TRIP
FEATURES
 |
Name
of the trip: Laos Discovery |
|
Trip
Code: VNLT-LPT-06 (Reference Code) |
|
Duration: 08 days and
07 nights |
|
Trip
type: Private & Daily departure |
|
Trip
Starts from: Chiang Khong |
|
Trip
Ends in: Vientiane City |
|
Extension:
The trip can be extended if tourists want to visit
Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam pre/post of the trip. |
|
Call to Book:
+84.91.2270058 |
|
Required booking
time: At least 30 days in advance for group and 15
days for individual |
TRIP OVERVIEW
This tour takes you off the beaten track
into the remote areas of northern and southern Laos.
Commencing in the eastern part of Thailand, on this tour you
will venture by traditional boat along the Mekong River
passing some of the most amazing mountain sceneries. We will
also visit the tranquil town of Vang Vieng, the laid-back
capital Vientiane and experience a part of the famous and
scenic Ho Chi Minh Trail to Lakxao, which was a network of
roads built from North Vietnam to South Vietnam through Laos
and Cambodia to provide logistical support during the Vietnam
War.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 1: Chiang Khong – Pakbeng
On arrival at HoueiSay in Laos from Chiang Khong (Thailand),
we embark on our traditional boat cruising downstream on the
Mekong River. This part of the Mekong River is quite narrow
and both banks of the rivers are bordered by amazing scenery
of beautiful green forests and towering hills. The pace is
very relaxed as we drift along the river in our boat, a
perfect way to observe rural life close up. Along the way, we
stop over at Ban Houeilampen to visit the Hmong hilltribe
people. They are very poor, but have a vibrant culture and an
interesting history, overnight in Pakbeng. (B)
Day 2: Pakbeng – Oudomxay - Nong Khiow
We have an early start visiting the hill tribe market before
leaving Pakbeng; we then begin our expedition, venturing into
the mountainous and remote area in Northern Laos. The verdant
and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local
population makes this an unforgettable experience. Oudomxay
province is residence to a mixture of 23 ethnic minority
groups. We make a few rest stops along the way, which gives
you the opportunity to see the ethnic minority groups of
Hmong, Khmu, Akha and Taidam. The hill tribe people are
unfailingly friendly; welcoming you with waving hands and
smilling faces. The journey to Nong Khiow leads us through
areas with dramatic landscape. We will also visit the
hilltribe villages of Hmong at Ban Jarong, Ban Songja, Khmu
before arriving at Nong Khiow in late afternoon. Nong Khiow is
a remote village situated by the KzOvernight banks of the
river, across a dramatic valley the surrounding mountainous
scenery is stunning. Overnight in Nong Khiow.(B)
Day 3: Nong Khiow – Luang Prabang
After breakfast we board a traditional boat downstream on the
Nam Ou River, drifting along the peaceful river, stopping over
to visit some timeless villages along the way. Our journey
takes us to Pak Ou, where the Nam Ou River meets with
Mekong River. We take a visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves,
two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered
Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.
We continue our trip down to the UNESCO World Heritage City of
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
of Asia. A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete
without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for an
enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and to enjoy
a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection
on the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market,
where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made
by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)
Day 4: Luang Prabang – City Tours
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to
participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks
collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the
faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos,
being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the
procession. After breakfast, we explore this charming city.
From 1353 until 1545 it was the capital of the Lane Xang
kingdom before power was transferred to Vientiane. Despite the
move Luang Prabang remained as the seat in the monarchy 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 will 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, we visit the former
Royal Palace, now a National Museum (close Tuesday) where you
will find ornate, gilded and brocaded reception rooms, as well
as Buddha and spectacular artefacts including the Prabang, a
large holy image, which was given in the 14th century by the
Khmers to King Fa Ngum. Overnight in Vientiane(B)
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng
After breakfast, we leave this charming city in the early
morning for our journey to Vang Vieng. Our journey will be
strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic but also
one of the roughest routes in Asia. In the afternoon we arrive
in Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town, which is nestled on
a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with a
mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops remains
unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of
tourism. We visit Tham Hoy Cave, a large cave that runs 7
kilometres deep and surrounding hilltribe villages of Khmu and
Hmong. Overnight in Vang Vieng (B)
Day 6: Vang Vieng – Vientiane
After breakfast, we spend half our day driving to the capital
city Vientiane, which is located on the banks of the Mekong
River. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with
an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French,
Soviet and American influences. A city tour acquaints us with
the capital and after a short rest if time permits we start
visiting some of the major sights; including the oldest temple
Wat Sisaket, with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and
the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed
the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national
precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That
Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some
pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known
as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Overnight in Vientiane
(B)
Day 7: Vientiane – Lakxao
Early morning, we head out to the southern Lao capital Lakxao,
driving on the 13th south; we experience smooth roads to
central Laos and change for route no.8, which is a major
trading route and one of the routes of the famous Ho Chi Minh
Trail. On the way, we visit local villages and enjoy the great
scenery of the surrounding limestone mountains and an overview
of the peaceful landscape on Nam Theun River. Lakxao is
located near the Laos – Vietnam border gates, and once we
arrive, stroll around this little town and browse the local
market. Overnight in Lakxao (B)
Day 8: Lakxao – Departure
This morning, you will be transferred to the border between
Laos and Vietnam.(B) |
Vientiane City
Add to Favorites
Make Home Page
