|
NORTHERN
EXPLORATION
(8
days/ 7 nights)
Chiengkhong - Pakbeng - Oudomxay -
Nongkhoiw - Pak Ou cave - Luang Prabang
- Vang Vieng - Vientiane - Lakxao
The
trip starts from Houei Xay and cruises along the mighty Mekong River. We
venture into northern Laos which is home to a wide array of hill tribe group
including Dao, Hmong, Khmu and Akha. The verdant and rugged mountain scenery
combined with the colorful local population makes for an unforgettable
experience. We visit the beautiful town of Luang Prabang , the Plain of
Jars then continue to the sleepy capital of Vientiane.
HIGHLIGHTS
.
Chiengkhong
.
Pakbeng
.
Oudomxay
. Nongkhoiw
. Enchanting town of Luang
Prabang
. Pak Ou cave
. Mekong
cruise
. Vang
Vieng
.
Vientiane
. Lakxao
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1:
Chiengkhong - Pakbeng
On arrival at
HoueiSay in Laos from Chiangkhong (Thailand), we embark on
our 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.(L, D)
Day 2:
Pakbeng - Oudomxay - Nongkhoiw
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 Nongkhoiw. Here is a chance to visit Hmong at Ban Jarong, Ban Songja,
Khmu hill tribe people before reach Nongkhoiw by late afternoon. Overnight
in Nongkhoiw.(B, L, D)
Day 3: Nongkhoiw - Pak ou
cave - Luang Prabang
Breakfast, we board a traditional boat down
stream on Nam Ou River, leisurely on peaceful river and visit some timeless
villages starting from Nongkhoiw. 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 Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and
handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B, L)
Day 4:
Luang Prabang
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 spectacular 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 Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and
handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B, Baci)
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng
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. (B)
Day
6: Vang Vieng - Vientiane
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. (B)
Day
7: Vientiane - Lakxao
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. (B, L, D)
Day
8: Lakxao - Departure
Early morning, we transfer you to the border
between Laos and Vietnam.(B)
|
Tour cost in US dollar per person in group of |
NORTHERN EXPLORATION
|
|
Standard |
First Class |
Superior
Class |
|
2 pax |
US$
1009 |
US$
1058 |
US$
1118 |
|
3 - 6 pax |
US$
827 |
US$
876 |
US$
936 |
|
7 - 10 pax |
US$
586 |
US$
636 |
US$
695 |
|
11 - 14 pax |
US$
457 |
US$
506 |
US$
566 |
|
15 - 19 pax |
US$
469 |
US$
518 |
US$
578 |
|
20 pax & up |
US$
449 |
US$
498 |
US$
557 |
|
Single room suppl. |
US$
110/pers. |
US$
165/pers. |
US$
186/pers. |
|
Full board suppl. |
US$
77/pers. |
US$
87/pers. |
US$
107/pers. |
|
CITY/AREA |
Standard
Class |
First Class |
Superior Class |
|
VIENTIANE |
Inter City hotel,
Royal Dokmaideng hotel |
Novotel hotel |
Lao Plaza Hotel |
|
VANG VIENG |
Phou Angkham hotel |
Xayo Riverside hotel |
Nam Song Hotel |
|
LUANG PRABANG |
Phousi hotel |
Villa Santi hotel,
Villa Santi Resort hotel. |
Grand Luang
Prabang Hotel |
|
NONGKHOIW |
Phaiboun guest house |
Phaiboun guest house |
Phaiboun guest house |
|
PAKBENG |
Pakbeng Lodge
hotel |
Pakbeng Lodge hotel |
Pakbeng Lodge hotel |
|
NOTES |
The
higher hotel category (Deluxe class) can be arranged upon request |
INCLUDING :
Transportation in private air-conditioned
vehicle with driver + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D =
dinner + Accommodation: twin sharing room at the below mentioned
hotel or similar one + English or French speaking guide +
Entrance fee to indicated sights + Boat trip.
NOT
INCLUDING
: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax,
single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa to
Laos, flight in/ out Laos, any optional
additional tours or activities during free time,...
TRIP
NOTES:
 The
itinerary is corrected at the time of viewing. Occcasionally, our
itineraries change as we make improvement that stem from our past
traveller's comments and our own research or due to local conditions or
circumstances beyond our control. This includes festival, pubplic holidays,
weather and flight delay,... that may effect the itinerary.
Laos
is developing countries whose infrastructure, values, customs,
standard may different from what you expect in your home land. Road
condition are poor, accommodation and transportation may be basic in remote
area.
Daily breakfast (B), 04 lunches (L) and 03 dinners (D) are included on this trip. Other
meals are at client’s expenses. However, the trip with full board meal is
arranged upon request.
The
dress standards are conservative thoughout
Asia.
Loose, lightweight, long clothing are all respectful and cool in Asian hot
climate. In addition to your items of personal clothing, we suggest you to
bring trainer or sneaker shoes, jacket for cold weather, torch/flash light,
hat, rain coat for wet season, sun cream, sunglasses, daypack, toiletries
and small towel, insect repellent.
The zigzag road between Pakbeng – Oudomxay – Nongkhoiw- Luang Prabang - Vang
Vieng – Vientiane, in case of you are allergy with long driving crisscross
road, necessary medicine should be carried.
Boat between Luang Prabang – Nongkhoiw is usually provide a motor boat with
maximum 4 – 6 passengers, dry season will caused us difficult, but raining
season mosquito repellent is required
Entry
to Vietnam is required pre-visa obtained, visa on arrival all entry gate is
not available and this border is closed at 04:00pm strictly.
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