A voyage of discovery.........embracing the rich diversity of one of Asia's most peaceful and enigmatic countries . Our 16 day journey takes us from the waterfalls and islands of the Mekong, through charming colonial buildings and ancient monuments, to the hills, caves and spectacular scenery of the North.
From the moment you arrive at the airport until the day you leave, you will be in the hands of one of our expert tour leaders, all of whom live in the region and have an appreciation and sensitivity to the local culture. Our small group trips are never larger than 10 people, to preserve the integrity of the places we visit.
Accommodation is in clean, comfortable locally-owned guest houses or small hotels with fan or aircon and private bathroom, each of which has been hand-picked by us. In Bangkok, we have escaped the bustle of the city while still remaining central and stay in a three-star resort surrounded by greenery.
The pace of the trip is designed to stop you being bored, while preventing you from becoming exhausted! We believe that no-one can truly appreciate the beauty of anywhere if they have only ten minutes to see it, so we give you time at each place we visit to take photos or just absorb the atmosphere.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrival at Bangkok airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Bangkok Tower Inn, situated in the centre of the city where are many shops and nice Thai restaurants. The day is at leisure to enjoy the city or relax by the hotel’s swimming pool, and your tour leader will be able to give you advice on places to see. There will be a group introduction early evening on the hotel’s garden roof terrace.
Day 2:
In the morning , there will be a guided boat trip on the Bangkok River. The rest of the day is free until early evening, when you transfer to the railway terminus for an overnight train to Ubon Ratchathant. You will have sleeper carriages, and food and drink can be purchased on board.
Day 3:
On departing the train you head for the Laos border. After crossing, travel to Dong Khong island, one of the “4000 islands” in the Mekong river – the final part of the journey to our locally-run guesthouse is by small local boat. On the way we will visit Champasak, home of Angkorian-era temples. Welcome your arrival in Laos with some of the delicious local fish!
Day 4:
After breakfast, travel again by boat to visit the biggest waterfalls in South East Asia - Khon Phapheng and Somphamit Falls – where you can have lunch. On the way back, make a few stops to look at the old French architecture and the old railway (still with a train abandoned in the jungle!), before returning to the guesthouse for a cool drink while watching the sunset.
Day 5:
After breakfast, drive from Dong Khong Island to Dong Daeng. Local villagers will take you on a boat and for a short walk to the village, where you can enjoy a local lunch. Continue to Bolaven Plateau, stopping a few times on the way to see some of the local minority villages. Stay overnight in a local resort in the middle of the forest – an ideal place to relax, with opportunities for swimming in the waterfall.
Day 6:
Today is a walking day in the mountains to appreciate the truly beautiful scenery. There will be a packed lunch (included).
Day 7:
Drive to the town of Savannakhet, on the Mekong River, which is in an area inhabited by many ethnic minorities. The journey will take around 4 hours and there will be a stop for lunch in this lovely town. When you look over the river you will see ‘modern’ Thailand. Go on a short trek through the forest accompanied by guides from an Environmental NGO who have set up a project in the region, and learn about the plants and animals in the region.
Day 8:
Drive to Vientiane, the capital city from Laos. On the way, appreciate the magnificent views and open spaces – there are many opportunities to take photos. In the evening, you can visit the riverside for a local barbecue and a cool drink. Overnight at a guesthouse with a nice family atmosphere.
Day 9:
A guided walking tour of the city - including Ho Phra art museum, That Stupa national monument, the National Museum and Wat Sisaket - the oldest temple in Vientiane.
Day 10:
In the morning walk to the morning market, one of the oldest ones in Vientiane, and an NGO that helps street children, to learn more about their project. The afternoon is free.
Day 11:
Early morning, travel by minibus through the mountains and rivers to Vang Vieng. After you have checked in at your local resort - right next to the river - make a small boat trip to visit one of the stunning caves that Vang Vieng is justifiably famous for.
Day 12:
Early morning, drive to Phonsavan, site of the Plain of Jars. These huge jars (some weigh six tons each!), of unknown age and origin, are scattered over a number of sites. On the way around you may also be able to visit a few minority villages who grow delicious fruit. Stay overnight in a small, locally-run hotel.
Day 13:
Travel by minibus to Luang Prabang. This is a very scenic trip - driving through many mountains, and you can stop to see the tea plantations. Also you will probably see many different kind of ethnic groups walking besides the road. On arrival, it will be possible to go for a traditional Laos massage, before visiting the night market – an opportunity to buy some beautiful locally-made items at very reasonable prices.
Day 14:
Luang Prabang is the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia, and a World Heritage Site. In the morning visit the Kwang Xi Waterfall, where we can have a swim surrounded by jungle and eat a packed lunch (included). In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace Museum and Vat Xieng Thong - considered the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang with its classical Lao architecture.
Day 15:
Take a boat trip up the Mekong River to the famous caves of Pak Ou - housing thousands of retired Buddha statues. We will have a packed lunch here (included) overlooking the river. On the way back, visit the village of your boat driver, a young student who lives with his family on the site of the Mekong in a village with only 14 houses, and another village making paper using traditional methods.
Day 16:
Fly to Bangkok. The rest of the day is free.
Day 17:
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
2006 Tour Dates: March 12, April 30, May 21, June 11, July 2, July 30, August 13, October 15, November 5, November 26, December 17.
2007 Tour Dates: January 7, January 28, February 18, March 11, May 13, June 3, June 24.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The price includes:
- Airport transfers;
- Internal flight LPQ - BKK;
- Bed and breakfast guest house accommodation;
- All tour transportation costs;
- All tour guides;
- All tour admission fees.
Single travellers: all of our trips are based upon two people sharing a twin-bedded room. Single occupancy can be requested at a supplement of US$150.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Laos
Cultural Journey
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