Travel with Locals in Laos
From Luang Prabang, To Nong Khiaw, Vang Vieng, Nga Ngum Lake, Vientane - 14 Nights

Package Details

Overview

If you’re looking for an authentic destination to visit then experience Laos in all its majestic beauty. Natural in almost every aspect, Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s least developed nations offering the adventurous tourist a land of many surprises. It is still a relatively undiscovered country that has escaped development.

Details

DAY 1 LUANG PRABANG
Greetings on arrival at the airport then transfer to your hotel. Orientation walk around the old quarter of Luang Prabang.
Private transfer with guide
Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 2 LUANG PRABANG
After breakfast, we’ll take a transfer by local bicycle to visit the Wat Xieng Thong. This 15th century wat is the most important in Luang Prabang and one of the most important in the entire country. Until the revolution of 1975, Wat Xieng Thong was a royal temple, supported by the royal family. During the 1960s, Wat Xieng Thong was completely remodelled and redecorated, becoming the splendid temple we see today. Walking along street you can admire the beautiful architectural style of Luang Pranbang. The next stop will be at Big Brother Mouse, where you will be welcome to participate at an English Practice Class starting at 9:00am, where young students are eager to learn English.
Here some Tips : http://www.bigbrothermouse.com/englishpractice.html
For those that are not wanting to speak English but would like to be involved in the project see more information how as follow http://www.bigbrothermouse.com/volunteer.html
We’ll then keep on to visit Wat Xieng Mouan and pass by Huan Chan where you can see some local handicraft. After lunch we’ll visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre home to a rotating display of informative and engaging exhibitions, offering a rare and fascinating insight into the diversity and richness of Laos’ ethnic cultures. Our exhibits feature objects from our museum collection, such as traditional handmade clothing and textiles, jewellery, handicraft and household tools, reconstructions of domestic scenes, as well as ritual and religious artefacts. A distinctive characteristic of TAEC’s exhibits are its linkages to local ethnic communities – displays feature quotes, photos and videos from our living resource persons.
Back on our bike we will cycle to the handicraft village of Ban Xang Khong, here you see in nearly all the houses some weaving activities; you can also enjoy the fabrication of the Sa Paper made of bark wood. Back in Luang Prabang climb Phu Si Mountain to enjoy the view overlooking the city and take in the amazing view the Nam Kan River joining the Mekong. We’ll end or day by a visit of the night market.
(B) Cycling tour with Guide – Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 3 LUANG PRABANG
Optional Tours
*) Cooking Class
*) Ban Chan Pottery village explorer
*) Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfall
*) Excursion to Pak Ou Caves
(B) No transfer No Guide except on optional tours – Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 4 LUANG PRABANG – NONG KHIAW
This morning we will transfer north to Nong Khiaw, 3 to 4 hours drive along the Nam Ou river and through the northern region of Laos. Arrival Nong Khiaw, where you will check in at your
hotel, located on the shores of the Nam Ou River. Afternoon, easy walk to Pha Tok cave to learn about the history of the Indochina war or alternatively, chose to hike to up the hill above the town to enjoy a scenic view of the valley.
(B) Transfer with local bus & guide – Overnight in Nong Khiaw

DAY 5 NONG KHIAW – NAM OU RIVER
We will cruise north along the Nam Ou River which has carved its way through some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes of Laos. During this journey we will stop at Muang Ngoi where we will start an easy walk passing Tham Kaang Cave, a former shelter for local villagers during Indochina war. Passing rice paddies in the karst landscape, we will reach Ban Na village before we get back to Muang Ngoy and our boat. If time permits you can enjoy a swim in the river or try yourself at hawk fishing before head back to Nong Khiaw for overnight
(B) Private boat & guide – Overnight in Nong Khiaw

DAY 6 NONG KHIAW – LUANG PRABANG
Easy morning before transfer back to Luang Prabang.
(B) Transfer with local bus & guide – Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 7 – 8 LUANG PRABANG
Leisure days or optional tours.
(B) No transfer No guide – other optional tours are available – Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 9 LUANG PRABANG – VANG VIENG
Leaving Luang Prabang, you will drive up into the amazing mountains of central Lao PDR. You will end our journey at the small city of Vang Vieng, tucked in amongst giant limestone cliffs. This is an area of immense natural beauty with the small Nan Song River passing through the shadows of the dramatic mountains.
Transfer from 4 to 7 hours depending on the season and road condition.
(B) Transfer with local bus / NO guide – Overnight in Vang Vieng

DAY 10 VANG VIENG – CHOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
1) This one day tour combines all the activities that Vang Vieng is famous for: kayaking on the Nam Song River surrounded by rugged karsts and beautiful rural scenery and exploring limestone caves. You will have plenty of opportunities to swim in pools of fresh spring water. Approximately: 15minutes transfer, 4.5 hours (wet season) 3.5hours (dry season) kayaking, 1.5 hour caving/walking, 1 hour lunch stop.
2) Feel like exploring the most unusual caves in the area and mountain biking across rice fields and wading through rivers amidst mountainous limestone scenery. The villages passed on the way are over-towered by up to 1400 m high karst peaks. Approximately: 4 hours cycling, 1.5 hours caving/walking.
(B) Join in tour with guide – Overnight in Vang Vieng

DAY 11 VANG VIENG – NAM NGUM LAKE
Leaving Vang Vieng around 9:00 am you will take a 40 min ride to reach Nam Ngum Lake and Sanctuary Beach Resort.
(B) Transfer with local bus No guide – Overnight in Nam Ngum

DAY 12 NAM NGUM LAKE
Relax today at Sanctuary Beach resort, with optional activities (Kayaking, Boat Tour, Jet sky, easy walk …).
(B) No Transfer – No Guide – Overnight in Nam Ngum

DAY 13 NAM NGUM LAKE – VIENTIANE
Today your will drive south to Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos, situated along the Mekong river. Vientiane became the capital in 1563 due to fears of a Burmese invasion. During French rule, Vientiane was the administrative capital and due to economic growth in recent times, it has become the economic centre of Laos.
(B) Transfer with local bus – No Guide – Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 14 VIENTIANE
During todays guided tour we will explore the capital of Laos, visiting touristic sites and local markets with stops for food and drinks. Pickup from your hotel by local TukTuk, we’ll take a short ride to Phatuxay monument (Victory Gate) where we’ll start walking down Lane Xang Avenue. We then visit the Talat Sao (Morning Market), where you can find an abundance of locally made handicrafts as local food. It’s time to try a selection of local snacks recommended by your guide. Our next stop is at COPE centre (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) which will give a unique insight into some of the history of Laos during the Indochina war. 500 metre from here the Wat Si Muang is famous for bringing good luck and wealth. The next temple will be Wat
Sisaket, which was built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, rather than the Lao style, and thus has a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof. We will now make photo stop in front of the Presidential Palace originally built for the French colonial governor and has also served as residence of the royal family.  We stop at Anouvong Park, the perfect place to taste a “Lao Coffee” or fresh fruit shake. Passing in front of “Le Banneton” enjoy a fresh croissant, a reminder of French colonial influence.
Arriving along Setthathirath,we have a series of temples. First with Wat Mixay, then Vat Ong Teu known as an educational institute that provides widespread teaching of the Theravada Buddhism, followed by Wat Haysoke. The tour will end reaching the bank of the Mekong were you will get a Tuk Tuk transfer back to your hotel. Walking distance around 5km duration 3 to 4 hours
(B) Half Day Walking Tour with guide – Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 15 VIENTIANE
Free Leisure time before transfer to the airport for departure
(B) Private Transfer / NO Guide

Guidepost Tours will assist you to tailor this tour to your preferences.

Inclusions

INCLUDED SERVICES
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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