Day2. Pakbeng – Oudomxay (B)
Upon leaving
Pakbeng, we begin our expedition, venturing
into northern Laos. The roads conditions are
very poor; 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,...
some of whom we will meet on our wonderful
adventure. Overnight in Oudomxay.
Day3. Oudomxay – Muong La - Muong Ngoy
(B)
Breakfast, the
journey leads us through the scenic area to
Muong La. Here is a chance to visit Pra Xack
Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image.
This 400 years old statue legendary
possesses many supernatural powers which are
widely worshipped among local people. After
an enjoyable stop in Muong La, we continue
our trip to Muong Khoua and board a
traditional boat for a leisurely cruise on
the Nam Ou River down to Muong Ngoy, our
base for next trekking days. Overnight in
Muong Ngoy.
Day4. Muong Ngoy – Ban Kioukhan
(B)
Breakfast, we
discover the remote and extremely beautiful
mountain region of the north is ideal for
anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking
expedition. We head out of town and begin
our trek uphill to Ban Kioukhan. This small
village is conquered by the Khmu hill tribe
people. A long the way, we walk through many
different villages... and are sure to
attract attention as this part of the
country receives very few visitors. 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 their culture and daily
lifestyle. Over night at Ban Kioukhan
villages’ house.
Day5. Ban Kioukhan - Muong Ngoy
(B)
Breakfast,
today, we continue our expedition, using the
local tracks. The trekking is difficult at
times with some steep uphill and down hill
walking, but the experience is unique. After
a half 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 boat trip 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.
Day6. Muong Ngoy – Luang Prabang
(B)
After
breakfast, we trek for a half day, passing
through several more hill villages to Pak Ou
Cave. This magnificent cave houses thousands
of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various
shapes and sizes, all brought there by
devoted villagers. We visit this sight
before continuing to Luang Prabang. This
tranquil town with its gleaming temple
roofs, fading colonial architecture and
stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed
by UNESCO to be “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. Overnight in Luang
Prabang.
Day7. Luang Prabang – City Tour
The National
Museum at the former Royal Palace, which
displays a lovely collection of the
artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao
culture dating from the days of the early
kings right through the last sovereign, is
not to be missed. We visit this sight as
well as the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. The
temple structures are decorated in various
ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways.
Heading out of this area, we explore some
other major sights including the impressive
stupa of Wat Sene, the shrine of Wat Aham,
the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and Wat
Mai. The perfect way to round off the day is
to watch the Atacular sunset over the Mekong
River from the top of Phousi Mount. 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.
Day8. Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng
(B)
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 that 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 embark
on our boat for a well-paced trip on the Nam
Song River, exploring the breathtaking
mountain landscape and the famous cave of
Tham Jang. Over night in Vang Vieng.
Day9. Vang Vieng – Day trekking
(B)
Heading out of
town, we take a short drive before we set
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
picnic lunch, we continue walking and
exploring the fantastic limestone karsts
formation. The trekking ends when we arrive
to Ban Tham Xang by late afternoon. At this
small village, we have a chance to explore
the interesting local life style and enjoy a
traditional dance performed by villagers.
Over night in Vang Vieng.
Day10. Vang Vieng – Vientiane
(B)
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 Patuxay Monument which is well
known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph
before continuing to the famous That Luang
Stupa. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day11. Vientiane – Departure
(B)
After
breakfast, we visit the Morning Market and
the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong
(if time permits). The tour ends after your
transfer to Wattay Airport or Friendship
Bridge for departure.