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Code: |
LWT 01 |
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Routes: |
Historic colonial city -
Unspoiled rivers - Caves - Breathtaking
vistas - River rafting / camping in the
jungle - Trekking into the mountain
communities of the Hmong und Khmu people
- Mountain biking - Kayaking - Elephant
safari - Stunning waterfalls - Cultural
city of Luang Phabang and its temples -
Monasteries - The majestic Mekong River
and the Cave of the Thousand Buddhas |
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Duration: |
14Days or
19Days
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This journey through Laos
captivates with its many activities: rafting - kayaking
- trekking into the high country of the hilltribe people
- riding elephants - mountain biking - waterfalls -
nature, life and living along the majestic Mekong River.
This guided tour is the high point of our Asian
discovery programs and is best experienced during July
to February...come and see!..
Detail Itinerary
This tour combines activities like
caving, rafting, kayaking, elephant trips and mountain biking
with stunning forays into the hinterland, which reveal
breathtaking nature and the life of the mountain people. The
high point of our Asian discovery programs, this trip is best
experienced in summer and during autumn, but offers much at any time
of year. Explore a country of indescribable natural beauty.
Open up to the charm, the history and the gods of this strange
world. Join us on a unique adventure in LAOS! .
Detail Itinerary
Day 0: Flight to Asia
or to Laos and connect to Vientiane
(see our "how to get there" section. Please organise your own travel
arrangements and flights to get here.
1: Arrival in Vientiane
You may arrive at any time of the day at our meeting point and
hotel. After settling into accommodations in the center of the city,
we spend the afternoon exploring its magnificent colonial buildings,
taking in its provincial flair. In the evening, those who are up for
it can check out the nightlife...or try the local beer "Lao" …
welcome dinner (D)
2: Monasteries, Colonial
Heritage, Museumm
Today we have time to become more
familiar with the city and its sights such as the renovated, active
monasteries (Sri Saket, Haw Pha Kaew) and, most importantly, the
national monument "Pra Thrat Luang" with its famed golden paint.
In the small monasteries of the city, we'll meet the friendly young
monks in their saffron robes, who gladly show us their homes and
describe their lives of devotion… (B/-)
3: From Vientiane to Vang Vieng
After breakfast, we drive north to the small city of y of y of y of
Vang Vieng (approx. 160 km), which is tucked in among rocky cliffs
and a small river and has retained its unique charm. In the
afternoon, we explore a nearby cave and subsequently enjoy the
sunset and silence at the river. Here we stay in a small guesthouse
near the river. (B/-)
4: Hiking, Caving and Kayaking
This daytrip brings us to hidden caves and the surrounding villages.
We become part of this unbelievable landscape of rock, jungle and
rivers. In the afternoon, we paddle by kayak back to Vang Vieng. The
area offers other options as well, such as extensive hikes, further
cave exploration and enjoyment of the expansive landscape . (B/L)
5. Vang Vieng and a Cave
Expedition in the Highlands
We now travel deeper into the
mountains and the green hinterland. Slowly the road winds along the
slopes, over mountain passes and through small villages. In the
afternoon, we reach a recently discovered cave. With adventurous
spirit and our equipment, we rise into the dark and cool to
investigate the wealth of this hidden place. We spend the night in a
small lodge . (B/L)
6. The Adventure Takes its Course…
Rafting on the Nam Ming River
After breakfast, we head out by minibus for our river adventure
(approx. 1.5 hrs). With our rafts, we embark onto the Nam Ming and
paddle by the tides of the river through the wildly enchanting
landscape. Equipped with sturdy rafts, life jackets, helmets and our
guides, we head into a genuine adventure among rivers, forests,
mountain ranges and villages. We spend the night in tents and share
a campfire on the beach along the river. During this
rafting trip, each participant must carry limited luggage. The large
luggage is transported to our office in Luang Phabang where we will
arrive on Day 11. (B/L/D)
7. Trekking Day 1:
Highlands of Laos - Local Peoples - Junglee
We continue on foot, and our challenging multi - day trek takes us
through the hinterland of Laos , which is difficult to reach. Our
guides lead us from village to village, and we have an opportunity
to observe the true, original life of the local people. We will have
home - stays with the villagers and bed down with mosquito nets and
sleeping mats in their homes. (B/L/D)
8. Trekking Day 2: Highlands of
Laos - Local Peoples - Jungle
We migrate further into the
remote and sparsely populated areas of the hinterland. Wilderness
and agriculture co - mingle in this ancient homeland of the mountain
people. Here, we meet the Hmong and the Khmu, who make
their living by crop rotation and raising small farm animals. Over
wildly overgrown mountains, we make our way towards the Nam Khan,
which we will soon travel . (B/L/D)
9. Trekking Day 3:
Highlands of Laos - Jungle Resort, Elephant Camp
Our last trekking day brings us down into the neighboring plains. At
midday, we arrive at a beautiful resort. Here we rediscover all the
amenities of civilization along a lovely river near beautiful
bungalows. The first thing you may wish to do is to take a shower-
or you can choose a bath with our giant neighbors, the elephants!
The resort boasts a first - class restaurant. We spend
the night here in this beautifully landscaped oasis. (B/L)
10. Elephant Trip - Waterfall -
Kayak - Cultural Capital Luang Phabang On the last day of our
intensive adventure, we share an unforgettable experience.
A morning bath with elephants, the ride to the Tad Sea Waterfalls on
our thick - skinned friends, a refreshing bath in the waterfall and
our subsequent arrival at the cultural capital of Luang Phabang are
the icing on the cake of this unique program! In the
evening, time remains for exploring this stunning and idyllic city.
Hotel overnight accommodations are included. (B/L))
11. Luang Phabang Tour of the
City, Temples , Monasteries and the Majestic Mekong River
There is much to see in today's
itinerary, and we will accomplish as much as we can. Our focus is
the history and beauty of the city. The old partially renovated
colonial buildings and over 20 monasteries in the city are alone
worth a whole day. In addition, the monastery mountain Phou Si, with
its grand view of the city, offers another high point of full
discoveries and experiences. We can converse with monks on the steps
of the monasteries, and later stop in at one of the delicious
roadside restaurants. (B/-)
12. Relaxing in Luang Phabang
Following such an active schedule, we take a day to catch a breath,
which is close to the souls of the Laotian people. We make peaceful
preparations for our next adventure in the north of Laos ... Tip:
You may wish to try a professional massage in the convenient Spa
Garden or take a trip to the nearby Kuang Si Waterfalls. (B/-)
13.* Travel to the Northh
After breakfast, we leave the city northbound by minibus toward
Oudom Xay. A little further along, we stay overnight in
the small Muang La where we can relax at the hot springs . Overnight
accommodations are in a guesthouse. (B/L)
14. * Mountain Biking - with
Support Vehicle With our mountain bikes, we ride through a rural
area to Mouang Kua (asphalt road, approx. 60 km). Here we enjoy the
life along the roadside and the small places that we happen by.
When you tire of biking, you can ride further with our support
vehicle. Overnight accommodations are in a guesthouse. (B/-)
15. * Nam Ou Raftingg Today
the Nam Ou awaits, which is one of the best rafting rivers in the
region. We journey slowly downstream. Here, where there are no
roads, life feels completely different from that to which we are
accustomed! And we want to share in this peace and tranquility. We
arrive in Moung Ngoi where we find our night’s accommodations in one
of the small guesthouses. (B/L/D)
16. Moung Ngoi Trekking and
Caving In Moung Ngoi, we interrupt our boat journey for the
neighboring caves and the villages of the lowland Laotian people
(Lao Lum). A light hike brings us away from the river to the
surrounding, rustic villages. We will stay overnight so that we can
experience their way of life close up. This area was heavily
bombarded during the Viet Nam war and today one can still see the
locals use the old bombshells to plant vegetables. This is journey
into history. (B/L/D)
17. Trekking - Rafting to Nong
Khiaw We rise with the roosters and, after breakfast, make our
way back to the river. We continue our journey south by raft,
heading slowly downstream (depending upon the water level), passing
hillsides covered with enormous bamboo plants. The area's special
charm is its isolation and remoteness. Past small
settlements and rapids, we return in the afternoon to a developed
area with roads. We arrive in Nong Khiaw where we will stay
overnight in a comfortable guesthouse. You can explore the area a
little by foot. (B/L)
18. Return to Luang Phabang
After breakfast, we return to Luang Phabang. On our
final evening together, we have the opportunity to share the
impressions of our journey. (B/-)
19. Luang Phabang – Flight to
Bangkok
and Connecting Travel arranged by you...
20. Arrive at Final Destination
with long lasting memories
Other
Expenses
We recommend about 10 to 15 US$ per person per day for
personal expenses. Typically, this is more than enough
because most costs are included.
!! For our 2 Week (14 day)
Program see *!!
13. Additional Day in Luang
Phabang, Mekong River and Pak Ou Cave Today, you wrap up this
shorter version of our trip, but there is still time for a bit more
adventure. You journey by boat upriver to the Pak Ou
Cave, also called the Cave of the Thousand Buddhas, since here
innumerable Buddha statues overlook the Mekong from within the cave.
In the afternoon, you head back to Luang Phabang.
14. Departure from Laos
Soon after breakfast, you fly to Bangkok.
Here you can make your connection for continuing travel. Or ask us
for more possibilities in Thailand and Bangkok
15. Arrival at Final Destination
with long lasting memories...
More Information about our
Activities in Laos :
Rafting for the summer and
autumn program is an exciting experience using unsinkable plastic or
rubber boats from Europe and Thailand. Life jackets and helmets are
provided and must be worn by each participant. We always provide a
briefing prior to any rafting activity; however, we recommend that
those who cannot swim not take part in this activity. The luggage is
either transported separately or carried in waterproof bags (dry
bags). If the rivers are not passable due to weather conditions, we
reserve the right to choose an alternate route for your protection.
Note: During January - June rafting conditions are less
challenging.
Kayaking trips take place in
open kayaks, which means the routes must have a simple degree of
difficulty. You sit comfortably in the kayak with back support and
can steer very easily. The luggage is either transported separately
or carried in waterproof bags. As with rafting, if the rivers are
not passable due to weather conditions, we reserve the right to
offer an alternative route for your safety.
Boating trips use traditional
Laotian long boats with small outboard motors. The boats have
limited capacity, which may require large groups to split into
smaller groups. During the dry season, it may be necessary to
portage or wade in low water.
Trekking trips are always
undertaken with our qualified trained guides, who know the area and
the route and who can speak the local languages and dialects. When
running times are indicated, these depend on weather, fitness and
the length of breaks. Normally, our activities range from 3 to 6
hours. A detailed plan is not prescribed. The hikes provide an
enjoyable experience for anyone with a good fitness level. We visit
native villages, encounter the way of life and have opportunities
for home-stays. It is important to have a tolerance for
the local hygienic conditions and an acceptance of different
customs. We provide a sleeping mat, as well as a mosquito net. You
usually sleep on the ground in a wood or bamboo house, in which the
family also lives. You adapt to the behavior and the daily rhythm of
the mountain people. These expeditions are a maximum of 3 days long
and pass through some difficult terrain. The countryside can include
steep hills and mountains, which requires endurance at all times of
year and durable clothes in the rainy season. Each participant
should know his or her strengths and limits. Please make us aware of
any concerns in advance.
Food on the Treks Depending
upon the local cuisine, we offer rice and noodle dishes, with meat,
fish, vegetables and plenty of fruit. We always carry
water bottles. Our cooks prepare the meals in cooperation with the
participants and may welcome assistance. On short hikes,
lunch packs are carried.
Elephant trips are offered as
half-day routes and start in our elephant camp outside Luang
Phabang. Each elephant carries two people. The trips
last from 1 to 3 hours. You must remember that these are
animals and not machines, and they can sometimes have a mind of
their own! There can sometimes be route changes or short delays. We
appreciate your understanding.
Extreme trips are offered
only upon request. These are then usually connected with an Explorer
tour. Normally, these involve combinations of new hiking areas,
mountain passes, jungles and boat routes. Here guides, translators,
companions, GPS and other appropriate tools are utilized.
Don’t Forget!
- Passport and all applicable travel documents,
- emergency contact information, cash or traveler's
cheques
- Insurance information
- Durable travel rucksack: 50-60 liter with weight max. 15 Kilo
- (no hardshell suitcases)
- Backpack for use during daily activities
- Hidden all - weather money belt
- Toiletry bag with necessities
- Flashlight and hands - free head light
- Light Sleeping bag (for overnights in villages and outside)
- Good shoes and sandals, which should be broken in
- Sunscreen and sunhat
- Clothing: long - sleeve/leg, lightweight, light - colored and a
set of short-sleeve/leg
- Swim gear
- Outfit for evening outings
- Necessary medications and supplies.
-- please note --
that changes in time and itinerary may appear at any time according
to unforeseen conditions. The Tad Sae waterfall is dry during the
period of February and August!
Trekking routes may change and river conditions depend on the
season!
