ADL7: Laos discover 8 days

Itinerary in Details:

Day 1: Chiangkhong – Pakbeng (L, D)
On arrival at HoueiSay in Laos from Chiangkhong (Thailand), we embark on our traditional 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.

Day 2: Pakbeng – Oudomxay - Nong Khiow (B, L, D)
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 Nong Khiow. Here is a chance to visit Hmong at Ban Jarong, Ban Songja, Khmu hill tribe people before reach Nong Khiow by late afternoon. Overnight in Nong Khiow.

Day 3: Nong Khiow – Luang Prabang (B)
Breakfast, we board a traditional boat down stream on Nam Ou River, leisurely on peaceful river and visit some timeless villages starting from Nong Khiow. 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 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 – City Tour (B, L)
The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign, is not to be missed. We visit this sight as well as the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways. Heading out of this area, we explore some other major sights including the impressive stupa of Wat Sene, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and Wat Mai. The perfect way to round off the day is to watch the Atacular sunset over the Mekong River from the top of Phousi Mount. From there, we explore 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 5: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng (B)
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 that 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 embark on our boat for a well-paced trip on the Nam Song River, exploring the breathtaking mountain landscape and the famous cave of Tham Jang. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 6: Vang Vieng – Day trekking (B)
Heading out of town, we take a short drive before we set off on a full day’s trek from Ban Phatang village through undulating hillsides and paddy fields. On the way, we visit Tham Hoy Cave and Ban Phathao village which is home to the Hmong ethnic minorities. After a picnic lunch, we continue walking and exploring the fantastic limestone karsts formation. The trekking ends when we arrive to Ban Tham Xang by late afternoon. At this small village, we have a chance to explore the interesting local life style and enjoy a traditional dance performed by villagers. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 7: Vang Vieng – Vientiane (B)
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 Patuxay Monument which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 8: 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.

Accommodation Options

Tour includes:
• Tours & transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• Accommodation as stated in the itinerary
• Private English speaking guide
• Boat cruise as stated
• Elephant riding 2 hrs
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary with local foods (B = breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
• Entrance fees and permits for all sights visited
• Government taxes & Service charges

Tour excludes:
• International airfare & airport tax
• Visa in Laos
• Transfer from Thailand to Houeisay
• Personal travel insurance (Compulsory).
• Personal expenses such as  Telephone and Laundry bills.
• Tips and gratuities