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ITINERARY:
Day 1. Chiangkhong –
Pakbeng
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.(B)
Day 2. Pakbeng – Oudomxay - Nong Khiow
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.(B)
Day 3. Nong Khiow – Luang Prabang
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. (B)
Day 4. Luang Prabang – City Tours
Early this morning you may want to rise early and
participate in the daily early morning ritual of
saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving
bowls being given offerings from the local people,
including the ubiquitous sticky rice.Breakfast, we
are exploring this charming city of UNESCO world
heritage cultural city. From 1353 until 1545 it was
the capital of Lane Xang before power was
transferred to Vientiane. Despite the move Luang
Prabang reMained the seat of monarchical power 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 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, visit the former Royal Palace, now a National
Museum where you will find ornate, gilded and
brocaded reception rooms, as well as Buddha and
Atacular artifacts including the Prabang, a large
holy image, which was given in the 14th century by
the Khmers to King Fa Ngum. At sunset climb the
nearby temple-topped hill of Phousi where you'll
catch a lovely view out over the town and the river.
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 (B)
Day 5. Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng
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 which
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 visit Tham Hoy Cave and surrounding
village of Khmu and Hmong hill tribe minorities,
where we call another home to colorful ethnic
minorities. Overnight in Vang Vieng. (B)
Day 6. Vang Vieng – Vientiane
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 Patuxai
Monument which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc
de Triumph before continuing to the famous That
Luang Stupa. Over night in Vientiane. (B)
Day 7. Vientiane – Lakxao
Early morning, we are heading out to southern Lao
capital, driving on the 13th south, experience the
flatland to central Laos and turn to road no.8,
which is the trading route and also become one of
the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. On the way, we visit
local villages, enjoying the great scenery limestone
mountain along the road, overview the peaceful
landscape on Nam Theun River. Arriving at Laksao,
just before Laos – Vietnam border gates, upon
arrival, we are strolling around to this little town
and experience local market. Overnight in Lakxao.
(B)
Day 8. Lakxao – Departure
Early morning, we transfer you to the border between
Laos and Vietnam.(B)
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Suggested Hotels:
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City /town
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Superior (3-stars)
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First Class (4-stars)
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Deluxe (5-stars)
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Pakbeng |
Pakbeng
Lodge |
Pakbeng
Lodge |
Pakbeng
Lodge |
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Nong
Khiow |
Phaiboun
House |
Phaiboun
House |
Phaiboun
House |
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Luang
Prabang |
Parasol
Blanc |
Villa
Santi |
La
Residence |
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Vangvieng |
Vansana
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Thavonesouk |
Villa
Namsong |
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Vientiane
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Day inn |
Lao
Plaza
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Settha
Palace |
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Sala Hinboun |
Sala
Hinboun |
Sala
Hinboun |
Sala
Hinboun |
Other hotels will be arranged on request.
Services Includes
* Transportation in
private air-conditioned
* Accommodation in twin shared
* Boat trip as stated in above sights
* English or French speaking guide
* Elephant riding 2 hrs
* Admission fee to indicated sights
* Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
* Domestic gov't tax and service charge
* Luggage handling
Service Excludes:
* Visa stamping fee on arrival US$30.00/pax
* Int’l airport departure tax US$10.00/pax
* Domestic air ticket with airport tax
* Int’l air tickets to/from Laos
* Travel Insurance in all kinds
* Meals: (lunch or dinner, quoted separately)
* Single room (quoted separately)
* Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others not
stated.
Customize Tour in Your Style
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