| A
tour of contrast, from the bustle of Vientiane and the laid back
charm of Luang Prabang to the primitive hilltribes of northern Laos.
DAY 1 Depart today for your overnight flight via Bangkok
with Thai Airways to Vientiane, arriving the following morning.
Transfer on arrival to your hotel. After lunch enjoy a tour visiting
the sights of Vientiane. Highlights include That Luang Stupa, the
most preserved shrine in Lao and Patouxay, the Laos equivalent to
the Arc De Triumph. After a walk along the Mekong at sunset, enjoy
dinner with traditional Lao music and dance.
DAY 3 Wake
and enjoy breakfast before visiting Vat Sisaket, Vientiane’s
oldest temple and today a religious museum and Ho Phrakeo, the former
royal temple that now houses ancient art and sculptures. Following
lunch make the three hour journey north to Vang Vieng taking in
the remote and dramatic scenery that surrounds this mountainous
region of Laos. Vang Vieng is a small town nestled within stunning
limestone karst scenery and makes an ideal stopover on your route
north. A small collection of restaurants and bars dot the central
area, ideal for whiling away an evening with your fellow travellers.
Check in to your hotel for one night and enjoy the rest of the evening
at leisure.
DAY 4
A morning drive to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and
ancient royal city. En route stop for a picnic lunch and take a
short break at the heights of Phoukhoun to absorb the panoramic
view over the wooden H’Mong villages below. On arrival early
evening in Luang Prabang check in to your hotel for the next two
nights. The following morning explore the area surrounding Luang
Prabang with visits to Wat Vixoune, influenced by Thai Lu architecture
and That Makmo, the watermelon shaped stupa. See Wat Xieng Thong,
the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang dating back to the 16th
Century. Climb the steps to the crest of Mount Phousi for wonderful
views overlooking the city and Mekong River. Visit the colourful
market selling local produce and then walk to the National Museum,
the former King’s Palace. Other highlights include Vat Mai
and Vat Sene.
DAY 6 Today, after breakfast transfer to the local
pier and board a traditional boat sailing upstream on the Mekong
River to visit the sacred Buddha caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum.
Cross the Mekong to Pak Ou Village and continue up the Mekong to
Pakbeng and dinner at your hotel. The following morning start early
for your road journey through H’mong and Khmu villages to
Oudomxai. Ascend That Phouxay to view the town and the lush surrounding
countryside before snaking along the mountain roads to Luang Namtha
through H’Mong villages where you have time to learn about
their traditions and day to day lives. Arrive early evening in time
for dinner.
DAY 8 In the morning enjoy a hearty breakfast before
embarking on your cruise along the Nam Tha River by longtail boat.
You will stop by Khmu and Sop Dud villages and learn about their
way of life during your two hour cruise. Enjoy a picnic lunch before
returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight. In the dry season
(January to May) travel by road to Tad Nam Di waterfall and visit
a Lanten village and the old Khmu district capital of Nale.
DAY 9 Visit the colourful market of Luang Namtha
before departing for Chiang Khong, passing through spectacular mountain
ranges, local villages and ricefields. Arrive late afternoon in
Houay Xai and take the ferry across the border into Chiang Khong,
Thailand. Continue to Chiang Rai and the Legend hotel for your overnight
stay in Thailand.
DAY 10 Wake as you wish this morning and take time to explore
a little of this famous northern town. Enjoy lunch at leisure before
departing Chiang Rai by flight via Bangkok to the UK arriving the
next day.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All Tours Suitable walking shoes, waterproofs,
sunscreen, insect repellent, toilet paper, torch light, change of
clothes, soap, towel, swimsuit and a sense of adventure are needed.
Tours to the regions are limited to a small number of tourists and
it is advisable to book early. An overnight stay in the respective
city is recommended before your tour starts. All Overnight Tours
Accommodation is of a basic standard.
NB All experiences are based on a minimum two adults. Please contact
us for private excursions for single traveller. |
