TRIP
FEATURES
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Name
of the trip: Laos Highlanders |
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Trip
Code: VNLT-LPT-07 (Reference Code) |
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Duration: 11 days and
10 nights |
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Trip
type: Private & Daily departure |
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Trip
Starts from: Chiang Khong |
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Trip
Ends in: Vientiane City |
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Extension:
The trip can be extended if tourists want to visit
Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam pre/post of the trip. |
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Call to Book:
+84.91.2270058 |
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Required booking
time: At least 30 days in advance for group and 15
days for individual |
TRIP OVERVIEW
Enjoy a combination of scenic
landscapes, city sightseeing and adventurous trekking
expeditions through villages and highland areas. We journey
through many fascinating hill tribe villages, waving to the
warm and friendly hill tribe people and admire the dramatic
mountain scenery. You will get a feel of their customs as
trekking provides a greater insight and staying overnight in a
villager’s home offers an authentic experience. This tour
sees the best highlights and a close up cultural experience of
northern Laos.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 1: Chiang Khong – Pakbeng
On arrival at HoueiSay in Laos from Chiang Khong (Thailand),
we embark on our traditional boat cruising downriver on the
Mekong. 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
Day 2: Pakbeng – Oudomxay
Our overland expedition begins as leave Pakbeng and venture
into the mountainious and remote area in Northern Laos. The
verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the
colourful 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. Overnight in Oudomxay (B)
Day 3: Oudomxay – Muong La - Muong Ngoy
After breakfast, our journey to Muong La will lead us through
some scenic landscape. Here we have the fantastic chance
to visit Pra Xack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image.
The 400 years old legendary statue is said to have many
supernatural powers, and is widely worshipped among the
faithful local Buddhists. After a pleasant stop in Muong La,
we continue our voyage towards Muong Khoua and board a
traditional boat for a leisurely cruise on the Nam Ou River
down to Muong Ngoy, a little village set along the east
riverbank with breathtaking sceneries all surrounded by
mountains, this will be our base for trekking for the next
three days. Overnight in Muong Ngoy (B)
Day 4: Muong Ngoy – Ban Kioukhan
Today, we discover the remote and extremely beautiful
mountainious region of the north, ideal for anyone seeking an
adventurous trekking expedition. We head out of town and begin
our trek uphill to the rural village of Ban Kioukhan. The
friendly Khmu hill tribe live here; they have a primitive and
basic lifestyle. We continue to walk through many different
villages where we are sure to attract attention from the
locals, as visitors do not frequently encounter this remote
part of the country. We arrive at Ban Kioukhan by late
afternoon and have time to walk around this charming village,
enabling us to understand a little more about the local
culture and their daily lifestyle. We enjoy a local dinner and
will reside at a Ban Kioukhan villager’s house, the best way
to experience authentic village life. (Home stay). (B)
Day 5: Ban Kioukhan - Muong Ngoy
After breakfast, we continue our trekking expedition, using
the local tracks. Todays trekking may be challenging at times
with some steep uphill and down hill climbs, but the
experience is unique and rewarding. After spending half the
day walking, we arrive at Ban Hadsaphaei village, which is
situated by the Nam Ou River. There is a complete change of
pace as we embark on a stunning boat trip downriver to Muong
Ngoy, giving us a great chance to relax and explore the great
landscape of limestone mountain outcrops surrounding the area.
Overnight in Muong Ngoy (B)
Day 6: Muong Ngoy – Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we will spend half our day trekking, passing
through several more hill villages to Pak Ou Cave. We visit
the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are two linked caves
crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of
various shapes and sizes left by devoted 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 Asia.
There is little traffic on the roads and you will see monks
dressed in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying
umbrellas shading themselves from the Sun. Overnight in Luang
Prabang. (B)
Day 7: Luang Prabang – City Tour
It is worth a visit to the National Museum (closed Tuesdays)
at the former Royal Palace, which displays a collection of
artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from
the days of the early kings right through to the last
sovereign. Today we explore some of the major sights in this
faboulous city, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun,
the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene
and Wat Mai. We also visit these sights as well as the
magnificent Wat Xiengthong, its exterior architecture is
remarkable with decorated guilded stuccoes and doorways, a
“tree of life” mosaic pattern set in coloured glass on the
back wall and its three tiered roofs sweeping low to the
ground representing classical Laotian architecture. 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 8: 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 embark on our boat for a relaxing trip on the Nam
Song River, exploring the breathtaking mountain landscape and
the famous cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th
century in defense against the Chinese invaders. Overnight in
Vang Vieng (B)
Day 9: Vang Vieng – Day trekking
Today we head out of town taking a short drive before we
setting 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 splendid picnic lunch, we
continue walking and exploring the fantastic limestone karsts
formation. The trekking ends when we arrive to Ban Tham Xang
in the late afternoon. At this small village, we have a chance
to explore the interesting local lifestyle and enjoy a
traditional dance performed by villagers. Overnight in Vang
Vieng (B)
Day 10. 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 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 11: Vientiane – Departure
After breakfast, we will visit the Morning Market and if time
permits we will also visit the weaving village of Ban Nong
Bouathong. The tour ends after your transfer to airport or for
departure. (B) |
Vientiane City
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