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NORTHERN EXPOSURE
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Code: |
LWT 08 |
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Routes: |
Thai Lan - Houei Xai -
Pakbeng - Oudomxay - Muong Ngoi -
Trekking - Hill tribe - Luang Prabang -
Vang Vieng - Vientiane
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Duration: |
11 Days |
Itinerary in brief
Day 1 : HOUEI XAY - PABKBENG
Day 2 : PAKBENG - OUDOMXAY
Day 3 : OUDOMXAY - MUONG LA - MUONG NGOY
Day 4 : MUONG NGOY - BAN KIOUKHAN
Day 5 : BAN KHIOUKHAN - MUONG
NGOY
Day 6 : MUONG NGOY - LUANG PRABANG
Day 7 : LUANG PRABANG
Day 8 :
LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG
Day 9 : VANG VIENG - TREKKING
Day 10 :
VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE
Day 11 : VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE
Get well and truly off
the beaten track and discover it for yourself! We
experience the very best of Laos with a cruise down the
Mekong River, visiting the magnificent temples of Luang
Prabang and the crumbling French architecture in the
world's sleepiest capital, Vientiane. This is one
country in which you can truly discover the original
culture and colour of the land
Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: HOUEI
XAY - PABKBENG
On arrival at Houei Xai in Laos
from Chiangkhong ( Thailand), we embark on our boat for
cruising downstream on the Me Kong River. This portion
of the Mekong River is not too large but both banks of
the river are bordered by very beautiful mountain ranges
and green forest. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect
way to observe rural life close up. Along the way, we
stop over at Ban Houeilampen to visit the Hmong hill
tripe people. They are very poor, but have an
interesting culture and a colorful history. O/N in
Pakbeng. (L)
DAY 2:
PAKBENG - OUDOMXAY
The overland expedition begins
as we depart Pakbeng for Oudomxay. These back roads are
a great 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 long and rough; however the verdant
and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful
local population makes for an interesting journey. On
arrival in Oudomxay we check in a very simple hotel and
enjoy a walk to explore this hill town. O/N in Oudomxay.
(B)
DAY 3 :
OUDOMXAY - MUONG LA - MUONG NGOY
An early morning departure to
Muong La. This tranquil town is noted for Pra Xack
Kham Temple, home to the Buddha image of 400 years
old. The sacred statue legendary possesses many
supernatural powers which are widely worshipped among
local people. After seeing this sight we continue our
journey through the beautiful mountain landscape to
Muong Khoua. At this riverside village we embark on a
traditional boat for a leisurely cruise on the Nam Ou
River down to Muong Ngoy, our base for trekking
adventure. O/N in Muong Ngoy. (B)
DAY 4 : MUONG
NGOY - BAN KIOUKHAN
The remote and extremely
beautiful mountain region of the north is ideal for
anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition.
We head out of the town and begins our trek uphill to
Ban Kioukhan. This small village is conquered by the
Khmu hill tribe people. A long the way, we walk through
many different villages, and are sure to attract
attention as this part of the country receives very few
visitors. We arrive at Ban Kioukhan by late afternoon
and have time to walk around this charming village,
enabling us to understand a little more about their
culture and lifestyle. O/N at Ban Kioukhan village.
(B,L,D)
DAY 5 :
BAN KHIOUKHAN - MUONG NGOY
Today we continue our
expedition, using the local tracks. The trekking is
difficult at times, with some steep uphill and down hill
walking, but is still an unique and memorable
experience. After a half day walking, we arrive at Ban
Hadsaphaei village which is situated by the Nam Ou
River. There is a complete change of pace as we board a
boat for few hour trip to Muong Ngoy, a great chance to
relax and explore the landscape of limestone
mountain outcrops along the river. O/N in Muong
Ngoy. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 : MUONG
NGOY - LUANG PRABANG
Upon leaving the village of our
previous night, we trek for a half day, passing through
several more hill villages to Pakou Cave. This
magnificent cave houses thousands of gold lacquered
Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought
there by devoted villagers. We visit this sight before
continuing to the World Heritage Listed Site of
Luang Prabang. This former royal capital with its
gleaming temple roofs, 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. This temple structures are
decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and
doorways. We also have enough time this day, to explore
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. After seeing these
sights we climb 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
This morning we enjoy a walk
around the charming streets of Luang Prabang and catch
up on some 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. There are some stops en route to
visit several hill villages, home of different ethnic
groups. 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 a boat for a well paced trip on the Nam Song
River, exploring the stunning mountain landscape and the
famous cave of Tham Jang. O/N in Vang Vieng. (B)
DAY 9 : VANG
VIENG - TREKKING
Heading out of the town we
start our full day trek from Ban Phatang village through
spectacular paddy fields. Along the way we visit Tham
Hoy Cave and Ban Phathao village which is home to
the Hmong ethnic minorities. After a picnic lunch we
walk following the local path and meet the local
people who do their daily works such as logging, tilling
the fields or herding buffalo. At the end of our walk we
arrive at Ban Tham Xang and have time to wander
around this small village, enabling us to understand a
little more about their culture as well as lifestyle. A
highlight of this evening is a traditional dance
performed by villagers. O/N at Ban Tham Xang .
(B,L,D
DAY 10 :
VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE
The charming and fascinating
capital of Laos is Vientiane. This small city conjures
up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai,
Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. After a half day
travelling by winding roads, we arrive in Vientiane. A
half day city tour acquaints with some major sights
including Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing
in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable
frescoes and Buddha images. The following sight is Haw
Pha Kaew, the former royal temple of Laos monarchy,
which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha
Statue. We also visit the imposing Patouxai Monument
well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe on our way
to the great sacred structure and symbol of Laos, That
Luang Stupa. 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)
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HOTELS USED
ON THIS TRIP |
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CITY/ AREA
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Standard
Class
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Vientiane
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Lanexang hotel |
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Luang Prabang
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Phousi hotel,
Manoluck hotel
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Other area
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Guesthouse or mini
hotel |
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HOTEL NOTES
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+ The higher hotel
category in Luang Prabang and Vientiane can be
arranged upon request.
+ The hotels in
Luang Nam Tha and Muong Sinh do not match tour
classification since some of them are very
simple but remember that Laos is a developping
country.
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Bac Ha
Trekking Tour |
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Vietnam Cycling
Tours |
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Ha Giang Trekking Tour |
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Northeast Cycling Tour |
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Kayaking Ha Long Bay Tour |
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Fansipan Climbing Tour |
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Explorer Ha
Long Bay By Cruise Tour |
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Sapa Trekking Tour |
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INCLUDING
Transportation in private air-conditioned
vehicle with driver and truck on bad road conditions + Meal as
mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner + Accommodation: twin
sharing room at the below mentioned hotel or similar one + English or
French speaking guide + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Boat trip
Houei Xay - Pakbeng , Nongkhio - Luang Prabang |
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NOT INCLUDING
Other
meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement,
personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in/
out Laos, any optional additional tours or activities
during free time.
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