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Get off the beaten track with this tour of the rural far north
and far south of this beautiful country.
In remote areas, we only offer the accommodation indicated in the program below.
Day 1: Arrival - Vientiane
Arriving in Vientiane, our Laos representative will be at the airport to welcome you & transfer
to your hotel. After lunch in a local restaurant, we take a city tour including Wat Hoprakeo, built in
1566 by King Setthathirat to house the Emerald Buddha, Wat Sisaket, the only temple in Vientiane
that survived the destruction of the city by the Siamese (Thai) in 1828; ThatLuang Stupa Museum
shrine (great Sacred Stupa), the most important national monument in Vientiane, with a golden stupa
believed to contain a relic of Lord Buddha; Pratuxay Monument situated in the centre of Vientiane,
its architecture inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and incorporating typical Lao
motifs. Finally we see the sunset at Mekong riverside. (L)
Day 2: Vientiane - Luang Namtha
This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Namtha to start our tour
of the unspoilt rural beauty of the far north of Laos. Pick up & transfer to the
Boat Landing Lodge for a stay of 2 nights. After lunch at a local
restaurant, visit local market, Luang Namtha town & walk to enjoy scenic views of rice paddies etc.
Evening dinner at lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Luang Namtha
One day trekking in the jungle from Ban Nam or Ban Sida village through hills & forestry or perhaps a
cycling tour around the valley visiting nearby villages & forest trails. Or if preferred, a free day
at leisure to relax at the lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Luang Namtha - Muang La
This morning we drive for about 3-4 hours to Muang La, on the way visiting local villages of ethnic
minorities such as the Lanten tribe, Hmong & Uplander people. Arriving at Muang La, we check in at the
luxury
Moung La Resort for stay of 2 nights. (B/L)
Day 5: Muang La
Free day at leisure to relax at resort, taking advantage of the hot spring tub, sauna & massage, or explore the local area on foot
or bycycle (B)
Day 6: Muang La - Muang Khua - Nong Khiaw
Morning at leisure until we leave for Pak Numnoy in time for lunch at Mrs.Mon's restaurant (we recommend
the lovely deepfried Mekong catfish & stir fried fresh mixed market vegetables serve with sticky rice!)
Afterwards we drive on to Muang Khua & transfer to long boat for the journey (3-4 hours) down the beautiful Nam Ou
River to Nong Khiaw, where we check in to the
Nong Khiaw Lodge.(B/L)
Day 7: Nong Khiaw
Free day at leisure to relax. From Nong Khiaw, a forty-five minute walk takes you to Tham Pha Thok cave
and waterfall, or you hire a bicycle for the same outing. (B).
Day 8: Nong Khoaw - Pak Ou - Luang Prabang
This morning we leave by boat towards Luang Prabang. One the way we stop at Pak Ou for lunch.
This is the junction where the Nam Ou River joins the Mekong. After lunch we visit the famous Pak Ou
Caves with their lacquered Buddha statues, then make a visit to the village of Ban Phanom where
traditional Lao textiles are woven on ancient wooden looms & the paper making factory. Return
to boat finish the journey to Luang Prabang. Arriving at Luang Prabang, transfer
to your hotel. Evening dinner at local restaurant & walk to the night market. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Luang Prabang
Today's tour of the former Royal capital, Luang Prabang, the crown jewel of the ancient Lane
Xang Empire (pronounced 'lane sang' - the Land of a Million Elephants) visits Wat Visoun, the site
of the impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao.
Phou Sii hill stands right in the centre of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding
views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons
of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Then continue to visit Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered
roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) emphasizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Wat Xieng
Thong is considered to emphasize & characterize the uniqueness of Luang Prabang's local style: its
several roofs sweep low to the ground. See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here. The gilt
panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana; visit the
National Museum, which was once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a collection of personal
artifacts of the former royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts
received from dignitaries of foreign countries. (B/L)
Day 10: Luang Prabang
Today we visit the Tad Khuang Sii waterfall. On the way we visit Hmong village & Ban Ouh village
of the Lao & Lu hill tribe people. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several
hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint
due to the high mineral content. You can climb the stairs and look down from various high
viewpoints on the way to the top! Enjoy a picnic lunch & afternoon at leisure. (B/L)
Day 11: Luang Prabang
A day at leisure to enjoy the riverside walks, shops and cafes of Luang Prabang (B)
Day 12: Luang Prabang - Pakse - Don Deng
Today transfer to airport for the flight to Pakse. Pick up & lunch at local restaurant.
Afterwards transfer to boat landing for a leisurely trip to the former royal capital of
Champasak, our base for exploring the ruins of Wat Phu. This impressive site is well known
as the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire between 9th and 13th century.
Transfer by boat to Don Daeng Island for stay at
La Folie Resort for 2 nights. (B/L)
Day 13: Don Daeng
Free day at leisure to relax by the resort lovely swimming pool or walking tour around local
villages on the island, or cycle around the island. (B)
Day 14: Don Daeng - Don Khone
This morning transfer by boat back to the mainland and drive southwards, eventually taking another boat
to venture into the widest
reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets jut out in the dry season, giving this
area a lovely name 'Si Phan Done' - Four Thousand Islands. We arrive at the
peaceful island of Don Khone and check in at the Sala Phae floating guesthouse.
After lunch, we visit the many relics of the French colonial period and the marvelous rushing
Overnight in Khone Island at the
Sala Phae Floating Guesthouse on the river. (B/L/D)
Day 15: Don Khone - Tadlo
This morning we transfer by boat to the mainland and drive southwards to visit the Lao-Cambodia border at Weukham
and the nearby impressive waterfalls, Southeast Asia’s largest. Afterwards, drive to Tadlo. On the way we
visit a tea/coffee plantation, the spectacular waterfalls at Xeset and the nearby villages.
Arriving at Tadlo, check in at
Tadlo Lodge for stay of 2 nights. (B/L)
Day 16: Tadlo
Morning walking tour of nearby village & foresty. After lunch an elephant ride through the
jungle. & return to see the elephants enjoying their bath time at the lodge. (B/L)
Day 17: Tadlo - Pakse
This morning we drive to Pakse & transfer to hotel. Today city tour includes local market,
museum & temple. (B/L)
Day 18: Pakse - Departure
Transfer to airport for your flight to Vientiane to connect your return flight to UK or other destination. (B)
Please note that, whilst every effort will
be made to carry out the programme shown above, small changes may sometimes be
necessary. Due to limited availability of hotel rooms, sometimes a
particular hotel may not be available - if so we will
discuss options with you.
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