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SECLUDED NORTH
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Code: |
LAD 03 |
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Routes: |
Houei Xay . Mekong Cruise
. Pakbeng . Oudom Xay . Hill Tribe
People . Nongkhia . Luang Prabang . Plan
of Jars . Vientiane
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Duration: |
10 Days |
Itinerary in brief
Day 1 : HOUEI XAY - PAKBENG
Day 2 : PAKBENG - OUDOMXAY
Day 3 : OUDOMXAY - NAMBAK - NONGKHIO
Day 4 : NONGKHIO - LUANG PRABANG
Day 5 : LUANG PRABANG
Day 6 : LUANG PRABANG - KHOUANGSI WATERFALLS
Day 7 : LUANG PRABANG - XIENG KHOUANG
Day 8 : XIENG KHOUANG - VIENTIANE
Day 9
: VIENTIANE
Day 10 : VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE
The trip starts from Houei Xay and
cruises along the mighty Mekong River. We venture into
northern Laos which is home to a wide array of hill
tribe group including Dao, Hmong, Khmu and Akha. The
verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the
colorful local population makes for an unforgettable
experience. We visit the beautiful town of Luang Prabang
and Xieng Khouang then continue to the sleepy capital of
Vientiane.
Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: HOUEI
XAY - PAKBENG
On arrival at Houei Xay 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. 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 at times; 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
- NAMBAK - NONGKHIO
The remoteness and the simple
lifestyle of the region is a highlight although
conditions are very basic. After breakfast, we walk
around Oudomxay Town and make stop at the vibrant
central market, which is always a hive of activity as
many hill tribe people come from the surrounding
mountainsides and valley to barter or trade their goods.
The journey leads us via Nambak to Nong Khia, a
beautiful area surrounded by limestone muntain outcrops.
Along the way , we can make stop as we please, to
stretch our legs and take photographs. O/N in Nongkhio.
(B)
DAY 4: NONGKHIO
- LUANG PRABANG
Upon leaving the small village we
set off on boat trip down the Nam Ou River and pass the
beautiful mountain landscape. We stop en route to visit
the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves which are crammed with
thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various
sizes, all brought by devoted villagers. We arrive in
Luang Prabang by mid afternoon. This royal former
capital with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial
architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been
claimed to be "the best preserved traditional city
in South East 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 5:
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. We also have enough time
today 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. Our
tour of Luang Prabang ends with a walk up 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 6: LUANG
PRABANG - KHOUANGSI WATERFALLS
The extremely beautiful
mountain region around Luang Prabang is home of the many
hill tribe groups. Today we head south to explore a
lowland Lao village which is well known for its
cotton production. After a short walk across some
traditional houses we continue travelling by roads up to
Ban Nam Ok Hou. This secluded village is conqured by the
Khmu hill tribe people who are all friendly and
welcoming. Our main stop is the beautiful Khouang Si
Falls surrounded by the native forest. The waterfall
tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the
cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an
enjoyable escape when the heat becomes unbearable. O/N
in Luang Prabang. (B)
DAY 7: LUANG
PRABANG - XIENG KHOUANG
Heading out of town we board a
short flight, taking us over mountainous regions to the
remote Xieng Khouang Province, which was devastated by
American bombing between 1964 and 1973. On arrival we
drive out 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.
We also have time exploring the province's old capital
of Muang Khun and the nearby villages. They
are populated by the Hmong hill tribe people who are
very poor but have an interesting local culture and a
colorful history. O/N in Phonesavanh. (B)
DAY 8: XIENG
KHOUANG - VIENTIANE
The local market is also
visited this morning before we take a flight back to
Vientiane. At the border of the Mekong River, this small
town conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of
Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. A
half day city tour introduces us to Wat Sisaket that
is 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 make
stop at 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 9:
VIENTIANE
Today we enjoy a full day city
tour starting with the National Museum which is
documenting both the history of Laos and the history of
war. A next stop of our trip is Talat Sao, also
known as "morning market", where anything and everything
is for sales. After exploring a handicraft center and
Vat Simuang with the famous stone column we drive out to
the Buddha Park. This structure represents a blend of
Buddhist and 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 bar by the
riverbank. O/N in Vientiane. (B)
DAY 10:
VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE
There is free time for your own
exploration of the town and strolling around the
shopping area. 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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First Clas
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Superior Class
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Vientiane
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Lanexang hotel |
Novotel hotel |
Lao Plaza hotel |
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Luang Prabang
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Phousi hotel,
Manoluck hotel
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Villa Santi hotel,
Villa Santi Resort
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Phouvao Pansea
hotel, Grand Luang Prabang 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 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.
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