From 2000€/person
10 days
Unknown Laos
Laos is often forgotten to the profit of its neighbors, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, three countries that have an access to the sea (and beaches!) while Laos stays behind. But Laos has a laid-back charm that doesn't resemble its neighbors. On this trip to Laos, discover hidden waterfalls in the jungle and roam about the old colonial streets of Vientiane and Luang Prabang while the Mekong river flows with tranquility...
Vientiane and Luang Prabang
The biggest cities in Laos aren't that big (less than a million inhabitants) and will show you what modern Laos has kept from its history. Several times sacked by the Burmese, Siam kingdom, or the Chinese, theses royal cities had to accept the French administration at the end of the 19th century. Both fluvial ports on the Mekong river, the capital city Vientiane is close to Thailand, while Luang Prabang is further to the north.
Itinerary
Discover Vientiane, the "city of sandal wool" and one of the quietest capital cities in the world, then reach the rural countryside for a plunge into nature and the local ethnies' traditional way of life. End your trip to Laos in Luang Prabang to explore the city and its natural surroundings.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane
Today you’ll fly to Vientiane. Upon arrival you will meet your driver who will take you to your hotel downtown. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Vientiane (B)
This morning discover Vientiane with your guide: visit the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. Visit Wat Phra Keo Temple, nowadays a religions museum, and see the Presidential Palace. Continue to visit That Luang, the holiest site in Laos, and Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe. Free afternoon at leisure.
As the sun begins to set, stroll along the Mekong river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.
Day 3: Vientiane – Oudomxay – Muang La (B)
This morning you will fly to Oudomxay. Upon arrival, transfer to Muang La with your guide. This region isn’t touristy and many ethnies live in the area, such as the H’mong, Akha and Kamu. There is just one agreeable lodge to welcome you, built there in the middle of the jungle and unknown villages, where you’ll comfortably take a place.
Day 4: Muang La (B)
This morning, enjoy a 3hrs walk in the countryside, crossing Pak La village, enjoying panoramic views of the Nam Pak river, beautiful rice terraces and salt mines. Get to discover the rural life of the region. Visit Chiao Pha Kham Sing temple that houses a sacred Buddha and a place of pilgrimage.
Free afternoon at leisure.
Day 5: Muang La – Muang Khua – Muang Noi – Nong Khiaw (B)
Today you will drive to Muang Khua where you’ll embark for a cruise down the Nam Ou river, on a private slow boat to Muang Noi village. Visit Muang Noi, nestled at the foothill of a giant limestone cliff, that can only be reached by boat. Continue to Nong Khiaw and stop for the night.
Day 6: Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang (B)
Today you will drive to Luang Prabang (5hrs). To stretch your legs upon arrival, climb the 328 stairs to the top of mount Phousi for a beautiful view at sunset.
In the evening, walk freely along the main street where the area’s ethnic minorities gather to sell their handicrafts.
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls – Luang Prabang (B)
Today discover Luang Prabang with your guide : Wat Visoun temple and its watermelon stupa, and Wat Aham temple with the two geniuses of the city. Visit the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre (TAEC) for insight in to the countries various ethnic groups and traditional crafts. In the afternoon, continue to the refreshing waters of the Kuangsi Waterfalls and its series of turquoise blue pools, perfect for swimming in on a hot day.
Day 8: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang (B)
This morning, explore Wat Xieng Thong temple and its golden gates, ornaments and colourful murals. Then you’ll board a private long tail boat for a scenic 2 hours ride up the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. Discover its thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. Visit the village of Ban Xang Hai that was once a “jar-maker village” and now fills them with local rice whisky. Back to Luang Prabang, visit the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, and Wat Mai temple.
Day 9: Luang Prabang (B)
Free day at leisure to relax in the streets of Luang Prabang and along the Mekong river.
Day 10: Luang Prabang Departure (B)
Today is the end of your trip to Laos. Your driver will take you to the airport, where you will board a flight to your next destination.
Information
Inclusions:
- Hotel with breakfast
- Private driver
- Boat cruise when mentioned
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees
- Domestic flight
Exclusions:
- Visa
- International flights
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips to guide and driver
- Insurances
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