LAOS FAMILY SOFT ADVENTURE VACATION
11days/10nights
DAY 01: VIENTIANE - ARRIVAL (D)
DAY 02: VIENTIANE – FLY TO LUANG NAMTHA – DRIVE TO MUANG SINGH ( B)
DAY 03: MUANG SINGH: ONE DAY TREKKING (B)
DAY 04: MUANG SINGH – DRIVE TO OUDOM XAY (B)
DAY 05: OUDOM XAY – DRIVE TO MUONG KHOUA (B)
DAY 06: MUONG KHOUA: BOAT TRIP TO LUANG PRABANG – VISIT PAK OU CAVE ( B)
DAY 07: LUANG PRABANG: CITY TOURS (MEAL: B)
DAY 08: LUANG PRABANG – DRIVE TO VANG VIENG ( B)
DAY 09: VANG VIENG: ONE DAY TREKKING ( L)
DAY 10: VANG VIENG – DRIVE TO VIENTIANE (B)
DAY 11: VIENTIANE – DEPART (B)
DAY 01: VIENTIANE - ARRIVAL (WELCOME DINNER)
On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. On the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos.
This afternoon exploration visiting Wat Sisaket, which is the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. We then visit the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa. Welcome dinner with traditional musical.
Stay overnight at hotel in Vientiane.
DAY 02: VIENTIANE – FLY TO LUANG NAMTHA – DRIVE TO MUANG SINGH ( B)
The journey northwards begins as we board the flight to Luang Namtha, a land of rugged mountains, beautiful tropical forest, rich of rivers plain and sharing the border with China and Myanmar. Today Luang Namtha is populated by over twenty ethnic groups that make this region one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Laos.
On arrival, we travel by roads to Muang Singh, stopping along the way at the Akha hill tribe village. This ethnic group was originally in China but immigrated into Laos down centuries. They are very poor, but have an interesting culture and a colorful history.
Stay overnight at hotel in Muang Singh.
DAY 03: MUANG SINGH: ONE DAY TREKKING ( B)
The remote and extremely beautiful mountain region of Muong Sing is ideal for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition. After breakfast we have time strolling round this small town where many ethnic minorities are frequently seen on the main street while small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. Upon leaving the town, we take a short drive north before we set off on a half-day walk, using the local tracks. We pass through the breathtaking mountain landscape to the Yao, Akha and Lantern hill tribe villages, and are sure to attraction attention as this part of the country explored by very few visitors.
Stay overnight at Muang Singh.
DAY 04: MUANG SINGH – DRIVE TO OUDOM XAY (B)
An early morning, we depart to Oudom Xay by car. These back roads are a perfect way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is difficult at times; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for a memorable experience. On arrival we check in a very simple hotel and take a walk to explore this hill town.
Stay overnight at Oudom Xay.
DAY 05: OUDOM XAY – DRIVE TO MUONG KHOUA ( B)
The local market also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the surrounding mountainsides or valley to barter and trade their goods. We visit this congregation before we set off on our journey along the Nambak River to Muong La. Here is a chance to visit Praxack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. This 400-year-old statue legendary possesses many supernatural powers, which are widely worshipped among local people. We then continue our journey to Muong Khoua, the roads begin to deteriorate but the drive is very interesting as we pass through the scenic landscape.
Stay overnight in Muong Khoua.
DAY 06: MUONG KHOUA: BOAT TRIP TO LUANG PRABANG – VISIT PAK OU CAVE ( B)
Today, embark a long trail traditional boat down stream for a leisurely trip on the Nam Ou River, enjoying with green and along the way, we stop to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various sizes.
We continue our trip to Luang Prabang. This former royal capital with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop retains a unique charm rarely found in all Asia. There is little traffic on Luang Prabang roads and monks in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas to shade themselves from the Sun.
Stay over night in Luang Prabang.
DAY 07: LUANG PRABANG: CITY TOURS ( B)
The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign, is not to be missed.
We visit this sight as well as the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong; the temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways. Heading out of this area, we explore some other major sights including the impressive stupa of Wat Sene, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and Wat Mai.
The perfect way to round off the day is to watch the Atacular sunset over the Mekong River from the top of Phousi Mount. From there, we explore Night Street Market, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 08: LUANG PRABANG – DRIVE TO VANG VIENG ( B)
An early morning, after breakfast, we depart to Vang Vieng. The journey is strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic but rough routes in the whole of Asia. We arrive in Vang Vieng, a small town that is located on a bend in the Nam Song River. This tranquil town is rapidly developed with the advent of tourist, but the beautiful scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops is unchanged for century. We embark on our boat for a well-paced trip on the Nam Song River, exploring the breathtaking mountain landscape and the famous cave of Tham Jang.
Stay over night in Vang Vieng.
DAY 09: VANG VIENG: ONE DAY TREKKING (B, L)
Heading out of town, we take a short drive before we set off on a full day’s trek from Ban Phatang village through undulating hillsides and paddy fields. On the way, we visit Tham Hoy Cave and Ban Phathao village, which is home to the Hmong ethnic minorities. After a picnic lunch, we continue walking and exploring the fantastic limestone karsts formation. The trekking ends when we arrive to Ban Tham Xang by late afternoon. At this small village, we have a chance to explore the interesting local life style and enjoy a traditional dance performed by villagers.
Stay over night in Vang Vieng.
DAY 10: VANG VIENG – DRIVE TO VIENTIANE (B)
Breakfast, we drive ahead to the capital city of Laos is Vientiane, which is located on the banks of the Mekong River. This small town conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences.
After a half-day travelling by winding roads, we arrive in Vientiane and start our city tour. We visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha images. The following sight is Haw Prakeo, the former royal temple of Laos monarchy, where previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Statue. We then visit the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph before continuing to the famous That Luang Stupa.
Stay overnight in Vientiane.
DAY 11: VIENTIANE – DEPART (B)
After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong (if time permits). The tour ends after transferred to Wattay Airport for your departure flight.
End of our services!