Code:	LAD 04
Routes:	Vientiane - Luang Nam Tha - Muang Sing - Oudom Xay - Muong La - Muong Khoua - Nongkhia - Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng
Duration:	11 Days

Itinerary in brief

Day 1   : ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE
Day 2   : VIENTIANE - LUANG NAM THA - MUANG SING
Day 3   : MUANG SING 
Day 4   : MUANG SING - LUANG NAM THA - OUDOMXAY
Day 5   : OUDOMXAY - MUONGLA - MUONGKHOUA
Day 6   : MUANGKHOUA - NONGKHIO - LUANG PRABANG
Day 7   : LUANG PRABANG
Day 8   : LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG
Day 9   : VANG VIENG
Day 10 : VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE
Day 11 : VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE

Experience the highlights of these fascinating and culturally rich country. Leaving the tourist trails behind we travel to remote rural and mountainous regions, cruise along the Nam Ou River and explore the delightful Lao towns of Luang Prabang , the karst formation of van Vieng and the tranquil Vientiane. Now is the time to visit this beautiful and unspoiled part of Asia

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE

On arrival at Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. On the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos. This small city conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. After a short rest, we start our city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. The following sight is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the imposing Patouxai Monument well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe before continuing to the great sacred structure and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. Overnight in Vientiane

DAY  2 : VIENTIANE - LUANG NAM THA - MUANG SING

The journey northwards begins as we board our flight to Luang Namtha, a land of rugged mountains, beautiful forest and rich river plain. This mountainous region is also sharing the border with China and Myanmar. There are over twenty ethnic groups who are  settled in Luang Nam Tha, making it one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Laos. On arrival we travel by roads to Muang Sing, stopping along the way at the Akha hill tribe 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. O/N in Muang Sing. (B)

DAY 3 : MUANG SING 

The remote and extremely beautiful mountain region of Muong Sinh is ideal for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition. After breakfast we have time strolling round this town where many ethnic minorities are frequently seen on the main street and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. This morning we take a short drive north before we set off on a half day walk, using the local tracks. We trek through the breathtaking mountain landscape to the Yao, Akkha and Lantern hill tribe villages, and are sure to attraction attention as this part of the country receives very few visitors. O/N at Muang Sinh. (B,L)

DAY 4 : MUANG SING - LUANG NAM THA - OUDOMXAY

An early morning departure to Oudomxay. 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. The drive is difficult at times; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for a memorable experience. On arrival we check in a very simple hotel and take a walk to explore this hill town. O/N at Oudomxay. (B)

DAY 5 : OUDOMXAY - MUONGLA - MUONGKHOUA

The local market also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the surrounding mountainsides or valley to barter and trade their goods. We visit this congregation before we set off on our journey along the Nam Phak River to Muong La. Here is a chance to visit Pra Xack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. This 400 year old statue legendary possesses many supernatural powers which are widly worshipped among local people. Upon leaving Muong La , the roads begin to deteriorate but the drive is very interesting as we pass through the scenic landscape. O/N in Muong Khoua. (B)

DAY 6 : MUANGKHOUA - NONGKHIO - LUANG PRABANG

Upon leaving the timeless village of Nongkhio, we board a traditional boat for a leisurely trip on the Nam Ou River. Along the way we stop to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou which are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various sizes. We continue our trip to Luang Prabang. This former royal capital with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop retains an unique charm rarely found in all Asia. There is little traffic on Luang Prabang 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 former Royal Palace has been turned into a national museum. This interesting monument  displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We visit this landmark as well as the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. Today we also have enough time to explore other sights, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Wisunalat and the Wat Mai with five tiered roofs. A visit to Luang Prabang would be not complete without climbing 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the Mekong River. The zigzag path crosses over various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N at Luang Prabang. (B)

DAY  8: LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG

Today we have time strolling around the charming streets of Luang Prabang and doing the last minute shopping before we make our way to Vang Vieng. The journey is strenuous at times as we drive along one of the most scenic but rough routes in the whole of Asia. Along the way we make stopover at several villages of different ethnic minorities. We arrive in Vang Vieng , a small town which is located on a bend in the Nam Song River. This tranquil town is rapidly developped with the advent of tourist, but the beautiful scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops is unchanged for century. We board our boat for a well paced trip on the Nam Song River , exploring the breathtaking karst formations. O/N in Vang Vieng (B)

DAY  9: VANG VIENG

The limestone mountains and valleys surrounding the resort complex of Vang Vieng are noted for  numerous beautiful caves and caverns. The most famous one, Tham Jang, was once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. After exploring this huge cave we embark on two hour walk, using the local path to the Tai Deang and the Souay hill tribe villages. The walk is not arduous,  a pleasant way to explore different rural ways of life close up. Upon leaving these villages we continue hiking through the rice fields and visit two smaller caves of Khan and Khil. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration of the town and relaxation. O/N in Vang Vieng. (B)

DAY 10: VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE

Heading out of town we travel by roads back to Vientiane with stopover at Vang Xang famous for the 11th century  archaeological site.  After checking into hotel we visit the colorful morning market which is full of local treasures and stroll around the town. We also transfer out to explore the impressive Friendship Bridge linking Laos and Thailand, and the Buddha Park which displays a lovely collection of Buddhist as well as Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on a parkland located by the Mekong River. A perfect way to round off the day is to watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River at one of the many bars by the riverbank. O/N in Vientiane. (B)

DAY 11: VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE

There is a free time for your own exploration of the city or strolling around the shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer to Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge for departure. (B)

HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP
CITY/ AREA	Standard Class	First Clas	Superior Class
Vientiane	Lanexang hotel	Novotel hotel	Lao Plaza hotel
Luang Prabang	Phousi hotel, Manoluck hotel	Villa Santi hotel, Villa Santi Resort	Phouvao Pansea hotel, Grand Luang Prabang hotel
Other area	Guesthouse or mini hotel
HOTEL NOTES	The hotel in Pakbeng, Oudom Xay and Nongkhio do not match tour classification since some of them are very simple  but remember that Laos is a developping country.