TRIP
FEATURES
 |
Name
of the trip: Tastes of Laos |
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Trip
Code: VNLT-LPT-10 (Reference Code) |
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Duration: 12 days and
11 nights |
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Trip
type: Private & Daily departure |
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Trip
Starts from: Vientiane City |
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Trip
Ends in: Luang Prabang City |
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Extension:
The trip can be extended if tourists want to visit
Cambodia, Thailand or Vietnam pre/post of the trip. |
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Call to Book:
+84.91.2270058 |
|
Required booking
time: At least 30 days in advance for group and 15
days for individual |
TRIP OVERVIEW
Laos is a perfect trekking destination
as it boasts many beautiful areas for exploration. The Taste
of Laos tour takes you on an adventurous trekking expedition
of the mountainous region of Luang Namtha, which is bordered
with China and Myanmar and populated by over twenty ethnic
minority groups. Stroll around the small town of Moung Sing,
passing through hill tribe villages rarely visited by other
tourists. Enjoy a boat trip downstream the Nam Ou River to
Luang Prabang enjoying the forest landscape. The fascinating
Buddha Park is also an impressive highlight of the tour.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 1: Arrival – Vientiane
On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you will be met and
transferred to your hotel. Located on the banks of the Mekong
River, Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with
an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French,
Soviet and American influences. A city tour acquaints us with
the capital and after freshening up, we start visiting some
the major sights; including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket, an
amazing structure featuring remarkable frescoes and Buddha
images. We also visit 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.
Day 2: Vientiane - Luang Namtha - Moung Sing
The journey northwards begins as we board our flight to Luang
Namtha, a province sharing its border with China and Myanmar.
Luang Namtha is located on the banks of the Namtha River is a
land of rugged mountains and beautiful tropical forests. Today
Luang Namtha is populated with over twenty ethnic groups,
making this region one of the most ethnically diverse
provinces in Laos. On arrival, we travel by road to Moung
Sing, stopping along the way at the Akha hill tribe village.
This ethnic group originally lived in China but immigrated
into Laos over a century ago. They are very poor, but have a
vibrant culture and an interesting history. Overnight in Moung
Sing (B)
Day 3: Moung Sing – Trekking
The remote and extremely beautiful mountainious region of
Muong Sing is ideal for an adventurous trekking expedition.
After breakfast we stroll round this small town observing the
daily activities of the ethnic minorities in the village and
see the small vendors sell local textiles and handicrafts on
the streets. We leave the village and take a short drive north
before we setting off on a half-day trek, using the local
tracks. We pass through some breathtaking mountain landscape
to the Yao, Akha and Lanten hill tribe villages, where we are
sure to attract attention from many ethnic minorities, as
visitors do not frequently encounter this remote part of the
country. Overnight at Moung Sing (B)
Day 4: Moung Sing–Luang Namtha–Oudomxay
We depart early this morning for our journey to Oudomxay.
These back roads are a perfect way to venture off the beaten
track and explore the real Laos. We see very few other
travelers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in
finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive can
be challenging on some parts of our journey due to poor road
conditions; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery
combined with the colorful local population makes for a
memorable experience. On arrival we check in at a very simple
hotel and take a walk to explore this picturesque hill town.
Overnight at Oudomxay (B)
Day 5: Oudomxay – Muong La - Muong Khoua
The local market also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who
converge from the surrounding mountainsides or valley to
barter and trade their goods. We visit this congregation
before setting off on our journey along the Nambak River to
Muong La. Here we have the chance to visit the intriguing Pra
Xack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. The 400 years
old legendary statue is said to have many supernatural powers,
and is widely worshipped among the faithful local Buddhists.
As we continue from Muong La towards Muong Khoua, the roads
begin to deteriorate but the drive is very interesting as we
pass through some stunning landscape. Overnight in Muong Khoua
(B)
Day 6: Muong Khoua – Nong Khiow – Luang Prabang (Boat)
Today, embark a long trail traditional boat for a leisurely
trip downstream on the Nam Ou River, enjoying the lush green
forests and landscape. Along the way we stop to visit the
mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with
thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes
and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We continue our trip down
the river to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang.
This former royal capital with its gleaming temple roofs,
fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop
retains a unique charm rarely found in all Asia. There is
little traffic on the roads and you will see monks dressed in
orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas
shading themselves from the sun. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
(B)
Day 7: Luang Prabang – City Tour
It is worth a visit to the National Museum (closed Tuesdays)
at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection
of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating
from the days of the early kings right through the last
sovereign. Today we explore some of the major sights in this
faboulous city, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun,
the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene
and Wat Mai. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent
Wat Xiengthong, its exterior architecture is remarkable with
decorated guilded stuccoes and doorways, a “tree of life”
mosaic pattern set in coloured glass on the back wall and its
three tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground representing
classical Laotian architecture. A visit to Luang Prabang would
be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount
Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded
stupa and to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its
glowing reflection on the Mekong River. From there, we explore
the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of
handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people
surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)
Day 8: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng
After breakfast, we leave this charming city in the early
morning for our journey to Vang Vieng. Our journey will be
strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic but also
one of the roughest routes in Asia. In the afternoon we arrive
in Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town, which is nestled on
a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with a
mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops remains
unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of
tourism. On arrival we check into your hotel and then embark
on our boat for a relaxing trip on the Nam Song River,
exploring the breathtaking mountain landscape Overnight in
Vang Vieng (B)
Day 9: Vang Vieng – Day trekking
The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding Vang Vieng are
home to numerous caves and caverns. The most famous in Vang
Vieng is the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early
19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. We visit
this beautiful cave this morning before we take a walk to the
Tai Deang and the Souay hill tribe villages. The hill tribe
people are unfailingly friendly; welcoming you with waving
hands and smilling faces. The rest of the day is free for your
leisure for further exploration or for relaxing in this
peaceful town. Overnight in Vang Vieng (B)
Day 10: Vang Vieng – Vientiane
Heading out of town we drive back to Vientiane. Along the way
we make a stop to visit the archaeological sight of Vang Xang
dating back to the 11th century. After checking into your
hotel we transfer out to see the Buddha Park, an enchanting
collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong
Riverside meadow, near the Friendship Bridge. There are
approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years,
which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his
philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe.
Observing the spectacular view of over the Mekong River at
sunset from one of the riverside bars is a perfect way to
finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane (B)
Day 12: Vientiane – Departure
After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market and the weaving
village of Ban Nong Bouathong if time permits. The tour ends
after your transfer to Wattay airport for departure. (B) |
Vientiane City
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