Laos Adventure

If your clients are looking to explore the ‘off the beaten track’ areas of Laos, and enjoy a bit of adventure and hill tribe culture, then this is the tour for them.  The trip focuses on Luang Namtha in the north, famous for its trekking, wildlife, and minority people, and also includes a visit to the famous Plain of Jars area.

Day1.  HoueiSay – Luang Namtha
On arrival at the Lao border checkpoint at HoueiSay pier, you will be met by your guide and taken through the visa formalities. We then head out of the town to Luang Namtha,along the newly improved road. The scenery is breathtaking and we have time to visit hill tribe villages along the road at Muang Phouka and other surrounding areas. We arrive in Luang Namtha in late evening. Overnight in Luang Namtha (B)

Day2.  Luang Namtha – Ban Nalan
Heading out of the town, we take a short drive to Ban Chalernsuk, a Khmu minority village 20 kilometres away from Luang Namtha. We get well and truly off the beaten track as we trek into this beautiful mountain region, using the local tracks. Todays trekking may be tough at times with some steep uphill and down hill climbs, but the experience is unique and rewarding. We arrive at Ban Nalan by late afternoon; here we have a chance to understand a little more about the local culture and their daily lifestyle as we spend time with a Khmu family. We enjoy a local dinner and will reside as guests at the Khmu family house, the best way to experience authentic village life. The accommodation is very basic with no western facilities. (Home stay). (B, L, D)

Day3.  Ban Nalan – Ban Namlu – Luang Namtha
Todays trekking leads us along the bank of the river to Ban Namkoy, passing picturesque landscape of forests and rice fields. On arrival at Ban Namkoy we embark on a three-hour walk uphill. As we pass through several hamlets, we are sure to attract attention from the locals, as visitors are not frequently encountered in this remote part of the country. At the small village of Ban Namlu, we meet up with our vehicle and drive back towards Luang Namtha Town. Overnight in Luang Namtha (B)

Day4.  Luang Namtha – Oudomxay -Pakbeng
This morning we continue on our journey to the Mekong town of Pakbeng, via the town of Oudomxay.  The road is good, if a little pot holed in places, but the journey takes in numerous stops at some interesting villages and beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.  We arrive in Pakbeng mid afternoon, where the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Pakbeng (B)

Day5.  Pakbeng – Pak Ou Cave – Luang Prabang
We rise early this morning to visit the colouful local market.  We then board a traditional style slow boat to Luang Prabang.  As we sail downriver, we will pass areas of un-spoilt forest with little villages along the riverbanks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. We visit a fishing village and a rice winemaking village with an opportunity to taste some of the potent beverage. We also visit the Pak-Ou caves, where thousands of Buddha statues are stored. We arrive in Luang Prabang around sunset and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B, L)

Day6.  Luang Prabang – City Tour
After breakfast, you enjoy a full day guided tour taking you to the main points of interest, including the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. You also have time to visit the National Museum at the Royal Palace and a chance to climb the steps at Mt Phousi for a stunning view over the town.  In the evening you are free to explore the night market, where there is a wide range of locally made beautiful textiles and paintings. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)

Day7.  Luang Prabang – Xiengkhouang (Road)
Today, we embark on a spectacular drive 306km uphill through mountainous scenery and twisty roads to Xiengkhouang, or the Plain of Jars.  The journey will include numerous stops to take in the scenery and the local hill tribes.  We arrive at your hotel before sunset.  Overnight in Phonsavanh (B)

Day 8 – Xiengkhouang
Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau. If time permits, we see the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe people. They have an interesting local culture and a colourful history. Overnight in Phonsavanh (B)

Day9.  Xiengkhouang – Vientiane (Flight)
Following breakfast, we visit the Central Market. After that will have free time to explore the town further before catching your flight to Vientiane.   After transferring to the hotel, you can enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps by sipping drinks as you watch the sun set over the Mekong.  Overnight in Vientiane (B)

Day10. Vientiane - City Tour
You will be picked up from your hotel this morning and enjoy a city tour of the capital.  We visit the major sights; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. From there, we visit the central market or ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place for antiques, handmade textiles and gifts.

After lunch we have time to visit the National Museum former which exhibits artifacts, photos and legends of Laos’s history fighters and leaders from the ancient times to the new revolution period.

You have the rest of the late afternoon and evening free to wander around the city and sample the food at one of the many fine restaurants in the capital.  Overnight in Vientiane (B)

Day 11.  Vientiane Departure
This morning you will be met and transferred from your hotel to the airport for you departing flight.