Laos: Indochina's Last Frontier - 10 Days

  • Morning alms giving procession. Luang Prabang, Laos

       

  • Ceramic transfered to the market on the Mekong River. Laos

       

  • A shopowner and son. Oudomxai. Laos

       

  • A hilltribe woman with dried corn. Muong Sinh, Laos

       

  • Wat Xieng Thong. Luang Prabang, Laos

       

  • Main road from Luang Namtha to Oudomxai. Northern Laos

       

  • A paper maker in the Mong village. Near Luang Prabang, Laos

       

  • Bronze Buddhas line the terrace surrounding the Haw Pha Kaew. Vientiane, Laos

       

  • Sikkaline, a main street in Luang Brabang, has virtually no traffic. Laos

       

  • Night market. Luang Prabang, Laos

       

  • An Akha womam with beautiful headgear. Muong Sinh, Laos

       

  • Nong Khiaw in the morning mist. Northern Laos

       

  • Two adorable Iko girls. Phongsali. Laos

       

 

Take a trip to the remote and stunningly beautiful region of northern Laos. This mountainous region shares a border with Myanmar and China, and its infrastructure is still quite undeveloped. The Luang Nam Tha region is home to over twenty ethnic groups who hold onto their centuries-old customs and traditions. 
Your journey begins in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, where you will spend a half day exploring the city’s highlights. You will then fly to Luang Nam Tha to explore this land of rugged mountains, beautiful forests and rich river plains. (This visit will require a short trek.) On your way back to Luang Prabang, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Nam Ou River with occasional stops to visit the mysterious Pakou Caves (the Buddha Caves) and tranquil hamlets. Although there are plenty of places to see in Luang Prabang (Wat Xieng Thong, the National Museum, and Mount Phousi), be sure to soak in the atmosphere of this tranquil city by taking a simple walk along the Mekong River.
 

Day 1:
ARRIVAL- VIENTIANE

 

Meet on arrival at Wattay International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time we could schedule visits to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. After dinner at the hotel, take a stroll along the Mekong and relax in a cafe by the riverfront. 

 

Day 2:
VIENTIANE - LUANG NAMTHA

 

Start your morning visits with the central market in Vientiane. Continue by car to see Laos’ national icon, That Luang Stupa and Patouxai. After lunch, board a flight bound for Luang Namtha, in northern Laos, a land of rugged mountains, beautiful forests and rich river plain.
 
Day 3:
LUANG NAMTHA - HILL TRIBE VISIT

 

Explore Luang Namtha, home to over 20 ethnic groups, most ethnically diverse provinces in Laos. Visit the Akha village at Ban Nadee, Thaidam at Ban Pasak, and Thailou at Ban Napoung (famous for Lao Lao sticky rice wine). Afternoon visit the Yao (or Mien), masters in the art of dyeing, embroidering and sewing their distinctive costumes.
 
Day 4:
LUANG NAMTHA - MOUNG SINH

 

Travel north to Moung Sing, a small town near Laos-China border, home to many ethnic groups such as the Akha, Lantan and Khmu. Explore the region's stunning landscape and the many hill tribe villages.
 
Day 5:
MOUNG SINH - AKHA HILL TRIBE

 

Today, your expedition takes you to remote villages and tranquil hamlets of the Akha, Yao and Lantan hill tribe people on the mountain. After lunch break, take a short trekking through the paddy rice field to the hill tribe villages of Thaidam, Lou and Ikor ethnic minorities.

 

Day 6:
MOUNG SINH - OUDOMXAY

 

Moung Sing is known for its morning market where the various tribal communities gather on the edge of the town for commerce and wearing their colorful attires. Visit the market and continue your journey south to Oudomxay. 

 

Day 7:
OUDOMXAY - NONG KHIAW

 

Spend the morning to explore Oudomxay and its surrounding ethnic villages before heading off to our next destination, Nong Khiaw. 

 

Day 8:
NONG KHIAW - LUANG BRABANG - RIVER CRUISE

 

From here, take a slow boat cruising down on the Nam Ou River to Luang Prabang. Enjoy this spectacular boat ride through lush green forest and dramatic limestone karts landscape with occasional stops to remote hamlets and tranquil villages. Arrive to Pak Ou Caves (or Buddha caves) at mid-day. Visit the caves and continue your trip down the river to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, one of the most charming towns in Southeast Asia.

 

Day 9:
LUANG PRABANG - KAUNGSI WATER FALL

 

Today's highlights are visits to the villages of Hmong, Khmu Laoloum and Ban Thapene and the beautiful Khuangsi Waterfall. Return to Luang Brabang for lunch at the famed Elephant restaurant. Continue your visits to the Royal Palace Museum, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong and the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun. Enjoy sunset on the top of of Mt. Phousi with the dramatic view of the city on one side and the Mekong on the other.

 

Day 10:
LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE

 

This morning capture one of the most quintessential images of Luang Brabang, the alms-giving procession or Tak Bat. Then, take a relaxing walk along the King’s road along the Mekong and Nam Khan before transfering to the airport for your departing flight.

Departure:

Private

Tour cost:

$2390

Tour price includes:
  • Service of IA tour director & local guides
  • Accommodations with tax and service charges
  • Intra airfare
  • All meals except 2 dinner
  • Sightseeing as noted in itinerary & entrance fees to sites and museums
  • Airport transfers
  • Surface transportation in air conditioned vehicles
  • Visa provision services
  • Luggage handling (two pieces of luggage per person)  
Tour price does not include:
  • International (trans-Pacific) airfare
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Laundry 
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Beverages at meals
  • Travel insurance

 

Trip Payment Schedule:
  • At time of reservation: $300 (non-refundable)
  • 120 days prior to departure: 20% of tour cost
  • 60 days prior to departure: Balance

     

Cancellation Schedule :

All deposits are non-refundable. Refunds of final payment will be honored as follow:

  • 61-90 days prior to departure: 75% refund
  • 45-60 days prior to departure: 50% refund
  • 44 days or less to departure: No refund

In the event Insiders Asia cancels the tour, a full refund (deposits & final payment) will be honored.

 

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