VB209: NORTHERN LAOS VERLAND (6Days/ 5Nights)

Day1.   Huay Xai – Luang Namtha

Following your completion of border formalities, we head out of the town to Luang Namtha. This road has recently been improved, and is now a very smooth and comfortable drive. We visit hill tribe villages along the road at Muang Phouka and other surrounding areas. We arrive in Luang Namtha in the afternoon where you have the rest of the day at leisure.  

Day2.   Luang Namtha – Ban Nam Yang (trek) (B,L)

This morning we depart by songtaew for the ride to Ban Nam Ngaen where the local guide will help you across the only stream that you will cross that day. We walk for around three hours through forest and upland fields to the highest point of the trek, where there is an Akha resting place. Here you will have a picnic lunch of local food before you descend to the village of Nam Yang for a visit with the villagers. On the way back an Akha hunter will accompany you and display his bird calling skills. We continue down to the Ban Nam Ngaen where you can choose to visit That Poum Pouk if you still have time. Overnight in Luang Namtha  

Day3.   Luang Namtha – Luang Prabang (B)

This morning we set off by vehicle and head south through the beautiful mountain scenery and numerous ethnic hill tribe villages along the way, particularly Khmu and H’mong. The road is now in quite good condition so it should take no more than 8 hours (including plenty of stops) to reach Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang  

Day4.   Luang Prabang – Full day city tour (B)

Your full day city tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then 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 represents classical Laotian architecture. Today, we also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. Following lunch, we visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before we head out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek.  We then return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River.  The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Note: the Royal Palace Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Overnight in Luang Prabang 

Day5.   Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall and Pak Ou Caves (B)

First we visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village.  This then takes us to the beautiful Khuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang. This afternoon, we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.  Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we disembark the boat to visit traditional villages, and continue taking a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang  

Day6.   Luang Prabang – Departure (B)

Depending on your flight, you may have time at leisure before you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departing flight. 

Inclusive of above prices:

• Transportation in private
• Accommodation in twin shared room
• Boat trip as stated in above sights
• English speaking guide
• Admission fee to indicated sights
• Meals: daily breakfast at hotel
• Gov’t tax and service charge
• Luggage handling and drinking water 

Exclusive of above prices:

• Visa stamping fee on arrival
• All air tickets in/to/from Laos
• Travel Insurance in all kinds
• Lunch or dinner unless where stated
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Other foreign language guide
• Peak tourist season or special event rates
• Tip, drinks and other personal expenses