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Laos and the Mekong

Laos

Tour Code : LD014

13 Days. Discover the stunning diversity that is Laos. This mystical, yet rural country, cruise along the Mekong visit grand ancient temples and historic colonial cities, coupled with the natural wetlands of Si Pan...

Chiang Rai

1 days

Mekong Cruise

2 days

Luang Prabang

4 days

Vientiane

1 days

Tad Lo

1 days

Champasak

1 days

4000 ISlands

2 days

Pakse

1 days

Day 1 Bangkok - Chiang Rai
Transfer for the flight to Chiang Rai, on arrival transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 Chiang Rai - Mekong Cruise
Transfer to Chiang Khong immigration and after immigration proceedings, travel along the Mekong downstream to Pak Beng, along the way stop to observe rural life along the Mekong and observe the minority villages. A buffet lunch is served on board. Arrive in Pak Beng before sunset and check in at your Lodge. Dinner will be on the terrace, overlooking the Mekong River.
Day 3 Pak Beng - Luang Prabang
Start the day with a full breakfast at the Lodge from at 07.00am. (There is an optional: walk to Pakbeng market, where local villagers from the surrounding minority villages sell their goods, please ask at Luang Say lodge). At 8.00am board the boat for the second leg of the cruise. A short stop is made to visit a hilltribe village where you can watch the traditional process of Lao whiskey production before having a buffet lunch on board. Continue to the Pak Ou at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, where you visit the Tam Thing Caves of a Thousand Buddhas, before arriving Luang Prabang.
Day 4 Luang Prabang
Free at leisure
Day 5 Luang Prabang
This morning you will take part in a cooking class. The day starts with a visit to the local market, accompanied by the head chef who will advise you on the different types of ingredients. Using the fresh produce, you will be taught in the art of Lao cuisine. Lunch is your own mornings efforts!. In the afternoon, we begin our walking tour taking in some the cities most beautiful temples. Depending on the rest of your programme this may include the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style, as well as Wat Mai and Wat Sene, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang. We also stop by at Kinnaly Gallery, where your guide will show you the different ethnic minorities that live in Laos. We end the tour with a climb up Mount Phousi, which offers a spectacular panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 6 Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we visit the local Phosi Market, this is the place where all the locals shop and your guide will show you the diverse offerings on display. We also stop at Ock Pop Tok, a silk weaving centre. Here you will be given a guided tour and the silk weaving process will be explained. Next we drive to Ban Thinkeo, a Hmong village and start trekking with the villagers. Your guide will explain to you the common use of the plants for the Hmong people. You will go to the garden and cut some vegetables and herbs with the local people. When you arrive at the village, learn to cook some local dishes in a traditional house. Lunch will be your collective efforts! Then, the villagers with show you a demonstration of Hmong Khene and local games. In the afternoon, drive to Kuang Si and relax at this magnificent multi tiered waterfall. We then return by road to Luang Prabang at the end of the day. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 7 Luang Prabang - Vientiane
Take the morning flight to Vientiane, on arrival take a tour of Vientiane starting with Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. The final visit of the day is an optional trip to the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War era. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 8 Vientiane - Pakse - Tad Lo
You will be transferred to the airport early this morning for your flight to Pakse On arrival at Pakse, you will be met and taken by road east into the Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. The area is famous for its many waterfalls, and the most beautiful of these falls, Tad Fan, we visit. Tad Fan waterfall is spectacular with twin falls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that can be seen en route. This trip gives visitors the chance to venture off the beaten track and to discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region. In the afternoon we arrive at Tad Lo, home to another scenic waterfall and numerous ethnic minority groups including the Alak, Nge, and Katu. We overnight at Tad Lo Lodge, located uniquely right next to the beautiful waterfall itself.
Day 9 Tad Lo - Pakse - Champasak
After a leisurely breakfast take an optional one hour elephant ride through the forest or enjoy a gentle walk, through the beautiful surrounding before having lunch. Travel west across the plateau to the Katu ethnic village of Lao Ngam, the Katu minority have a strong tradition of silk weaving using foot looms which you will see the local women weaving. The many beautiful cloths on show are for sale and make great souvenirs. Continue to the town of Champasak.
Day 10 Champasak - Don Khone
Cross back over the river and drive to the town of Ban Kiat Ngong. Ban Kiat Ngong is situated in the Xe Pian National Protected area and a great place for bird watching enthusiasts. From Ban Kiat Ngong take a one and a half hour ride on the elephants which will take you Phu Asa a temple mount in the heart of the protected area, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the temple mount, before returning to Ban Kiat Ngong. Then early afternoon transfer to Don Khong.
Day 11 Don Khone
Visit Liphi waterfall by bicycle after breakfast then you Take a boat ride through the 4000 Islands past Don Det to the old French Railway Bridge at Don Khone take a short walk to Liphi before taking a boat ride to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
Day 12 Don Khone - Pakse
Return to Pakse but not before visiting Khon Pha Peng Waterfall the ‘Niagara of the East’.
Day 13 Pakse - Bangkok - UK
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangkok and onward flight to the UK
 
 

All of our itineraries are tailor-made - click on a price below to see what you can expect at each budget level

The quoted price exludes any international flights but includes all internal flights while on the tour. Tour costs are based on two people travelling and sharing a room. The price quoted may vary depending on the time of year and the final itinerary. If you have a specific budget please get in contact with us so we can make a proposal.


Medium: Price from
£2,380

 

Deluxe: Price from
£2,590

 

Luxury: Price from
£2,970

 


For a lower or higher budget contact us for a tailored made solution

Medium

Luang Prabang River Lodge

A central Lodge with stunning views over the Mekong all designed in a contemporary stylish finish.

Sengahloune Bungalows

Located on the stunning Island of Don Khone and overlooking the old French Railway Bridge and the Mekong River these lovely bungalow provide simple comfort to relax in the most tranquil of locations.

Pakse Hotel

Located in the centre of Pakse, the rooms are clean and simple. The hotel boasts a lovely roof terraced bar with great views over Pakse.

 
Deluxe

Laluna Resort

A great place to unwind, with spacious bungalows in a quite setting yet just a few minutes from the night bazaar and the town centre of Chiang Rai.  

Villa Deux Rivieres

A boutique hotel situated in the centre of Luang Prabang, decorated in a traditional Lao style, with modern facilities

Salana Boutique

Centrally Located with a great mix of Lao Traditional and contemporary style, beautifully furnished with an attention to detail.

La Folie Lodge

Set on the remote island of Don Daeng the banks of the Mekong with sandy beaches; La Folie Lodge radiates charm and elegance in this most idyllic location.

Champasak Grand

Located just outside the centre of Pakse by the friendship bridge the hotel offers great views over Pakse and the Mekong. A slice of luxury in the rural town of Pakse.

 
Luxury

Maison Souvannaphoum

Set in World Heritage town of Luang Prabang and the historic residence of Prince Souvannaphouma, step back in history; be treated like royalty with a stay at this exquisite mansion

Maison Souvannaphoum

Set in World Heritage town of Luang Prabang and the historic residence of Prince Souvannaphouma, step back in history; be treated like royalty with a stay at this exquisite mansion

For a lower or higher budget contact us for a tailored made solution

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Tailor-made holidays designed for you. Our expertise in the region through our local offices and contacts on the ground means great planning, expert up to date knowledge and value for money, creating the perfect trip to meet your budget and requirements.