Following the mighty Mekong River you navigate towards Xiengkok and venture into the rugged land of Muang Sing and Luang Nam Tha. You explore the secluded hill tribe villages, soak up the nature on a cruise down the Namou River and visit the delightful town of Luang Prabang Town with various temples and funny shopping areas. Travelling overland to Xieng Khouang and Vang Vieng, you visit the mysterious plain of jars and the scenic landscape. This exciting adventure deliver you to Vientiane for a full day exploration of Lao capital city.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Thailand - Houeixay - Muang Sing 
On arrival at Houeixay in Laos from Chiang Khong (Thailand), you are met by our guide and driven to Houeixay Town. This outpost is an important trading center between China and Thailand who have left their influence in local architecture and culture. The exciting exploration of northern Laos begins as we embark on a private car for a long day traveling through the most mountainous region of Laosto Muang Sing. Along the way we can make stop as you please, to stretch your legs and take some wonderful pictures. We arrive in Muang Sing by mid or late afternoon depending on road and traffic conditions. O/N in Muang Sing.

Day 2 : Muang Sing - Huaylong Kao - Muang Sing ( Trekking) 
Today we make our way north towards Huaylong Kao before we embark on an exiting walk, following the footpath used by local people. We pass through the breathtaking mountain landscape to the seldom visited hamlets, home of theYao, Akkha and Lantern people. They are settled there longtime ago and still retain their traditional culture and habits. The trekking is strenuous at times, with some little steep uphill and downhill walking; however some physical preparation will enable you to fully enjoy this adventure. At end of the walking day we meet up with our waiting vehicle and stretch our legs on a drive. O/N in Muang Sing. (B,L)

Day 3: Muang Sing - Luang Namtha 
The traditional morning market in Muang Sing also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the outlying valleys and mountainsides to sell their goods and buy provision. Heading out of town we off on a drive along the zigzag way and pass many sleepy hamlets linked to the road which is the main artery of trade in the northern region. There are some stop en route to see the homeland of Akha, Lao Houei and Iko people who are very poor, but have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. These tribal groups have originally settled in high mountain side therefore it may involve a walk to visit their villages. On arrival in Luang Namtha Town we check in hotel and enjoy a short walk tour exploring this hill town. O/N in Luang Namtha. (B)

Day 4 : Luang Namtha - Oudomxay - Muang La - Muang Khoua 
Today we have a chance to see the lko minority people at Ban Lakkham Mai on our way to Mouang La, which is set by the Nam Phak River and surrounded by the undulating mountains . This hill town do not have much to see besides PraXack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. The 400 year old statue legendarily possesses many supernatural powers which are widely worshipped among local people. Upon leaving Muong La, the roads begin to deteriorate; however many villages dot the hillsides and the undulating terrains make for an interesting journey. Along the way we make several stops at the seldom visited villages of the Iko, Hmong Lai and Khmu people and are sure to attraction their attention as this part of the country receives very few visitors. O/N in Muang Khoua. (B)

Day 5 : Muang Khoua - Nam Bak - Nong Khiow 
The following destination of our trip is Nong Khiow. This beautiful village set by the Nam Ou River, boasts a stunning limestone mountain backdrop and genuine local colour. We begin our day with a visit to Muang Khoua Market, an important trading hub of this mountainous region. The colorful hill tribe people are often seen in this conglomeration. Upon leaving Muang Khoua we catch our vehicle for an interesting drive though a beautiful mountain areas to Nong Khiow. These back roads are a perfect way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. On arrival at Nong Khiow we spend the remainder of our day to walk around or simply relax. O/N at Nong Khiow. (B)

Day 6: Nong Khiow - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang 
Upon leaving the tranquil village of Nong Khiow we embark a boat cruising through the breathtaking mountain scenery to the mysterious Pakou Caves. They are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various sizes, all brought there by devoted villagers. We visit these famous grottoes and navigate on the Mekong River down 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. We check in hotel and stroll around to catch our first look of town. There is little traffic on roads and monks in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 7: Luang Prabang 
The exploration of this delightful town includes the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which is overlooking the Mekong River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes , doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang Prabang. We follow it with the national museum. This interesting mansion displays a lovely collection of treasures and artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. There are also plenty to see in this town, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai. We round off our day with a walk up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town center and the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N at Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 8: Luang Prabang - Khouang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang 
The mountainous areas around Luang Prabang Town are also home of many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in secluded jungle. Today we catch a drive southwards to Phosi Market that sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts. Upon leaving this lively market we make our way through the verdant and rugged scenery to Ban Thapene , Ban Xom and Ban Namai which are conquered by the Lao Loum, Khmu and Hmong people. They are very poor but have interesting culture and colorful history. These tribal groups have originally settled in mountain side therefore it may involve some short walks to visit their villages. We arrives at Khouang Si Fall and spend the time relaxing in marvellous setting of waterfall and lush forest. The waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 9: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang ( Overland) 
Today we have an option to rise early to view the procession of monks on their daily outing collecting alms, a practice dating back centuries. The local people wait out the front of their houses with food for the monks to collect and bring back to the temple. After breakfast we enjoy a walk around the local shops, which are well known for the hand-weaving and interesting artefacts. We leave Luang Prabang and drive along a winding way through the scenic mountain landscape to Xieng Khouang. This remote province was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. The journey is very long and difficult at times, but we can make many stops as we please, to stretch our legs or simply catch some wonderful photographs. O/N in Xieng Khouang. (B)

Day 10: Xieng Khouang - Vang Vieng 
Heading out of town we make a short drive to visit the "Plan of Jars", an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. The following destination of our trip is Vang Vieng via a seven hour overland trip. This small and tranquil village is rapidly developed with the advent of tourists, but the beautiful scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops unchanged for century. We arrives in Vang Vieng by mid or late afternoon depending on roads and traffic conditions. O/N Vang Vieng. (B)

Day 11: Vang Vieng - Vientiane 
The exciting exploration of Vang Vieng begins with a boat trip along theNamsong River, giving us a taste of adventure and an interesting visit to ThamJang Cave. This sacred cavern was once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We walk uphill to see Tham Jang Cave and enjoy wonderful views across the idyllic valley to the beautiful panorama of Vang Vieng Town. The remainder of time will be free for your own discovery of Vang Vieng. There are various options to choose from, some of which are biking, kayaking or caving. These optional activities are not included; however our guide is on hand to advise you with invaluable information. By mid afternoon we regroup at our hotel and travel by roads to Vientiane past the undulating terrains and the rustic villages. O/N in Vientiane. (B)

Day 12: Vientiane 
The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is small city conjuring up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We start our city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We see these sites before we continue to Patouxai standing in Lane Xang Avenue. This imposing monument is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe and provides a stunning views of the city. Heading out of town we see the giantFriendship Bridge and the impressive Buddha Park. This landmark represents a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on a parkland located by the Mekong River. The perfect way to round off our day is to watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. O/N inVientiane. (B)

Day 13: Vientiane - Departure 
There is a free time for your own exploration of the town and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer to Wattay Airport for departure. (B)

INCLUSIONS: +Transportation in private vehicle with driver + Accommodation twin sharing room at mentioned hotels and guesthouses or similar one + English or French speaking guide +Entrance fee to indicated sights + Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Boat trip in Nongkhiow - Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Laos, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner

TRIP NOTES

-LAOS IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMOODATION IS SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.

-THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

-THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

-THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE ,LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

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