Day 1: Thailand - Houeixay - Luang Nam Tha
On arrival at Houeixay border gate, you are met and transferred
to the town for a glimpse of this town. This outpost is an
important trading center between China and Thailand who have
left their influence in local architecture and culture. The
exciting exploration of northern Laos begins as we embark on a
private car for a long day traveling to Luang Nam Tha, a land of
rugged mountains, beautiful forest and rich river plain. This
mountainous region is also sharing the border with China and
Myanmar. There are over twenty ethnic groups who are settled in
Luang Nam Tha, making it one of the most ethnically diverse
provinces in Laos. Along the way we make stops, to visit a
village of the Akha minority village. This ethnic group was
originally in China but immigrated into Laos down centuries. We
arrive in Luang Nam Tha by mid or late afternoon depending on
road and traffic conditions. O/N in Luang Nam Tha.
Day 2: Luang Nam Tha - Oudomxay - Nongkhiow
The traditional morning market in Luang Namtha 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
before continuing our overland trip towards Nongkhiow. We pass
many tranquil hamlets linked to the road which is the main
artery of trade between the northern region and the bustling
trading hub of Oudomxay . En route we have several stops to
visit Hmong, Khmu, Black Thai and Lu ethnic minority people.
They are almost settled in off road areas however it may
involves a short walk to visit these villages. On arrival at
Nong Khiow we spend the remainder of our day to walk around the
nearby hamlets. O/N in Nongkhiow. (B)
Day 3: Nongkhiow - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Upon leaving the tranquil village of Nong Khiow we embark a boat
cruising through the breathtaking mountain scenery to the
mysterious Pakou Caves. They are crammed with thousands of gold
lacquered Buddha statues of various sizes, all brought there by
devoted villagers. We visit these famous grottoes and navigate
on the Mekong River down to Luang Prabang. This tranquil town
with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and
stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be the
best preserved traditional city in South East Asia. We check in
hotel and stroll around to catch our first look of town. There
is little traffic on roads and monks in orange robes scurry in
all directions carrying umbrellas to shade themselves from the
sun. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L)
Day 4: Luang Prabang
The exploration of this delightful town includes 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 round off our day with 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 in Luang Prabang. (B)
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Khouang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang
Today we make our way 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 6: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang ( Overland)
The unforgettable activity is an early rise up to view the
procession of monks on their daily outing collecting alms, a
practice dating back centuries. The local people wait out the
front of their houses with food for the monks to collect and
bring back to the temple. After breakfast we enjoy a walk around
the local shops, which are well known for the hand-weaving and
interesting artefacts. We leave Luang Prabang and drive along a
winding way through the scenic mountain landscape to Xieng
Khouang. This remote province was devastated by American bombing
between 1964 and 1973. The journey is very long and difficult at
times, but we can make many stops as we please, to stretch our
legs or simply catch some wonderful photographs. O/N in Xieng
Khouang. (B)
Day 7: Xieng Khouang - Vang Vieng
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
depart Xieng Khouang and drive along a zigzag way through the
breathtaking mountain landscape to Vang Vieng. This small and
tranquil village is rapidly developed with the advent of
tourists, but the beautiful scenery with a mixture of quiet
water and limestone outcrops unchanged for century. We arrives
in Vang Vieng by mid or late afternoon depending on roads and
traffic conditions. O/N in Vang Vieng. (B)
Day 8: Vang Vieng - Vientiane
The perfect way to start our exploration of Vang Vieng is a boat
trip along the tranquil Nam Song River. We navigate past the
stunning mountain landscape to Tham Jang Cave. This sacred
cavern was once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese
invaders. We walk uphill to visit Tham Jang Cave and enjoy
wonderful views across the idyllic valley to the beautiful
panorama of Vang Vieng Town. The reminder of time is free for
your own discovery of Vang Vieng. There are various options to
choose from, some of which are biking, kayaking or caving. These
optional activities are not included; however our guide is on
hand to advise you with invaluable information. By mid afternoon
we regroup at our hotel and travel by roads to Vientiane past
the undulating terrains and the interesting villages. O/N in
Vientiane. (B)
Day 9: Vientiane
The sightseeing tour acquaints us with some major sites of
Vientiane. We visit 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 we continue to Patouxai standing in Lane Xang Avenue.
This imposing monument 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. The perfect way to round off our day is to
watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of
riverside bars. O/N in Vientiane. (B)
Day 10: Vientiane - Departure
The vibrant central market in the heart of Vientiane sells a
wide away of local treasures. We explore this famous trading
center and the town center on a morning walking tour. The
sightseeing tour is all depending on your departure time. 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
|
EXCLUSIVE LAOS |
|
Group Size of |
Standard Class |
First Class |
Superior Class |
Deluxe Class |
|
2 - 3 Pers. |
US$1,112 |
US$1,230 |
US$1,298 |
US$1,498 |
|
4 - 6 Pers. |
US$851 |
US$969 |
US$1,037 |
US$1,238 |
|
7 - 10 Pers. |
US$680 |
US$798 |
US$866 |
US$1,066 |
|
11 Pers. & up |
US$572 |
US$691 |
US$759 |
US$959 |
|
Single room sup. |
US$150/pers |
US$239/pers |
US$290/pers |
US$440/pers |
|
Full board sup. |
US$151/pers |
US$161/pers |
US$180/pers |
US$197/pers |
