Heritage & Nature Laos 9 days

Vientiane/Xieng Khuang/Luang Prabang

Code: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, G = Guide  

Day 1: Vientian arrival (G)

Up on arrival.Wattay international airport Vientiane Capital of Laos, you are met our guide and transferred to our centrally located hotel. After a short rest, Lunch at the local restaurant and we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa , we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument , which is well known as Vientiane 's own Arc de Triumph, sunset by the Mekong Riverside and late evening. Overnight at Settha Palace in Vientiane .

Day 2: Vientian/Xieng Khuang (B, G)

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to domestic airport for short flight to Xiengkhouang, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars 1, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. We also have time, this afternoon seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Overnight at Vansana Hotel in Phonsavanh

Day 3: Xieng Khuang/Luang Prabang by car (B, L, G)

Early morning, we visit Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch different Hill Tribes to barter and exchange merchandises. Then heading out the this small town to Luang Prabang, on the way, we drop off and see a site more than 200 years old Buddha images in Thampra and varied Hmong and varied hill tribe minority villages along the road. They are nice, friendly and welcome you to visit. After a photo stop, we continue driving up hill, enjoying mountain splendid natural scenery, forest and landscape. After a tea or coffee break at Sala Phoukhoun , where the T-junction of bordering meets Vientiane-Xiengkhouang-Luang Prabang. The journey will take us over mountainous region to Luang Prabang. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After checking into hotel, [if time permits] we start seeing the impressive sputa of Wat Visoun , the shrine of Wat Aham , Wat Mai , we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded sputa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight at 3 Nagas in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Cave (B, G)

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai , where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom , well known for its hand weaving. Overnight at 3 Nagas in Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Luang Prabang/Kuangsi Waterfall (B, G)                    

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace , which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign and excursion by road 30KM to Kuangsi Waterfall, which though not very high, but it is spectacular and really beautiful with its green surroundings as the national protected forest area. We enjoy our a picnic lunch in the shady park nearby Kuangsi Waterfall, where there is a plenty of time for relaxing and a swim in the cool water before we drive back to Luang Prabang. After arriving in Luang Prabang, we continue to drive outskirt of town to visit Ban Xangkhong, a well-known village for its wood paper making and Ban Phanom Lao silk weavings with natural dyes. Overnight at 3 Nagas in Luang prabang.

LSR-3 - ?Lao Spirit Resort Package? ? 3D/2N ? explore the hidden valley

3 days filled with Biking, Elephants, Waterfalls, Village visits, Kayaking

in nature and a unique Resort

Short description ? Lao Spirit Resort Package:

Luang Prabang has much to offer, not only in town?even more you can experience if you take the chance to be one of the few to be able to explore the ?hidden valley?. Find your way out of town with a short biking tour and treat yourself with a stay in the sensational ?Lao Spirit Resort?. Mountain view sceneries, the Nam Khan river in front of your bungalow and the Elephants which come for a swim are

just a few things which might convince you to stay in this close-to-nature spot. Certain activities add up to be a perfect active hideaway from civilization?

Day 6: Biking to The ? Laos Spirit Resort (B, L, D, G)

Biking Tour in the morning/afternoon to the Lao Spirit Eco-Resort.

The first stop we have at Wat Pa Phon Phao , a forest temple famous for the teachings of Ajahn Saisamut. When he died in 1992, his funeral was the largest that Laos had seen in decades. It's Santi Chedi (Peace Pagoda) was built in 1988. This large yellow stupa contains three inside levels plus an outside terrace with a

view of the surrounding plains. The inside walls are painted with many Buddhist stories and moral admonitions.

After another kilometer we will arrive in Ban Panom. This village, populated by Thai Lue (a tribe with its origins in Southern China ), is well known for cotton and silk hand-weaving. Here we have the opportunity to check out how to make the traditional Lao Cotton on a weaving loom. The dirt road will bring us through teakwood plantations and wind up the Nam Khan valley. We pass the tomb of Henry Mouhot, the French explorer who showed Angkor Wat to the world Henry Mouhot perished of malaria in 1861, and the French erected a tomb over his grave six years later. The last entry in his journal was 'Have pity on me, oh my God'.

We will continue our bike adventure through rice paddies and dense forest before we arrive in our Lao Spirit Eco Resort.

Enjoy the atmosphere in the ?Lao Spirit Resort? and prepare for the great dinner that will be served in the attached Lao Spirit Restaurant. Overnight in your Deluxe Bungalow.

Day 7: Elephant and Exploring Nature Village on foot (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast you will start your full day activity program in the surrounding nature.

It is a full day Elephant riding & trekking combination trip from our Elephant Camp to the That Sae Waterfall & Khmu Hilltribe Village or Bamboo Jungle Camp

Description: After crossing the small river you will be introduced to our Asian Elephants and go out for a scenic ride. Enjoy the new perspective and the wonderful nature on this approx. 1hr. Elephant ride. A stunning landscape quietness, and the lush nature gives you a relaxed stay on the back of the protected Elephant. Make your way through forests and along the Nam Khan river up to the amazing waterfalls of Tad Sae . Here you can hang out for lunch and some swimming and bathing in the refreshing cool cascades. After your lunch you will find yourself discovering the tropic surrounding on one of our Nature Trails Our small half day trekking will lead you out into a Khmu village where you get an insight in every day life

and culture of this hilltribe. Most of them are farmers and fishermen and live from their slash and burn tradition. The countryside waits for you with great views and a relaxing atmosphere. They even speak a different language here and your guide will help to ask questions. A short hike along a steep mountain range will bring you to the newly opened Jungle Camp , where another swim in a crystal clear river is a wonderful

option. Have a drink and finish your day of activity after another 45 min. of walking to your starting point, the Adventure and Elephant Camp. The attached Restaurant is a great place for a sundowner, and the Elephants might come out again

for a swim inthe river.

Activities:

Elephant ride about 1hrs.

Total walking 3 hrs. easy hike

Different Trails are possible depending on your power and stamina.

Please note that the waterfall is dry during February-August!

Elephant rides than take different route through river and village.

Enjoy your Bungalow, the open air shower and the natural surrounding. Sleep well. Overnight in Delux Bungalow.

Day 8: Kayaking/Rafting at The Nam Khan River(B, L, G)

If you are awake around 8 a.m. you can see our Elephants taking a bath in the Nam Khan river, just in front of your Bungalow. Take your Breakfast and hang out in the resort for a little while before starting to your relaxing river experience trip on the Nam Khan. It could be a Kayaking trip or a longer Rafting tour on

the slow river. Passing through green hills and passing some small villages you float down in the direction of Luang Prabang.

Only 2-3 short rapids are along the way and the trip is perfect for beginners and people who just want to have an impression about real river rafting. We provide paddles, guides and the equipment as well as drinking water and some fruits. Please remember to take your swimming dress with you as you get wet along the way.

Dry bags for cameras are available. Total paddle time between 3-5 hrs depending on river and paddling conditions.We return to Luangprabang about 6 PM.Overnight at 3 Nagas in Luang prabang.

Day  9: Luang Prabang departure (B, G)

After breakfast, you will have free time for your own exploration of the town and strolling around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.

Prices per person in US$: 

Contact Us for more details

Surcharge for peak season of hotels are not inclusive in the prices above.

Prices include:

• Breakfast and accommodation in twin or double room.

• Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.

• One way domestic flight ticket: Luang Prabang - Pakse, Pakse - Vientiane, including domestic airport taxes.

• Boat cruise as in the programme

• English-speaking tour guide as indicated in the itinerary.

• Entry fees for all sightseeing as mentioned in the programme.

• Lunches and dinners, as specified, in the local restaurants.

• Government Taxes.

Price do not include:

• International flight tickets and airport tax.

• Visas.

• Dinners except as specified.

• Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.

• Insurance.

Creating Unique Touring Experiences with Gia Linh Travel
  All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications.