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SPIRIT OF LUANG PRABANG
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Code: |
LWT 09 |
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Routes: |
Vientiane - Vang Vieng -
enchanting town of Luang Prabang -
Mekong River - Khouang Si Waterfalls -
Trekking - Hill tribe |
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Duration: |
9 Days |
Itinerary in brief
Day 1 : ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE
Day 2 : VIENTIANE - VANG VIENG
Day 3 : VANG VIENG - LUANG PRABANG
Day 4 : LUANG PRABANG
Day 5 : LUANG PRABANG - BAN
KLUNG
Day 6 : BAN KLUNG - KHOUANG SI
WATERFALLS
Day 7 : BAN LONG PHU - BAN LONG LAO
Day 8
: BAN LONG LAO - LUANG PRABANG
Day 9 : LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE
In Vientiane and Luang
Prabang, the ancient temples, the inspiring Buddhist
monks, the tree-lined boulevards create a unique and
absorbing atmosphere. On this adventurous trip we
explore the beautiful mountainous area of Vang Vieng
then trek through the little visited hills and mountains
of the north. The true highlight is staying in minority
villages and meeting the wonderful people from some of
the many diverse ethnic tribes.
Detail Itinerary
DAY 1 :
ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE
On arrival at Wattay
Airport or Friendship Bridge, you are met and
transferred to our centrally located hotel. The charming
and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is located on
the banks of the Mekong River. 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 on our way to the great sacred structure and
symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. O/N in Vientiane.
DAY 2:
VIENTIANE - VANG VIENG
The journey northwards begins
as depart the town and drive through the spectacular
countryside towards the mountain region. Along the way
we visit the busy and colorful market of Thalat where
various hill tribes come to trade their goods and buy
previsions. A next stop of our trip is Vang Sang, famous
for the archeological site dating back 11th
century. We reach our final destination, Vang Vieng,
which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. The
small and tranquil village of Vang Vieng is rapidly
developped with the advent of tourist, but the beautiful
scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone
outcrops unchanged for century. After checking into
hotel we take a wander to catch our first glimpse of
this hill town. O/N in Vang Vieng. (B)
DAY 3:
VANG VIENG - LUANG PRABANG
Heading out of town we explore
the famous cave of Tham Jang that was once used by local
people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We also cross
the river to Ban Huai Ngai, a very pleasant village
where we can explore the different local lifestyle. Upon
leaving Vang Vieng, the roads begin to deteriorate;
however the stunning mountain scenery makes for an
interesting journey. We wind our way
through Phoukhoune and Kasito to Luang Prabang.
This 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". 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)
DAY 4:
LUANG PRABANG
The former Royal Palace has
been turned into a national museum, which 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 and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. The
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 Wat Mai with five tiered roofs. After
seeing these sights, we ascend Phousi Hill for a
beautiful sunset view of the 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 in Luang Prabang. (B)
DAY 5:
LUANG PRABANG - BAN KLUNG
The extremely beautiful
mountain region around Luang Prabang is ideal for anyone
seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition. Today
we cross the mighty Mekong River and visit one of the
famous caves in Luang Prabang. The trek begins as we get
off the beaten track to the pottery village of Ban Chane
and Ban Pha Phet . This small village is conquered by
the Khmu hill tribe people. After an enjoyable stop at
Ban Pha Phet, we continue our trek and embark on a boat
for a leisurely trip to Paklung where we are the guest
of a Lao family. The accommodation is very simple and
dormitory style, no western facilities. O/N at Ban
Paklung. (B,L,D)
DAY 6:
BAN KLUNG - KHOUANG SI WATERFALLS
Upon leaving the village of our
previous night we set off on a full day trek, using the
local tracks and passing through various hill villages
from Ban Jong to Ban Long Phu. Along the way we see many
ethnic minorities, and are sure to attract attention as
this part of the country receives very few visitors. On
arrival at Ban Saluen, we cross the Mekong River again
and walk to 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 at Ban Long Phu.
(B,L,D)
DAY 7:
BAN LONG PHU - BAN LONG LAO
An early morning start to walk
mountainsides. We traverse the verdant and rugged
mountain landscape. The trek usually takes around 6
hours and is quite steep in places; however some
physical preparation will enable you to maximize
enjoyment from the trip. After a full day walking we
arrive at Ban Long Lao and have time to wander around
this village, enabling us to understand a little more
about their culture and lifestyle. Here we will be
toasted as honored guests and will be sample some of
their homemade rice wine! O/N at Ban Long Lao. (B,L,D)
DAY 8:
BAN LONG LAO - LUANG PRABANG
Today we spend a half day
walking in this beautiful mountainous region. Along the
way we encounter local villagers going about their daily
business such as logging, herding buffalo, tilling the
field. At this small village of Ban Xieng Mouak we meet
up with a local transport, Tu Tuc and drive for few
hours back to Luang Prabang. The remainder of the
day will be free to catch up on some last minute
shopping or simply to relax. A farewell dinner is
organized at one of Luang Prabang’s famous eating spots,
to celebrate your achievement in completing the trek.
O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L,D)
DAY 9:
LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE
There is free time for your own
exploration of the town and strolling around the
shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer to the
airport 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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Lane Xang 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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Homestay |
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HOTEL NOTES
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The higher hotel
category in Vientiane and Luang Prabang can be
arranged upon request.
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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 in
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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