Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival Ban Houai Xai
After crossing the border between Thailand and Laos, check in to the local guest house that we booked for you. At 18.00 pm, you'll catch up with your local Lao guide at the hotel. He will give you a short briefing about the itinerary for the next coming days.
Day 2: Ban Houai Xai – Xieng Kok
This morning we take to the Mekong River for a spectacular journey. Leaving Ban Houai Xai by speedboat we head west along the Mekong, soon passing the ‘Golden Triangle' where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet. The river winds its way through thick vegetation and the boat is navigated through large black volcanic outcrops along the way. Eventually we reach Xieng Kok, a small frontier border town where we spend the night. (B, L, D)
Note: If it is considered unsafe to travel by boat on the Mekong River due to weather conditions, we may alter this route. We will try to inform you as early as possible in advance. But as nature follows its own way, the supporting local guide can make ad hoc decisions on the day of traveling. For your safety, compulsory helmets and lifejackets are provided.
Day 3: Xieng kok – trekking- homestay Akha village
After breakfast we head for the real jungle. An approximate five hour trek will take us to a charming Akha village where we will spend the night at the house of the chief of the village. The hike will lead you through a forest of giant stands of bamboo, strangler figs, mountains and rice fields. The unique Akha home stay will give you a wonderful chance to experience the hospitality of the Akha's (B,L,D).
Trekking grade: moderate, some steep ascents/descents
Distance – 4-5 hours walking (depending on weather and your physical condition)
Day 4: Akha village – Muang Singh
The next morning you will awake to the sounds of the village coming to life. The inevitable roosters probably will start crowing long before the sun is up. After absorbing our last images of the Akha people and their rare village life, we'll start walking again (about 4 hours). Our driver, who is waiting for us at the main road, will take us to Muang Singh. On the way, we will have a short visit at a Laenthen village (B, L).
Trekking grade: moderate on flat area
Distance – 4-5 hours walking (depending on weather and your physical condition)
Day 5: Muang Singh
Today we have planned a trek of half a day into the surrounding hills, visiting dwellings of the Yao, Thai Lu and Ikho en route. The walking is moderate and will be undertaken at an easy pace with plenty of stops. (B, L)
Day 6: Muang Singh – Oudom Xai
We have a long drive out of Muang Singh today.The condition of the roads in this part of the country very much depends on the weather and therefore you should be prepared for some landslides and delays. The scenery however is spectacular mostly forested with slash and burn cultivation and with many hill tribe villages along the way (B,L).
Day 7: Oudom Xai - Local village (home stay)
Climbing out of the Oudom Xai valley, we are rewarded with some amazing views. Most of the villages are inhabited by the Hmong people who are distinctive in the way they dress. On arrival in Nong Khiaw, we'll board a so-called slow boat for our journey on the Ou River. Late afternoon we'll reach a typical local Lao village where the people live from fishing and weaving. We are guests at the houses of some villagers (B, L, D).
Day 8: Village – Luang Prabang
After breakfast you'll have some time left to enjoy the village life before we board our wooden ‘sampan' and continue our trip on the Ou Rriver. Before reaching Luang Prabang, we will stop to visit the Pac Ou caves, where we climb steps up the limestone cliffs to reach the sacred Buddhist shrine. Around lunch time we will arrive in Luang Prabang. This afternoon you'll have some time to relax and unwind or to explore a bit of this world heritage town. All the main sites of interest are close together so you can comfortable wander around and visit several Wats by yourself. Don't miss the Wat Xieng Thong (the golden temple built in 1559) which is strikingly decorated in brilliant red and gold designs, with an imposing tiled roof and mosaic motifs. Late afternoon you can climb the small temple on top of Mount Phousi and enjoy fine views over the town and the surrounding hills (B).
Day 9: Luang Prabang – elephant riding
At 09.00 am, a vehicle will pick you up from your hotel. After a half hour ride we'll arrive at a local village called Ban Xieng Lom. Here we will enjoy a scenic elephant ride of 45-90 min, depending on the trail and weather conditions. The route will give us wonderful views of the country side and will end at a waterfall. Here you can take a dip and enjoy your picnic lunch. A motor boat will take us back to the point where our car is waiting to drive us back to Luang Prabang (B,L). As just a limited number of elephants are living in this area, early booking is highly recommended.
Day 10: Luang Prabang – day at leisure
Today you may want to wake up early and participate in a daily Lao morning ritual. Monks carrying their bowls, wander through town, blessing local people who give them offerings (mostly sticky rice). Perhaps you would like to explore the Kuang Si waterfalls where turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The abundance of water forms a magnificent display of nature. Below the Kuang Si are large ponds which are perfect for swimming and cooling off under the spray. On the way you will see stupendous landscapes, teak forests and several ethnic minority villages (Hmong and Khmu). In Ban Phanom, a weaving village, you can find excellent pieces of Lao textile. Near the waterfalls, it's worth while to visit a centre where the endangered black Asiatic beers found a safe shelter. (B)
Optional activity: Attend a cooking lesson
Day 11: Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng
By shared minibus you continue your trip today to Vang Vieng (5-6 hrs). This tiny village is settled between a spectacular spread of limestone karsts and is surrounded by green lush paddy fields. The terrace of your hotel offers splendid sun-sets amidst these magnificent natural settings (B)
Day 12: Vang Vieng - day at leisure
The whole day is at leisure. You may like to enjoy some excursions such as exploring the surrounding caves by bicycle, hiring a canoe, tubing or rafting (B).
Day 13: Vang Vieng – Vientiane
Approximately a four hour drive (by shared minibus) will take you to the capital city of Laos. Vientiane is a friendly sleepy town resting on the shores of the mighty Mekong River. The city boasts oriental temples, shopping places and a bizarre Buddha park nearby, which is worth visiting (B).
Day 14: Vientiane - day at leisure
Vientiane is a friendly sleepy town resting on the shores of the mighty Mekong River. The city is blessed with temples as wat Sisaket, wat Prakeo and the impressive That Luang Stupa, the country's most important monument. Also visit the Arch of Triumphe, the National museum and the ‘morning market' where you can wander around and buy silver, silk or other items you like to take back home. In the evening you can stroll along the banks of the Mekong River.
Depart from: Ban Houyai Xai
Arrival at: Vientiane
Start time: 18.00 pm
Trekking Grade: Moderate
N.B. Depending on the season, you may have to cross some small rivers.
How the home stays will benefit villages
Your presence will provide the villagers income. They get paid for preparing meals, your stay overnight and we will support you a village account. Ask our guides for more information on the village visited during your trip.
Recommend Bringing:
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Clothes for changing, sarong for bathing (required for women), towels
- Mosquito repellent, flashlight, sunscreen/hat
- Camera and films
- Local currency or US dollars
- Rainwear (We will provide (thin and unfortunately hard) mattress and mosquito net)
Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking. You will be collected from Local guest house at Houai Xai.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- Accommodation based on twin or double room with daily breakfast
- Meals as indicated in itinerary
- Guidance of English speaking local guide from day 01 until day 09
- Private vehicle/boat from day 01 until day 08. Continuing your trip, we will provide shared minivans
- Elephant riding excursion in Luang Prabang
Not Included:
- International airfares and taxes
- Visas and visa fees
- Personal expenses such as bar, telephone and laundry bills.
- Border ferry from Chiang Khong to Ban Houai Xai (20 Bath p.p.)
- Tuktuk from border Ban Houai Xai to guesthouse (5000 kip p.p.)
- Foods and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional tours
- Entrance fee
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Laos
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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