Laos Adventure Tour

11 days

Budget Price : 1,200€

Comfort Price : 1,800€

From the peaceful rolling hills of northern Laos, to the bustling capital. Laos is a hidden gem and we will experiencing it's rich culture and beautiful nature. Starting with a visit to children's culutural centre, we then have a cooking class, visit Asiatic Black Bears in a rehabilitation center, hike in the mystical Plain of Jars, mountain bike to waterfalls, visit hill tribe villages, kayak in turquoise rivers. We learn about the work to clear the unexploded mines and rehabilitation of locals victims. Option to rise at dawn to participate in the alms giving ceremony to local monks.

Day 1: Luang Prabang

Welcome to the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. The former seat of the Laotian royal family before the revolution, Luang Prabang is a delightful, storybook-like town of winding lanes, old French architecture, cozy cafés, ornate temples, and local markets. After arriving in this historical city, you’ll have the evening free to explore on your own and take in the city at your own pace – whether it is exploring the town’s narrow-winding lanes or visiting its colorful night bazaar, or simply relaxing in one of the city’s cozy cafés. There's plenty to pack in, over the next couple of days and you can find some ideas here

Day 2: Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore this enchanting city of Luang Prabang. Walking down its historical lane, we’ll learn about the history of the town and visit some must-see places.

We are invited to visit the Children's Cultural Center which provides after-school and weekend activities for Lao children and youth to learn about Lao culture and traditions. Through participation in traditional music, drama, storytelling, singing, and a variety of arts and crafts activities, Lao children learn about their roots and develop skills that encourage healthy lifestyles, good stewardship and cultural preservation. Activities provided include traditional dance, music, singing, drawing and painting, Lao culture, storytelling, puppetry, reading, games, and handicrafts.

AFor travelers, weekly shows (Thursday and Saturday evenings, unless it rains) help fund CCC activities, but daytime visits are also possible at specified times. Visitors and volunteers are always welcome!

In the afternoon, it’s time for our cooking class where we’ll be introduced at the town’s wet market to ingredients used for dishes indigenous to the area and under the guidance of one of Luang Prabang’s best chefs, learn how to make delicious vegan meals of local delicacies! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Luang Prabang

In the morning, we’ll head outside of town to the very special Free the Bears Educational and Rehabilitation Center. Definitely one of the highlights of our visit to Luang Prabang, we’ll learn about the center and their very lovely residents – rescued Asiatic Black Bears. These beautiful bears once roamed the jungles of Laos and most of Southeast Asia, however, due to exploitation and deforestation, their populations in the wild are now seriously threatened. After learning about the Bear, we’ll take a short walk through the forest to the Kuang Si Falls where we’ll have a delicious vegan picnic and time to cool off in the crystal clear turquoise pools at their base.

Day 4: Plain of Jars

Today we head towards the town of Phonsavan the gateway to the Plain of Jars sites, named for their clusters of giant, millennia-old sandstone jars, which have unclear origins. Muang Khoun, the old provincial capital, has a 16th-century Buddha statue in its Wat Phia Wat temple ruins. The surrounding hilly landscape features the Ka Waterfall and the limestone Tham Xang Cave.

Day 5: Xieng Khouang

It’s hard to believe that this tranquil valley was completely ravaged by bombs just over thirty years ago with the majority of the villages being destroyed. The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has been clearing unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War in Lao PDR since 1994. We visit their exhibition centre to learn more about UXO clearance in Lao, as well as the Quality of Life Association Uxo Survivor Information Centre & Village Shop

Day 6: Vang Vieng

The small town of Vang Vieng on the Nam Song River is surrounded by striking limestone mountains and caves. Tham Poukham, to the west, is a cave with a blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue. North is the deep Tham Nam Cave, which has a spring at its entrance. Nearby, Tham Xang Cave has a stalactite resembling an elephant. The town is home to 16th- and 17th-century monasteries.

Today we combine all the activities that Vang Vieng is famous for which include paddling down the Nam song river. Seeing beautiful rural scenery and exploring limestone caves. We start at Khmu village to meet the local people. After an introduction to the basic of the Kayaking you will be to ready to tackle your first various small but fun rapids on the Song river on the way to Nam them cave. This cave cuts straight through the mountain, so one emerges on the other side of the range for some panoramic view of the Nam Keung Val.

There are further optional activities, including a hot air balloon flight over Vang Vieng, or zip-lining. These are very popular and book up early, so let us know if you are interested.

Day 7: Vang Vieng

Today is all about you experiencing the mountains surrounding Vang Vieng by Mountain Bike – a 35km ride. You will pass 3 different ethnic group villages, an amazing cave and a lagoon. Cross the suspension bridge and ride to the mountain and Hmong village where youlearn about the different cultures, rituals and how they differ from the other ethnic groups in Laos. In one village you will be able to see the Lao women weaving silk and cotton fabrics. From these villages you’ll bicycle further around the mountains, through the beautiful countryside and among the rice paddies. This provides you with another opportunity to take some fantastic photos until you reach mountain and water fall, you have the chance to relax, swim after picnic lunch at the water fall and then we continue cycling up to last village at Nam pea to see views point and then cycling to the Blue lagoon for your swim, Go rope swinging, relax or visit to the cave

Day 8: Phou Khao Khouay

Today we set of early to reach the Phou Khao Khouay National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area. On arrival, we will enjoy a long-tail boat ride, cruising up stream on the Nam Mang, before continuing along the Houay Xai stream, one of its many tributaries. Next, we will enjoy around 2 hours trek passes under an evergreen canopy, while gaining height. We stop for a picnic lunch and then continue to visit the waterfalls Tad Xay and Pha Xay. Tad Xay has a pool and is recommended for bathing. Then we head for our final destination of Vientiane.

Day 9: Vientiane

We explore Vientiane the captical and biggest city in Laos with more of a laid back village feel about it. We’ll visit Tat Luang Stupa, the country’s most prominent landmark and a symbol of national identity. Then we visit Patuxai Victory Monument which was designed to resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and is set in a park, perfect for a calm sunset walk. The monumentIt is carved with symbols of Hindu Gods and has an additional five towers which resemble traditional Laotian buildings. Built between 1957 and 1968, the Patuxai was dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France.

In the afternoon, you can choose from many of the activities in Vientiane. In the evening you have the chance for some last minute souvenir shopping at the Night Market which starts just after sunset and is conveniently located along the Mekong Riverfront.

Day 10: Vientiane

Xieng Khuan is a sculpture park located 25 km southeast from Vientiane, in a meadow by the Mekong River. Although it is not a temple, the park may be referred to as Wat Xieng Khuan, since it contains numerous religious images. The name Xieng Khuan means Spirit City. The park was designed in 1958 by a monk with both Hindu and Buddhist influences for the sculptures.

You will find the sculpture of Indra who is atop a three headed elephant and who is considered to be the king of the gods in Hinduism. Other highlights include famous gods on horseback as well as deities with multiple faces and arms. Another highlight is a reclining Buddha which is some 40 meters high.

Day 11: Goodbye

Today after breakfast, we will head out to the airport for those returning home. For others, you can extend your stay in Vientiane, or connect with one of our other tours.

Map

1. Luang Prabang

2. Plains of Jar

3. Vang Vieng

4. Phou Khao

5. Vientiane

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