Laos, Unearthed

Itinerary

• Day 1: Luang Prabang

  On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. As today comes to a close, climb the stairs of Mount Phousi and watch the sun set over the city and surrounding hills. Stop by the evening market on return to the hotel. (L)

• Day 2: Luang Prabang

  Transfer by tuk tuk to our electric powered bike station where you will be briefed on the use of your new vehicle. Start your tour with a visit to Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, continue past Wat Aham, and on to Wat That.
  
  In the afternoon, start at the former Royal Palace, and then continue your temple touring before arrival at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. Finish the day with a Lao tea tasting ceremony. (B)

• Day 3: Kuang Si Waterfall

  For early-risers there is a very special dawn visit to witness the long monks receiving offerings.
  
  After breakfast visit the refreshing waters of the Kuang Si Waterfalls. The nearby Bear Rescue Centre will increase your awareness on the preservation program for these endangered mammals.
  
  The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

• Day 4: Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw

  After breakfast drive to the sleepy town of Nong Khiaw. On arrival there is the option of a half day trek if you are feeling adventurous. (B)

• Day 5: Nong Khiaw – Ban Son Koua

  Depart early for Ban Son Koua, an ethnic Khmu village. Upon arrival village guides and boatmen will meet you and take you on a short tour of the village. Then embark on a 1.5 hour journey to the park substation by longtail boat. Enjoy lunch prepared by the village cooking group then receive a briefing by park staff about the efforts in protecting tigers and their prey. At mid afternoon, depart for the night safari! Your local guide, a skilled hunter and tracker, will explain how local people track deer and other wild ungulates. Gather around the campfire for a picnic dinner and hear Khmu folktales from the guide. For 1-2 hours after dark, float down river with engines off in search of wildlife. (B)(L)(D)

• Day 6: Ban Son Kuoa – Xamneua

  Take a jungle walk, and then after breakfast, the boats floats back to the village where you will be invited to try earthen jar rice wine (lao hai). After a local lunch journey on to Xamneua, stopping along the way to see stunning cotton and silk textiles being made and a local market.

• Day 7: Xamneua – Viengxay

  After breakfast, drive an hour to Viengxay. The town contains hundreds of caves which sheltered local people and the country's future leaders during the Vietnam War. They were only able to farm or work at night, so inside the caves they built everything they needed to survive. (B)

• Day 8: Viengxay – Xieng Khouang

  Begin the full day journey by car to Phonsavanh. Xieng Khouang was totally rebuilt after the secret war in Laos. The town is now located 30 km away and is locally called “Phonsavan”. On arrival enjoy a city tour and if you like visit the MAG Centre - a humanitarian organisation clearing the remnants of conflict for the benefit of local communities worldwide. (B)(L)

• Day 9: Xieng Khouang

  Visit the three sites of the mysterious Plain of Jars. Site 3 is the most impressive with over 150 jars. Close to this site, you will visit Ban Xiengdi where there is a small monastery. In the afternoon, take a half day trip to Muang Khoun, one place in the old provincial capital that was not destroyed and home to a unique sitting giant Buddha. (B)(L)

• Day 10: Xieng Khouang – Vang Vieng

  After breakfast, drive to Vang Vieng. Take a short orientation tour and then enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

• Day 11: Vang Vieng – Vientiane

  After breakfast, drive to Nam Gum Lake - a 250 square kilometre area dotted with islands. Take a boat cruise on the lake and witness the local fishermen at work. Continue the drive to Vientiane, stopping en-route at the local market of Don Mak Kai. (B)

• Day 12: Vientiane

  Embark on a city tour, taking in the city's must-see sights before lunch at the charityrun restaurant of Makphet Restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)(L)

• Day 13: Vientiane

  Transfer to the airport for your onward travel.(B)

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.