Trans Laos Tour in 14 days 13 nights

Spend 14 Days discovering the stunning diversity that is Laos. This mystical, yet rural country boasts grand ancient temples and historic colonial cities, coupled with the natural wetlands of Si Pan Do, and the cultures of the many tribal peoples, this tour gives you the covers the very best of Laos from North to South Departing from Bangkok the tour introduces you to the Golden Triangle Region.

Day 1: Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong (D)

Arrive at Bangkok International airport and transfer for your domestic flight onwards to Chiang Rai, on arriving you’ll be met and transferred the short distance to Chiang Khong overlooking the Mekong River and bordering Laos. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or take an optional boat trip along the river.
Day 2: Chiang Khong – Luang Namtha (B, L, D)Luang Namtha – Laos

After breakfast we depart from Chiang Khong and head across the Mekong border into Laos, to begin your discovery tour of this much unseen country. We’ll travel along a newly paved road, (unique to this country) to Luang Namtha. On the way, we’ll stop to visit the hill-tribe villages of Ban Laten, Kh’mu & Hmong and the garrison town of Muong Sing. Today you’ll learn about the cultures and lives of these fascinating hilltribes people, before arriving Luang Nam Tha.

Day 3: Luang Nam Tha (B, L)

Luang Nam Tha is an area of Laos which has an abundance of different hilltribes, many which migrated from China over the centuries and settled in this area around Laos and Northern Thailand. We spend the day visiting these local villages learning more about their lifestyles and practices. Each tribe has their own unique way of life and some differ tremendously, especially their clothing. First we stop at Muong Sing a former French Colonial outpost and now a hilltribe village before seeing the Yao tribe villages and finally the Laos-China border check point at Pangthong.

Day 4: Luang Nam Tha – Nong Khiaw (B, L, D)

This morning we take time to explore local Laotian market, before driving through some dramatic scenery to Nong Khiaw, visiting the local H’mong and Khmu minority hill tribes along the way. We return to Luang Nam Tha to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing or you could take a stroll along the peaceful river bank before watching the delightful sunset in the early evening in this beautiful and tranquil part of the country.
Day 5: Nong Khiaw (B)

Spend the day at leisure or alternatively, do a cycling trip or take a boat trip along the river to visit some more ethnic villages. Our guide will be able to advise you of activities you can do.

Day 6: Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll take you on an amazing long tail boat journey along the Nam-Ou & Mekong Rivers , through the beautiful Laotian countryside all the way to Luang Prabang, passing by the local villages and seeing the real everyday life of the villagers going about their chores including fishing, trading & washing along the rivers on our 5 hour journey. We’ll stop on the way to see the fascinating Pak Ou caves, which in fact are a cave system of two interlinked caves, crammed full of Buddha statues left behind by pilgrims over generations and then we’ll observe the traditional process of rice wine distillation in Ban Sanghai. We recommend you try a taste of this locally produced wine. We arrive in Luang Prabang in the early evening and check into your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the peacefulness of this French colonial city.

Day 7: Luang Prabang (B)Luang Prabang – Laos

Luang Prabang is a fascinating historical city with a delightful mix of Buddhist temples and French Colonial buildings. In fact, it is still very much a rural kind of city in comparison to neighboring countries. Today we visit the best known temples through Luang Prabang, which tell the story of the city through the ages. First we visit Wat Visoun: which is a replica of an older Temple which was erected in the same place back in 1513, this replica was built in 1898 on the same site as that of the monastery of the middle Ages. The Wat houses numerous religious art treasures. Next we head to Wat Xieng Thong a royal Wat built on the banks of the Mekong river built in 1559 which has remained relatively undamaged by the various invasions mainly Chinese over the centuries. This temple is decorated extensively with impressive carving, murals and mosaics. We then take a short walk down some steps to the river side and take a short boat ride crossing the river to see Wat Long Khun, Wat Chomphet and the unusual temple of Wat Tham Xieng Maen which has two decaying spirit houses. Some restoration work has taken place and you’ll see the expert craftsmanship on display. Then we cross back over the Mekong River in time for lunch.

After lunch we’ll visit the Laotian Royal Palace officially known as Haw Kham which was built during the French colonial era for the King and his family. The site was chosen so that official visitors to Luang Prabang could disembark from their river voyages directly by palace and be received there. In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown and the Palace was then converted into a National museum. Today it houses many artifacts which showcase the richness of Laotian culture. We’ll continue on to enjoy the atmosphere at Wat Mai built in 1796 and sits at the foot of Mount Phousi; to end the day we recommend you try climbing Phousi Hill, with its 328 steps, it’s a rewarding walk as once at the summit you’ll have for a fabulous panorama view over the town centre and the mighty Mekong River and beyond. We return to your hotel late afternoon and the evening will be at you leisure.

Day 8: Luang Prabang (B, L)

For those early risers you have a fantastic opportunity to take part in the daily morning ritual of Alms giving to the saffron-clad monks who walk along in single file collecting offerings, normally food. This is a unique tradition throughout Laos and the monks are fully supported by the local residents. Enjoy your breakfast and spend the rest of the morning at leisure or visit the local Silver smiths to see local jewellery being made, the fine arts schools or the Central market before lunch. Then in the afternoon we take a short trip to the royal temple of Wat Longkhoun followed Ban Phanom hand weaving village where you will see local weaving techniques making tradition Laotian cloths. Return back to your hotel for the evening at leisure.

Day 9: Luang Prabang – Vientiane (B, L, D)

In the morning we’ll visit the local markets for souvenir shopping before taking the short flight to Vientiane in early afternoon. Upon arriving in Vientiane the nation’s capital city we’ll take an afternoon city tour, starting with the thousands of miniature Buddha’s at Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which used to house the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok, Thailand. We’ll then take a short ride across the city to see the National symbol of Laos which is the ‘That Luang Stupa ‘and stop at the imposing Patuxay Monument Laos Arch de Triumph a reminder of the French Colonial period. We’ll arrive at our hotel late afternoon in time for you to relax before dinner.

Day 10: Vientiane – Pakse – Tad Lo (B, L)

Today you will discover the beautiful countryside on this stunning drive east by road towards Pakse, visiting local tea and coffee plantations on the way. Tea and coffee are local produce of Laos and you’ll be shown the techniques of production from beans and leaves into the finished product which you can taste for yourself Next we continue on to the amazing Tad Fane waterfall, where you will see two stunning cascades framed against the Bolaven Plateau dropping nearly 120m, making this one of the most spectacular sights in Laos, continue across the Bolaven Plateau passing Tad Yuang Waterfall, Paksong and the ethnic village of Kok Pung Thai before arriving at the lovely scenic spot at Tad Lo.
Day 11: Tad Lo (B, L)

Spend the morning free to relax by the waterfall and watch the elephants being bathed, after lunch take a short walk along the stream to a Katu Ethnic Village where you can experience and see first hand there culture and traditions. Take the gentle walk back to your lodge in the afternoon.

Day 12: Tad Lo – Don Khong (B, L, D)

Today we drive from Tad Lo to Wat Phu near Champasak. This Natural Heritage Site was built in the 6th century by the ancient Khmer’s and was originally used to worship the Hindu god Shiva and other deities before being converted into a Buddhist temple in later centuries. Wat Phu was considered to be the center of the Khmer kingdom until it was moved to Angkor Wat (Cambodia) in the 12th century. After visiting the Wat Phu we continue to Champasak where you’ll spend lunch overlooking the Mekong River. After Lunch we head to Don Khong the largest of the 4000 islands in the Mekong River by long tail boat where you will spend the night. Upon arriving you may wish to enjoy an afternoon of cycling around the island.

Day 13: Don Khong (B, L, D)

After breakfast we head out on a fantastic boat tour through the 4000 Islands of the Mekong passing by Don Det to see the old French Railway Bridge at Don Khone and glimpse the first Lao railway. From Don Khone, we take a short walk to nearby Liphi and then continue by boat to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins before finishing up at Liphi waterfall which creates the natural border between Laos and Cambodia.
We’ll travel back to Don Khong stopping along the way at Khone Phapeng Waterfall the largest waterfall in South East Asia known as the ‘Niagara of the East’.

Day 14: Don Khong – Pakse – Departure (B)

From Don Khong we’ll Transfer you back to Pakse Airport or Ubon Ratchatani across the border in Thailand for your onward journey.

INCLUDES:

– A/C vehicle transfer with driver.
– Hotel accommodation in twin sharing room with daily breakfast.
– Sightseeing and entrance fee at all mentioned sites.
– Domestic airfare .
– English speaking local guide.
– Meal as stated in itinerary.
– Mineral water and wet tissue on the car (one/day/person)

EXCLUDES:

– An entry visa (if require).
– International & airport taxes
– Drinks in meals and mini bar as well.
– Personal expenses such as laundry, photos, and tel / fax fees
– Others not mentioned in the price above.
– Tips & gratitude for guide, porters & drivers.