Laos Discovery

Visiting: Laos

Laos Discovery

Explore the architectural wonder of Hanoi, Settle in to the pace of chilled out Vientiane, Admire the spectacular scenery in Vang Vieng, Unearth hidden treasures in Luang Prabang , Take a riverboat along the Mekong , Discover the charm of Chiang Mai

Get ready for a fast-paced adventure through the best of Vietnam, Laos and northern Thailand. This is a region packed to the brim with rich cultures, fiery cuisines, unique customs and breathtaking countryside - and on this adventure you’ll be sampling all of them. Whether you're slurping up a steaming bowl of Vietnamese pho at a street stall in Vinh, shopping for the best of Laos' handicrafts in Vientiane, ambling through caves in Luang Prabang or gliding down the Mekong in a riverboat, you'll get a wonderful insight into Indochina during this incredible adventure.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

The capital of Vietnam is a charming city with a population of around four million. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and its thriving old town centre, which is an architectural museum piece with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South-East Asian countries, the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake reflects the contrasts of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and the tangle of ancient streets in its still surface.

If you arrive early, why not get your first taste of Vietnam exploring the lovely, laidback capital. You can stroll the tree-lined boulevards to get a sense of the old days, wander the Old Quarter to uncover ancient temples and a rich, religious culture or head to the Temple of Literature, an oasis of calm right at the heart of Hanoi.

Optional Activities

Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi - VND25000.00

Hanoi - Temple of Literature, Hanoi - VND20000.00

Revolutionary Museum, Hanoi - VND15000.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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There's time for a bit of last-minute shopping or sightseeing before leaving Hanoi. If you haven't yet explored the Old Quarter, this is your last chance to do it. Some of the most delicious 'pho' (beef soup) in town can be found at stalls lining the narrow streets. There are numerous shops which sell everything from designer knock-offs to religious offerings and fresh herbs.

Board our private bus bound for Vinh (approx 7 hrs).

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We travel to Vientiane by private minibus through spectacular mountain scenery on the Ho Chi Minh trail, before crossing the border into Laos (approx. 12 hours).

Vientiane is hardly touched by the modernisation that has completely changed the face of other cities in South-East Asia.  It still has a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, or for the less energetic, by jumbo (tuk tuk).

Follow dusty tracks along the river to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is full of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.

Take to the dusty streets on foot to visit Wat Si Saket, perhaps the oldest temple in Laos. Close by, and once home to the 'Emerald Buddha', visit the former royal temple of the Laos monarchy, Haw Pha Kaew, with a vast array of Buddhist style sculptures. Continuing on to a symbol for Vientiane, Patuxai, or Victory Temple, head to the top for an unsurpassed view of the city.

Visit COPE, an organisation dedicated to assistance those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country.

Included Activities

Vientiane - COPE visit

Vientiane - Walking tour

Vientiane - Wat Sri Saket

Optional Activities

Vientiane - Buddha Park, Vientiane - USD1.00

Vientiane - Vientiane temples, Vientiane - USD1.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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We travel to Vientiane by private minibus through spectacular mountain scenery on the Ho Chi Minh trail, before crossing the border into Laos (approx. 12 hours).

Vientiane is hardly touched by the modernisation that has completely changed the face of other cities in South-East Asia.  It still has a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, or for the less energetic, by jumbo (tuk tuk).

Follow dusty tracks along the river to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is full of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.

Take to the dusty streets on foot to visit Wat Si Saket, perhaps the oldest temple in Laos. Close by, and once home to the 'Emerald Buddha', visit the former royal temple of the Laos monarchy, Haw Pha Kaew, with a vast array of Buddhist style sculptures. Continuing on to a symbol for Vientiane, Patuxai, or Victory Temple, head to the top for an unsurpassed view of the city.

Visit COPE, an organisation dedicated to assistance those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country.

Included Activities

Vientiane - COPE visit

Vientiane - Walking tour

Vientiane - Wat Sri Saket

Optional Activities

Vientiane - Buddha Park, Vientiane - USD1.00

Vientiane - Vientiane temples, Vientiane - USD1.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

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We travel to Vang Vieng by local bus (approx 3.5 hrs).

There is plenty to do in and around Vang Vieng. The area is renowned for its many caves, many of which are easily accessible from the town, perhaps the most famous is the cave of Tham Chang, a beautiful cavern fed by a natural spring making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Hire bicycles to explore further afield, or a tour of an Organic Mulberry Farm is also an option.

Optional Activities

Vang Vieng - Bike hire, Vang Vieng - USD1.50

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nts)

 

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We travel to Vang Vieng by local bus (approx 3.5 hrs).

There is plenty to do in and around Vang Vieng. The area is renowned for its many caves, many of which are easily accessible from the town, perhaps the most famous is the cave of Tham Chang, a beautiful cavern fed by a natural spring making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Hire bicycles to explore further afield, or a tour of an Organic Mulberry Farm is also an option.

Optional Activities

Vang Vieng - Bike hire, Vang Vieng - USD1.50

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nts)

 

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We take a bus through dusty villages and winding mountain roads to Luang Prabang (approx 7 hrs) where we join our local guide on a walk of the local area, learn more about Laos culture at the ruins of Wat Pha Mahathat and explore the local market where the variety of local produce will amaze.

Head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The lovely pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing afternoon dip.

There's plenty to explore here from the Royal Palace and many temples to the sacred caves of Pak Ou a short distance outside the city. You can also make the steep climb up Mount Phousi, the spiritual and geographical heart of the city, and a great spot to watch the sunset over the Mekong.

Included Activities

Luang Prabang - Walking tour

Optional Activities

Luang Prabang - Cooking demonstration, Luang Prabang - USD30.00

Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Luang Prabang - National Museum, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Luang Prabang - Royal Theatre, Luang Prabang - USD20.00

Luang Prabang - Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Mt Phu Si, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nts)

 

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We take a bus through dusty villages and winding mountain roads to Luang Prabang (approx 7 hrs) where we join our local guide on a walk of the local area, learn more about Laos culture at the ruins of Wat Pha Mahathat and explore the local market where the variety of local produce will amaze.

Head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The lovely pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing afternoon dip.

There's plenty to explore here from the Royal Palace and many temples to the sacred caves of Pak Ou a short distance outside the city. You can also make the steep climb up Mount Phousi, the spiritual and geographical heart of the city, and a great spot to watch the sunset over the Mekong.

Included Activities

Luang Prabang - Walking tour

Optional Activities

Luang Prabang - Cooking demonstration, Luang Prabang - USD30.00

Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Luang Prabang - National Museum, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Luang Prabang - Royal Theatre, Luang Prabang - USD20.00

Luang Prabang - Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Mt Phu Si, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nts)

 

!item

We take a bus through dusty villages and winding mountain roads to Luang Prabang (approx 7 hrs) where we join our local guide on a walk of the local area, learn more about Laos culture at the ruins of Wat Pha Mahathat and explore the local market where the variety of local produce will amaze.

Head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The lovely pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing afternoon dip.

There's plenty to explore here from the Royal Palace and many temples to the sacred caves of Pak Ou a short distance outside the city. You can also make the steep climb up Mount Phousi, the spiritual and geographical heart of the city, and a great spot to watch the sunset over the Mekong.

Included Activities

Luang Prabang - Walking tour

Optional Activities

Luang Prabang - Cooking demonstration, Luang Prabang - USD30.00

Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Luang Prabang - National Museum, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Luang Prabang - Royal Theatre, Luang Prabang - USD20.00

Luang Prabang - Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Mt Phu Si, Luang Prabang - USD2.50

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nts)

 

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To reach Chiang Khong we board our boat and cruise the river before crossing the border into Thailand and our overnight in Chiang Khong (approx. 8hrs).

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nt)

 

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We can enjoy the Mekong River by taking a two-day journey from Luang Prabang. The journey is relaxed, so we can experience the slow pace of village life and the breathtaking scenery along the river.

Our river boat is basic in nature, with a toilet, covered roof, and open sides to take in the fresh air. There are seats in the front of the boat and a small open area in the back where you can have a nap on the mat, play cards, read or have lunch.

We dock at the small town of Pak Beng (after about 6 hours) to spend the night. Our guesthouse here is very basic - a standard accommodation in this small trading port.

It can be quite cool from November to February so make sure you have some warm gear packed for this period. Due to dam construction upstream, water levels aren't as reliable as in previous years, and when the river is at its lowest from February to April, part of the journey may occasionally need to be made by land.

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nt)

 

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We take a private minibus to Chiang Mai (approx 6 hrs).

There are so many things to do here - spectacular temples, delicious food, an enormous night market, picturesque river-front and fantastic shopping. Join your leader on a walk through the old city, or undertake the many optional activities available. Chiang Mai is a great place for hiring a bicycle, climb to Doi Suthep temple, sign up for a Thai cooking class or loosen those muscles with some traditional Thai massage.

Board an overnight train for Bangkok (approx 13 hrs).

Optional Activities

Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour, Chiang Mai - THB750.00

Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple, Chiang Mai - THB50.00

Chiang Mai - Thai cookery course, Chiang Mai - THB750.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

!item

We take a private minibus to Chiang Mai (approx 6 hrs).

There are so many things to do here - spectacular temples, delicious food, an enormous night market, picturesque river-front and fantastic shopping. Join your leader on a walk through the old city, or undertake the many optional activities available. Chiang Mai is a great place for hiring a bicycle, climb to Doi Suthep temple, sign up for a Thai cooking class or loosen those muscles with some traditional Thai massage.

Board an overnight train for Bangkok (approx 13 hrs).

Optional Activities

Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour, Chiang Mai - THB750.00

Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple, Chiang Mai - THB50.00

Chiang Mai - Thai cookery course, Chiang Mai - THB750.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

!item

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

!item

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner