Day 1: Arrival - Vientiane
On arrival at Wattay Airport, you are met by our guide and
transferred to our centrally located hotel. The charming and
fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is a small city conjuring
up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese,
Vietnamese, French influences. We start our half day 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. Afterwards we continue driving 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. We round off our day with a visit to the great sacred
masterpiece and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. O/N in
Vientiane.
Day 2 : Vientiane - Oudomxay - Luang Nam Tha
The northbound journey begins as we board a flight to Oudomxay.
On arrival you are met and set off on a drive towards 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 and stroll around to catch our first
glimpse of this hill town. O/N in Luang Nam Tha. (B)
Day 3 : Luang Nam Tha - Muang Sing
Upon leaving Luang Nam Tha we set off on a short drive north
towards Muang Sing. We embark on a half walking day, using the
local tracks and pass through the breathtaking mountain
landscape to the seldom visited hamlets which are home of the
Yao, Akkha and Lantern people. They are settled there longtime
ago and still retain their traditional culture and habits. The
trekking is strenuous at times, with some steep uphill and
downhill walking; however some physical preparation will enable
you to fully enjoy this adventure. We spend the remainder of the
day exploring some major sights of Muang Sing Town. They are the
That Xieng Tung and the Muang Sing Exhibition, giving us an
interesting view of the local history. O/N at Muang Sing. (B,L)
Day 4 : Muang Sing - Luang Nam Tha - Oudomxay
The morning market of Muang Sing also attracts numerous ethnic
minorities. They converge from the surrounding mountainsides or
valley to barter and trade their goods. We have time strolling
around this conglomeration before we travel along the zigzag way
towards Oudomxay and pass the many tranquil hamlets. They are
linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the
northern region and the capital city. The drive is difficult at
times; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined
with the colorful local population makes for a memorable
experience. Along the way we can make stop at pleasure, to catch
some wonderful shooting and visit the Akha, Lao Houei and Iko
villages. They are almost settled in off road areas. On arrival
in Oudomxay Town we check in a very simple hotel and enjoy a
short walk tour exploring this hill town. O/N in Oudomxay. (B)
Day 5 : Oudomxay - Muong La - Phong Saly
An
early morning start to drive along the Nam Phak River to Muong
La. On arrival we visit Pra Xack Kham Temple with its sacred
Buddha image. This 400 year old statue legendary possesses many
supernatural powers which are widely worshipped among local
people. Upon leaving Muong La , the roads begin to deteriorate;
however many villages dot the hillsides and the undulating
terrains make for an interesting journey. These back roads are a
perfect 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. We arrive in
Phong Saly by late afternoon depending on roads and traffic
conditions. O/N in Phong Saly. (B)
Day 6 : Phonsaly - Hatsat - Muong Khoua - Muong Ngoy
The exploration of Phong Saly commences with a short walk to the
Phoufa Mountain. The scenery from the peak is one of the most
beautiful views imaginable. Upon leaving this secluded town we
set off on a short drive on rugged roads to Hatsat village
before we board a traditional boat for our wonderful exploration
of the Nam Ou River. This watercourse flows from the high
mountainous area through many secluded hamlets to the confluence
in front of the Pak Ou Caves. The pace of our trip is very
relaxed, a perfect way to observe rural life close up. We make
stopover at Muong Samphan and Ban Kana village to see some
traditional houses, which are very different from the current
structure with a mix of traditional and modern architecture. O/N
in Muong Ngoy. (B,L)
Day 7: Moung Ngoy - Nong Khiow - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Upon leaving the tranquil village of Muong Ngoy we wave our way
through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou
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 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. On arrival we
check in hotel and stroll around to catch our first glimpse 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 8: Luang Prabang
The exploration of this delightful town includes the magnificent
Wat Xieng Thong, which overlooks 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 9: 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 10: Luang Prabang - Departure
There is a free time for your own exploration of the city or
strolling around the shopping areas. The trip ends after your
transfer to Luang Prabang 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
|
NORTHEN LOOP |
|
Group Size of |
Standard Class |
First Class |
Superior Class |
Deluxe Class |
|
2 - 3 Pers. |
US$1,142 |
US$1,223 |
US$1,273 |
US$1,423 |
|
4 - 6 Pers. |
US$903 |
US$985 |
US$1,036 |
US$1,185 |
|
7 - 10 Pers. |
US$746 |
US$827 |
US$877 |
US$877 |
|
11 Pers. & up |
US$662 |
US$743 |
US$794 |
US$943 |
|
Single room sup. |
US$133/pers |
US$193/pers |
US$232/pers |
US$344/pers |
|
Full board sup. |
US$144/pers |
US$156/pers |
US$173/pers |
US$190/pers |
