Jewels of the Mekong
From Houay Xai, To Pakbeng, Luang Prabang - 4 Nights

Package Details

Overview

Experience the mystique of the Mekong on a 2 day river cruise stopping overnight in Pakbeng. Explore Luang Prabang, the former royal capital and spiritual centre of Laos. Discover the multi-tiered turquoise-coloured Kuang Si Waterfalls and much more.

Details

DAY 1
HOUAY XAI – PAKBENG, MEKONG CRUISE
– From Oct to Apr the cruise departs every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
– From May to Sep the cruise departs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Leave the Houay Xai pier and cruise downstream on one of our boats. On the way, the boat will take its first stop in Pak Tha to have the voyage documents signed. The second stop will be to visit a Kamu village along the Mekong River at Ban Houey Phalam. Lunch is served on board. The boat will arrive in Pakbeng before the evening. Overnight in Pakbeng. (only English speaking crew during the cruise)
(L,) MEKONG CRUISE – Overnight in PAKBENG

DAY 2
PAKBENG – LUANG PRABANG, MEKONG CRUISE
As we continue our way down the river, we will pass areas of unspoiled forest supporting little villages along the riverbank. We will visit a fishing village and a rice wine-making village and perhaps even taste some the beverage known as Lao Lao (rice whiskey). We’ll also stop to see the famous Pak Ou caves, filled with hundreds of Buddha images of all styles and sizes. The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is naturally lit, but the upper cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and darker, so watch your step. (Both caves are accessible by stairs.) This cruise will end at Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
 – (B, L,) MEKONG CRUISE – Overnight in LUANG PRABANG 

DAY 3
LUANG PRABANG CITY EXPLORER
Start at 8:00am. Enjoy a leisurely tour around the old quarters of Luang Prabang starting with the Morning Market, full of fresh produce and exotic delicacies from farmers coming from small provincial villages, to get a real taste of local life. Walking along the city main street, we will visit the National Museum once home to the Laotian Royal Family. The street is famous as Luang Prabang’s main boulevard.
Continue to the picturesque stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, followed by a visit to Wat Xienthong, “The Temple of the Golden City”, considered the finest in all of Laos. Get the heart-rate going with a small hike up to the Phou Si Mountain for a breathtaking view of the entire city.
(B,) CITY TOUR – Overnight in LUANG PRABANG

DAY 4
LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALLS
Wake up before dawn to observe a long standing sacred Lao tradition and Buddhist ritual, “Tak Bat” (Almsgiving), where monks dressed in saffron-coloured robes line up to receive food offerings from devout Buddhists along the street. While it is possible to observe this special tradition, tourists are expected to be respectful and be mindful that it must be observed in silence
and peace. Get a glimpse of the real Laotian daily life with a visit to the bustling and chaotic local market, Phousi Market.
Travel by car to reach our main highlight of the day, the multi-tiered turquoise-coloured Kuang Si Waterfalls, deemed one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South-east Asia. Here you can also visit the Bears Rescue Centre to see Asiatic bears rescued from illegal poaching and trading. Get to see the fascinating world of Lao textiles come alive with a visit to Ock Pop Tok Weaving
Centre, offering free guided tours where you can meet the expert village weavers and have the option to take a class in weaving and dyeing for a truly unforgettable experience.
Tips: Stop for an ice-cream at Buffalo Dairy with ice-creams made from real buffalo milk!
(B,) WATERFALLS – Overnight in LUANG PRABANG

DAY 5
DEPARTURE
Free leisure before transfer to the airport for departure. Without guide
(B,)

Inclusions

All described sightseeing as in program above
Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast
English-speaking local guides
Admission fees to indicated sights
Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch,D=dinner)
Domestic gov’t tax and service charge
EXCLUDED SERVICES
International air tickets
Flights & visa fees
Travel Insurance in all kinds
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Compulsory Meals
Drinks during Meals
Tip, drinks, any personal expenses
Early check-in and late check-out

Terms

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