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Mad About the Mekong (9 days)
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A tour with a difference, allowing you to really immerse yourself in Lao culture; you will venture out into the rural hill tribe villages to see the different ethnic minorities and to learn about their fascinating lifestyles, traditions and colourful history. You will be scenically rewarded by the stunning river views, such as on the Wat Phou cruise that takes you in comfort down the majestic Mekong River, zigzagging through mild rapids to Champassak, through the 4,000 islands region, and to the scenic splendour Khong Pha Peng waterfall, known as the "Niagara of the East". DESTINATIONS • Pakbeng, a small village of H'Mong people HIGHLIGHTS • Encounter with hill tribe villages
ITINERARY [Day 1] Chiang Khong (Thailand border) – Houeisay - Pakbeng Upon arrival at border gate of Houeisay (between Thailand – Laos), you will be picked up and transferred to the pier for a boat trip heading to Pakbeng village. On the way, we will make stops to observe rural life along the Mekong, visit Ban Houeilanpan, a small village of H'Mong hill-tribe and also to visit Ban Koneteun, a village of Tai Leu ethnic group. Lunch is served onboard and we will arrive at Pakbeng village in late afternoon. [Day 2] Pakbeng – Luang Prabang After breakfast at your hotel, we'll go to a local market where H'Mong and other minorities gather to trade their products then get onboard heading to a small charming World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, the first ancient capital of Lane Xang Kingdom with temples remaining in the town and surrounding areas. On the way, make a call at Ban Kock Aed, a small village of Khmu hill-tribe. Lunch is onboard then stop at Pak Ou cave by the side of a limestone cliff and opposite the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves which are repositories for thousands of Buddha images ranging from mere centimeters to two meters in height. Arrive Luang Prabang in late afternoon then transfer to your hotel for time at leisure. [Day 3] Luang Prabang City Tour For early risers before dawn, there is a good chance to participate in giving food (prepared by your guide) to hundreds of monks passing by with the alms bowl. Giving alms to monks is an early morning ritual dating back for generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning and then back to hotel for breakfast. [Day 4] Luang Prabang – Khuangsi Waterfall Get away from the city and indulge yourself into the tranquility world of Kuangsi waterfall which is 30 km to the south of the town. Make a stop at the local market Talad Phosy to enjoy local daily life. Kuangsi waterfall is spectacular with its green surroundings as the national protected forest area. There is plenty of time for relaxing and a swim in the clear and cool water. It is also an ideal venue for the local families to rest at the weekend. Picnic lunch is served at the shady park nearby the water fall. Later on, we head back to Luang Prabang for another night at your hotel. [Day 5] Luang Prabang – Vientiane Breakfast at your hotel then being transferred to the airport for your flight to the capital city of Vientiane. [Day 6] Vientiane City Tour Breakfast at hotel is followed by a drive to visit some of Vientiane historic sites such as the infamous Wat Sisaket, the oldest and only temple that survived from the Siamese war in 1828. This is a wonderful Buddhism museums that displays more than 8000 Buddha statues. We continue with Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue and discover the collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in and around Vientiane. Last but not least is the visit to Vientiane landmark, the golden That Luang Stupa. This is the single most important monument in Laos that was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha. After that, we head out to Buddha Park located in the southeast of the city. It is a fanciful sculpture garden full of Buddhist and religious images dating back over 500 years. You will get fascinated by a giant concrete pumpkin whose 3-level interior represents Hell, Earth and Heaven. [Day 7] Vientiane - Pakse Breakfast at your hotel before we take a transfer to the airport for your early flight to Pakse, the provincial capital of Champasack at the confluence of the Mekong and Sedon rivers and the centre for trading between Laos and Thailand. You will be welcomed at the airport by our friendly tour guide. We will then drive down town and take 30-minute local ferry to visit the pre-Angkorian Wat Phu Temple, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos dating back from 6th-13th centuries. The temple lies on a hillside offering spectacular views on the surrounding plains and Mekong River. The temple is divided in two parts. The lower part consists of two ruined palace buildings at the edge of a pond, which was used for ritual ablutions. The upper section, the temple sanctuary itself, once enclosed a large Shiva phallus (linga). Historians believe that this site was chosen by the Khmers because of a natural spring that flows from down the mountain and because the peak of Phou Pisa resembles a Shiva phallus. [Day 8] Khong island (4000 Island) - Pakse After breakfast at hotel, we take a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Khong island, whose lovely fishing villages, serene monasteries and lush vegetation offers an authentic and peaceful Lao way of life. We stop at the Khmer archeological site of Oum Moung before taking ferry boat trip across Mekong river to the island. Upon arrival, we will get on board a traditional boat to visit the surrounding islands of Done Ket and Done Som for a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of local fishermen. We will then cruise to Done Khone Island and take a hike along its railway built by the French in 1897 then drive to Khone Phapheng Waterfall, which is considered to be the biggest water falls in Southeast Asia and the prime reason why the Mekong river is not fully navigable into China. Next, we will meet the driver and transfer back to Pakse for a night stay at your hotel. [Day 9] Pakse Departure In the morning, we will visit a local market nearby hotel to learn more about local life before being transferred to the airport/border for your departure to the next destination. Trip ends. Note: PRICE PER PERSON (Valid until 31 Dec 2012)
Group discount is available, please contact our sales staff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Included • Accommodation Not included • International flight tickets and airport tax ACCOMMODATION Mid-range Superior Deluxe
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