - Plain of Jars - Vientiane
Heading out of town we make a short drive to visit the "Plan of
Jars" , an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of
large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge
jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of
archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. We
follow it with a trip to the province's old capital of Muang
Khun which was largely destroyed in the bombing raids, and the
nearby villages. They are conquered by the Hmong people who have
an interesting local culture and a colourful history. By mid
afternoon we board a flight taking us over the mountainous
region back to the capital city. On arrival you are greeted by
our guide and transferred to hotel. The remainder of day will be
free for your own exploration of the town. O/N in Vientiane. (B)
Day 7: Vientiane
The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is small
city conjuring up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao,
Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We start our city
tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in
Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes
and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former royal
temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous
Emerald Buddha Image. We see these sites before continuing to
Patouxai. This imposing monument standing in Lane Xang Avenue,
is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe and provides a
stunning views of the city. Heading out of town we see the giant
Friendship Bridge and the impressive Buddha Park. This landmark
represents a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by
mystical monk on a parkland located by the Mekong River. An
ideal way of spending your last evening in Laos is to relax in a
cafe by the riverfront. O/N in Vientiane. (B)
Day 8: Vientiane - Departure
There is a free time for your own exploration of the city and
catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after your
transfer to Wattay Airport for departure. (B)
TRIP NOTE:
- LAOS IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY
WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR
HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMOODATION IS
SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.
-
THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE
TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE
IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR
OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND
OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER
AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.
-
THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS
MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO
ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY
LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON
YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD
MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .
-
THE
DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE ,
LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT
CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE
SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH
LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES,
DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.
TRIP PRICE IN US$ PER PERSON
|
DELIGHT OF LAOS |
|
Group Size of |
Standard Class |
First Class |
Superior Class |
Deluxe Class |
|
2 - 3 Pers. |
US$1,073 |
US$1,174 |
US$1,263 |
US$1,459 |
|
4 - 6 Pers. |
US$822 |
US$923 |
US$1,012 |
US$1,208 |
|
7 - 10 Pers. |
US$598 |
US$699 |
US$788 |
US$984 |
|
11 Pers. & up |
US$519 |
US$620 |
US$709 |
US$709 |
|
Single room sup. |
US$128/pers |
US$205/pers |
US$271/pers |
US$418/pers |
|
Full board sup. |
US$119/pers |
US$132/pers |
US$146/pers |
US$159/pers |
|
|
