Highlights
• Enjoy a 3-day/2-night Mekong River journey aboard a traditional and elegant Mekong teak barge
• Explore the ancient Plain of Jars (UNESCO)
• See the majestic temples and sites of Luang Prabang (UNESCO)
• Visit the cave city of Viengxay
• Encounters with Hilltribe villages
• Explore 10th century Khmer Ruins of Wat Phou
Fact File
• 21 land days • Maximum 16 travelers • Start & finish in Bangkok • All meals included • Includes 4 internal flights • Activity Level: 2
The culture and traditions of Laos are the least changed among Southeast Asian countries and make it a mecca for those searching for a truly exotic adventure. Here, you will find ancient temples, exquisite scenery, an eventful history and exotic cuisine, all within the warm embrace of a welcoming people.
We begin in Bangkok, Thailand, then fly north to Chiang Rai and continue to the Golden Triangle before entering Laos. A 2-day Mekong River journey takes us to remote Hilltribe villages and mountainous jungles. We arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the most beautiful and exotic temples in Asia.
Our northern circuit continues to Pak Ou Cave (Buddha Cave) enroute to Nong Khiew. Enjoy a day trip to a beautiful, 'weaving' Hilltribe village before we traverse the remote mountains to Sam Nua. Explore the fascinating caves of Vienxay, used as the headquarters of the Pathet Lao Revolutionary Movement during a virtual secret war. We visit the Plain of Jars (UNESCO) and ponder the great mystery of the thousands of 2,500-year-old stone jars.
We fly to the nation's capital, Vientiane, to enjoy the eclectic mix of Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, French and American influences before flying south to Pakse where we embark on a 3-day/2-night Mekong River journey aboard a traditional and elegant Mekong teak barge. Traveling south along the Mekong, we visit the majestic Khmer temple site of Wat Phou, built 200 years before Angkor Wat and the natural beauty of Khong Island. Our adventure concludes with a flight back to Bangkok.
FROM: $5995 USD
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. Comfort notes
Some rough/dusty roads and long drives.
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand Day 2: Fly to Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Day 3: Enter Laos, Mekong Boat Journey to Pac Beng Day 4: Remote Mekong to Luang Prabang Day 6: Luang Prabang, Kuang Sy Waterfall, K'hmu Villages Day 7: Luang Prabang, Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden and Temple Day 8: Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw Day 9: Boat Journey Through Mountains and Villages Day 10: Northern Heritage Route to Sam Neua Day 11: Viengxay Caves, Sam Neua Sites Day 12: To Plain of Jars (Phonsavan) Day 13: Plain of Jars (UNESCO) Day 14: UXO and Organic Silk Farm (MAG Optional) Day 17: Start 3-day Mekong River Cruise, Pre-Angkorian Ruins of Wat Phou Day 18: To Khong Island, Fishing Village, French Railway & Waterfall Day 19: Pakse, Farewell Dinner Day 20: Pakse, Fly to Bangkok
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