Tour Code: CL2

Day 1:  Arrive Houaxai

After crossing the Mekong river by longtail boat from Thailand, our guide will welcome you on arrival at Houaxai and escort you to your accommodation in traditional stilted Lao bungalows.  In the afternoon if we wish we can take some local transport and visit some of the diverse ethnic villages in the surrounding area.  Or perhaps some free time to wander soak up the atmosphere of this peaceful town before enjoying the first “Beer Lao” as the sun sets on the Mekong.  Included meals:

Day 2:  Drive to Luang Namtha

We begin today with a visit to a traditional village of the minority Lanten people who still dress in traditional costume, and are now thought to only number around 500 in all of Laos. We then continue North by bus through some spectacular scenery towards the Chinese border to the provincial capital Luang Namtha, where we base ourselves for 2 nights to explore the Nam Ha National Protected  Area.  Our accommodation is at a comfortable and attractive riverside Eco-Lodge.  Included meals: B

Day 3:  Trek into Nam Ha National Protected Area

This morning we meet our local guide and then take a hike through this spectacular National Protected Area - one of the most important international wildlife conservation areas in Laos.  We admire the 2000m peaks, riverine plains and dense evergreen forests as we visit some of the many ethnic villages that benefit directly from the eco-tourism projects in the area.  Lunch is traditional local food cooked for us at one of the villages before we return to our Eco-lodge in the afternoon.  Included meals: B, L

Day 4:  Drive to Nong Kiaw

Today we have another spectacular drive stopping at more villages along the way to the peaceful riverside village of Nong Kiaw set in a dramatic limestone valley.  We arrive in good time to relax & view the unmissable sunset from the bridge over the Nam Ou river. Our accommodation is in comfortable Laos style chalets along the river.  Included meals: B

Day 5:  Boat to Luang Prabang

As we travel by boat from Nong Kiaw down the Nam Ou river, the early morning mist clears to reveal more stunning scenery and riverside village life.  As the Nam Ou meets the Mekong we make a stop for lunch with great views of the sheer limestone cliffs that shelter the famous Pak Ou caves.  We then visit the caves to see the thousands of Buddha images that rest here, before continuing our journey down the Mekong to the “Jewel of Laos” Luang Prabang.  Included meals: B

Day 6:  Luang Prabang

This morning we explore this world famous UNESCO world heritage by taking a walking tour of this magical city. We include a visit to the most important former royal temple Wat Xieng Tong and the unique Wat Visoun – the oldest temple in Luang Prabang.  In the afternoon we drive through lush valleys and attractive villages to the stunning Kouang Si waterfalls.  Here we follow the path through lush jungle past the Bear rescue centre to the spectacular multi-tiered falls.  We will then have some time to swim in the various inviting pools formed underneath the falls, before returning to Luang Prabang.  Included meals: B

Day 7: Luang Prabang

Today is left free for you to explore this wonderful city further, our guide will advise the best way to utilise your time.  Options include: an early start to see the traditional Monks receiving of ALMS from local residents, a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, viewing the spectacular scenery and sunset from the top of Mount Phousi, visiting the 30+ temples within the city, and strolling around the attractive streets alleyways and stalls.  At your request we can organize a ½ day cooking class, and/or 1/2day trip out to some local papermaking and blacksmith villages with a stop at the fabulous Ock Pop Tock silk weaving centre. Don’t forget the vibrant night market and the cultural performances at the Royal Theatre, and why not book yourself in for a relaxing massage?  We also recommend a visit to Big Brother Mouse a fantastic charity doing great work producing and distributing educational books for the children of rural villages.  Included meals: B

Day 8:  Drive to Phonsavanh

A long drive awaits us today as we take the steep winding mountain roads to Xieng Kouang province, where the landscape changes to reveal a large plateau 1200metres above sea level and the relatively new provincial capital of Phonsavanh. This town has a certain frontier “wild west” vibe, and is our base for exploring the extraordinary Plain of Jars sites.  Upon arrival we take a walk around the very interesting fresh produce market before checking into our guest house.  This evening we recommend dinner at Nisha’s Indian restaurant where at your request the owner will show an interesting and informative video about the Secret War.  Included meals: B

Day 9:  Plain of Jars

This morning we depart on a full day excursion around Phonsavanh. We investigate the beauty and mysteries surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage archeological Plain of Jars sites.  All together there are 136 archeological sites in the area, we visit sites 1,2, and 3 containing the most impressive collection of 2000 year old unique stone Jars and listen to the various scientific theories and local legends surrounding them. As we travel between sites we stop to explore the surrounding villages, discovering how the famous sticky rice whiskey (lao lao) is produced.  Before returning to Phonsavanh we stop for some shopping at an impressive Wood Workshop for some great locally produced souvenirs. This evening we have the opportunity to help out at an English class for a short while.  The extremely eager students here rarely get chance to practice their English with foreigners, which means a visit to this school is a truly rewarding experience for all and really benefits the students.  Some former students of this school have gone on to obtain scholarships to foreign universities – opportunities that are almost unheard of through most of Laos.  Included meals: B

Day 10:  Phonsavanh, Vientiane

This morning begins with a visit to UXO Laos, (www.uxolaos.org) to see in action, the great work that the teams are doing in clearing the unexploded ordinance left over from the Secret War, a serious issue that still affects everyday lives in the region.  We then transfer to the airport for the short flight to Vientiane where we have some time to soak up the atmosphere along the riverside and enjoy a “beer lao” as the sun goes down on this laid-back capital city.  Included meals: B

Day 11: In Vientiane

In the morning we take the classic ½ day city tour visiting the main attractions of the city.  We visit That Luang Stupa - the most important religious site in the country said to contain some bones of the Buddha, Wat Sisaket the oldest and most unique temple, Haw Phra Kaeo which formerly housed the famous Emerald Buddha, and Patuxai the “Arc de Triomphe” of Vientiane.  This afternoon is left free for you to explore some of the other sights, visit the markets or just relax by the Mekong.  Alternatively, at your request we can organize a trip out to the fabulously bizarre world of Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park) – a collection of weird and wonderful Buddhist and Hindu sculptures.  We also recommend a visit to COPE www.copelaos.org another great charity working hard to help those affected by unexploded ordinance left over from the secret war.  Included meals B

Day 12:  Vientiane

Transfer to airport or continue our journey through Laos with our Central Highlights Discovery tour.  Included meals: B

From $1235 based on 2 people sharing, discounts if combining with one or more of our Central and South itineraries, discounts for larger groups.

Our quoted prices are based on a shared twin room basis in comfortable well-located accommodation. Some 4 star and star options are available at your request at Luang Prabang and Vientiane. We are delighted to offer single room supplements on this tour.

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