ST
OL 12 : EXPLORATION
THE LAND OF MILLION ELEPHANTS
17 Days / 16 Nights
Charming, Serene, timeless!
LAOS
is one of Asia's most unvisited, unchanged countries. This
once-powerful kingdom known as Lane Xang (Million Elephants)
was founded in the 14th century with the help of the Khmers,
and it went on to become one of the largest kingdoms in Southeast
Asia until its demise in the late 19th century. Bisected and
bordered by the Mekong River, omnipresent symbol of Indochina,
Laos today is an amalgam of cultural influences; Theravada
Buddhism, animism, France, and the socialist ideal. It is
a peaceful place, and the legendary hospitality, resilience
and friendliness of the Lao people is much in evidence. Laos
is Old Asia preserved.
Day 1: Bangkok – Luang
Prabang
Arrive in Luang Prabang airport, you are met and transferred to the
hotel by our provided transportation. Luang Prabang is perhaps the
best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility
and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural
sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.
After a short rest, we are riding to visit the impressive stupa of
Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we enjoy a short-guided
tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and we then
climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of
the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the
city and the Mekong River, from there we experience the Street Night
Market where you can found the traditional textile collection, gift
away and souvenirs.
Day 2: Luang Prabang –
Khouangsi Waterfalls
This morning you may want to wake up early and participate in the
daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black
Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including
the ubiquitous sticky rice. From there you will visit 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
and the morning Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings
as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens,
vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional
crafts, and today you will visit local village of Lao ethnic minority
groups at Ban Na Ouan, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Lao Loum Village and
Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall
where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest
paths, return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban
Phanom, a well known weaving village, return to the city by late evening
for observing the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang
Prabang (B)
Day 3: Luangprabang - Udomxay
( Overland )
An early morning departure towards Udomxay, The road journey passing
numerous small villages en-route visit Khmu, Lantene. They are living
with a nature forest. On arrival at Oudomxay transfer to hotel before
a sightseeing tour of the town. Explore the stupa of Santhiphap that
overlooks this bustling center of local trade and commerce. Overnight
in Oudomxay.(B)
Day 4: Oudomxay – Luang
Nam Tha - Muangsing
After breakfast, continue to drive further north to explore local
lifestyle which is home to various hill tribe groups including Akha,
Laos, Dao. There is also a significant Chinese population and a lot
of trade goes on between here and China. On the way we visit an Akha
minority village. This ethnic group was originally in China but immigrated
into Laos down centuries. They are very poor, but have an interesting
culture and a colorful history (B).
Day 5: Muangsing – Xieng
kok – Muang Sing
The remote and extremely beautiful mountain region of Muong Sing is
ideal for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition.
After breakfast we have time strolling round this small town where
many ethnic minorities are frequently seen on the main street while
small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft.
Upon leaving the town we take a drive west, traveling by bumpy roads
to Xieng Kok, a border town near the golden triangle. In late afternoon,
we drive back to Muong Sing with stopover at the Lantern minority
village. Overnight at Moung Sing. (B)
Day 6: Muong Sing –
Oudomxay –Nong Khiow
Early morning, we visit the bustling colorful Morning Market and the
impressive ethnologic museum, dedicated to region’s ethnic minorities,
are not to be missed. We visit these sights before we make our way
journey to Oudomxay. The road journey down the hill, passing numerous
small villages en-route visit Khmu, Lantene. They are living with
a nature forest. We pass by again Oudomxay, Nam Bak district, which
is completely destroyed during the Indochinese war. On arrival at
Nong Khiow, a small village, located on the bank of Nam Ou river and
surrounded by a chain of the mountains and transfer to local guest
house. Overnight in Nong Khiow.(B)
Day 7: Nongkhoiw - Luang Prabang (Boat)
Breakfast, we board a traditional boat down the Nam Ou River 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”. Stop en route to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves,
where thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues are crammed into
the two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff. Continue down
river to Ban Sang Hay village to sample the local rice alcohol known
as Laow Lao. Arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon and transfer
to hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.(B)
Day 8. Luang Prabang –
Xiengkhouang (Road)
Breakfast, today, we are driving 306KM overland on up Hill Mountain
with splendid natural scenery to Xiengkhouang, where was devastated
by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival, we transfer
out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site
where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau.
If time permits, we are seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun [if
time permits] and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill
tribe people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful
history. Overnight in Phonsavanh. (B)
Day 9. Xiengkhouang –
Muangkham District
Breakfast, we visit Central Market of Phonsavanh, then drive to visit
Muang Kham and some 50KM. En route visit tribal minorities villages
of Hmong, Tai Dam and Khmu… and hot spring water and Tham Piew
cave, where hundred people were killed by American bomb. Lunch in
local restaurant. Return to the hotel late afternoon. Overnight in
Phonsavanh (B)
Day 10 : XiengKhuang - Vang
Vieng
Today we travel by roads 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 which 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. Over night in Vang Vieng (B)
Day 11: Vang Vieng –
Trekking
The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding the resort complex of
Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns. The most famous
of these caves, Tham Jang, was used by local people around 200 years
as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We visit this beautiful cave this
morning before we take a walk to the Tai Deang and the Souay hill
tribe villages. They are all friendly and welcoming. The remainder
of the day is free for your own exploration of the town and relaxation.
Over night in Vang Vieng. (B)
Day 12: Vang Vieng –
Vientiane
Heading out of town we drive back to Vientiane. On the way we make
a stop to visit Nam Ngum dam(90KM), a huge beautiful, artificial lake
was created by damming the Nam Ngum river and flooding around 250
sq Km of forest. The lake is dotted with picturesque small islands
and a cruise is well worth arranging to explore the fishing villages
in different island. Before returning to Vientiane on the road No
10, visit Ban Keun and Ban Bo, where a traditional salt extraction
plant can be seen. We finish the day to watch the spectacular sunset
over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. Overnight in Vientiane.
(B)
Day 13: Vientiane - City Tour
Breakfast, AM: you are met to continue exploring Vientiane capital
city, we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including
the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues
and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous
Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure
of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing
Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc
de Triumph.
PM: continue to visit the rest of Vientiane by walk, visit Wat Ong
Tue, Wat Inpeng. Then we pass by the major shopping area continuing
to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao, where the major goods
display; including fresh food, household, textiles, gold, silver and
ancient souvenir varied display.
Afterward we drive out to see the Buddha Park, a blend of Buddhist
and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on parkland located
by the Mekong River and the impressive Friendship Bridge which links
Laos and Thailand and return to the hotel late afternoon. Overnight
in Vientiane. (B)
Day 14: Vientiane – Pakse – Khong (Flight)
Breakfast, we take an early flight to Pakse. On arrival, we drive
on the National Road No. 13th south to Champassak and visit the ruins
of Wat Phu, which is well known as the most important Hindu sanctuary
of the Khmer Empire between 9th –13th centuries. Here is also
a chance to visit some nearby Khmer temples and Buddhist shrines,
after a shortstop visit, we continue to Khong Island by traditional
local slow boat. Overnight in Khong Island.(B)
Day 15: Khong Island –
Surrounding (Boat)
Today, we enjoy a cruise venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong
River from where thousands of islets jut out in dry season, giving
this area a lovely name” Siphandon”. We stop at the fisherman
village of Ban Khone. where the many old French buildings are seen,
from there we discover the area of 4000 islands and visit one of the
most beautiful waterfalls marking the end of Lao boundary to Cambodia
call Liphi waterfall, known as the Samphamith. If we have luck, we
may be seen the rare Mekong dolphin.. Overnight in Khone Island.(B)
Day 16: Ban Khone –
Khone Phapeng – Phou Asa – Pakse
After breakfast, take a boat for a 20 minutes cruise to Ban Na Phiangdi
and we take a short drive to the Lao-Cambodia border at Weukham and
to famous waterfalls of Khone Phapheng- the largest waterfall in South
East Asia. In the afternoon drive back to Pakse and on the way stop
at Phou Asa to visit the vestiges of this temple dating from the 18th
century. Here we experience an elephant riding through the forest
path till the old citadel, overlooking the valley of the Mekong and
forest preserved of “Dong Huasao”. Continue to drive to
Pakse before sunset and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Pakse.(B)
Day 17: Pakse – Departure
Breakfast, there is a free time for your own exploration of Pakse
town before catching either flight to Siem Reap-Cambodia on every
Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun (B)
Tour
rate in USD per person ( Valid till 31 December
2005 )
Group
size
1
pax
2
pax
3-6
pax
7-11pax
12-15pax
16-10pax
20
Up
Singl.
Suppl.
Suppl.full
board
Standard
2445
1415
1112
795
645
610
585
160
210
First Class
2735
1579
1276
955
809
770
749
293
290
Supplement
for air ticket Pakse-Siem Reap =US$ 75.00/pax
Hotel
Categories
CITIES
STANDARD
CLASS 3 - star
FIRST
CLASS 4 - star
LuangPrabang
Phusi
Villa Santi
Oudomxay
Lithaveexay
Lithaveexay
Muang Sing
Adima G.H
Phu Ew G.H
Nong Khiow
Paiboun G.H
Sunset G.H
Xiengkhouang
Ban Na G.H
Phouphadeng
Vang Vieng
Xayoiverside
Thavonsouk bungalow
Vientiane
Inter city
Lao
Plaza
Done
Khong
Sala
Done Khong
Villa Muang khong
Done
Khone
Sala
Done Khone
Sala
Done Khone
Pakse
Pakse
hotel
Champa Residence
Trip note:
• This trip can be arranged vice versa.
• All above itinerary is flexible, depending on arrival, departure
flights and agreed by traveller
• Program can be adjusted or amended based on indicated sight
visit
• Ground operator reserved the right to amend or adjust itinerary
to match with real situation
• This program is majority based on local culture. Short skirt
and trousers are restricted for major sights, such as major temples
and museum
• On your day 2 tours, you might rise up early morning to participate
local culture offering alms, this is a highlight should not be missed.
The ceremony begin from 05:30 – 06:00hrs, depend on which month
of the year
• Domestic flights are subjected to changed without prior notice
Services Included:
• Domestic Air ticket with airport tax
• Transportation in private air-conditioned
• Accommodation in hotels (Double sharing room)
• Boat trip as stated in above sights
• English speaking guide
• Admission fee to indicated sights
• Meals: Daily breakfast
• Domestic gov’t tax and service charge
• Luggage handling
Services Included Exclusive
•
International air tickets to/from Laos
• Visa stamping fee
• Departure airport tax
• Travel Insurance
• Meals:(lunch/dinner, quoted separately)
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others not Stated…