LAOS: ASIA’S UNKNOWN GEM
2010 Dates posted soon!

Rates for journey at bottom of page

Lightly populated and little known, Laos is one of the special surprises in Southeast Asia. Often in the shadow of its better known neighbors, it deserves recognition of its own, and now with better infrastructure and a policy to welcome visitors, this Land of a Million Elephants can be satisfactorily explored.

This journey to northern Laos begins in the city of Chang Rai in northern Thailand (an interesting destination of its own). Participants will be collected from their hotels and taken by vehicle to the Thai-Laos border, assisted through immigration, and then spend the rest of the day in the tiny but interesting town of Huay Xai.

The next day we begin a 2 day trip along the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. Our Mekong River cruise is aboard the Luang Say, owned and operated by Asian Oasis. This 34 meter luxury barge, built with the foreign market in mind has every comfort and amenity, yet is similar in appearance to the more modest boats that ply the river. We spend 2 full days cruising down river, visiting small villages and interesting sights along the way. At night we sleep in the lodge operated by Asian Oasis, in the forest, full of comfort, in a unique and beautiful setting.

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site is our home for 5 nights. Sited on a peninsula, surrounded by river, and full of temples and colonial buildings, built in Lao-French style, this is one of the most attractive cities in all Asia. Luang Prabang was the former capital of Laos, and when the seat of government was transferred to Vientiane, a rival kingdom was established here. This kingdom endured until 1975 when it was dissolved. Luang Prabang brims with ambience and friendly people, numerous sights of an Asia now fast disappearing, excellent food, and high quality local handicrafts; our program permits sufficient time to both relax and explore.

From Luang Prabang we drive east to Phonsavan. The fascinating and enigmatic Plain of Jars is located just outside of the town. Carved from single boulders, between 1,500 and 3,000 years ago, and for unknown reasons (though many theories abound), these enormous stone vessels are scattered across the savanna. There are 15 separate sites, each covered with hundreds of jars. The largest jars weigh over 14 tons and stand 8 feet tall. We see all 3 of the sites that are open to visitors

A flight then takes us to Vientiane, capital of Laos where the journey finishes.

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DAY 1
Guide and driver pick up participants from hotels in Chang Rai for the 2 hour drive to Thai-Lao border. After immigration, transfer to hotel in Huay Xai. This small but busy river port town is surrounded by forest and mountains. Our hotel, the best in town, provides a good vantage point from where to view the activity. Overnight at Gate Way Villa Hotel.

DAY 2
After breakfast we board the Luang Say boat, the beginning of our cruise down the Mekong River. The mighty Mekong is at its most beautiful in this part of Laos, with forest along its banks, and limestone mountains rising in the background. We’ll pass small settlements, observe fishermen and people cultivating crops, and visit some of the tribal minority villages. We spent the night in Pakbeng. Overnight at Luang Say Lodge.

DAY 3
We board the boat again after breakfast to continue our river journey. Today we pass by forest, broken only with tiny villages, and will likely see locals fishing and bathing their elephants. We will stop to visit Lao rice whisky being made, and to see the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues, of all sizes and shapes are enshrined. By late afternoon, we arrive in Luang Prabang, and will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at Sala Prabang.

DAY 4
We begin the day with a tour, both by foot and vehicle of Luang Prabang, Royal Palace, National museum and some of the many temples that give Luang Prabang its distinctive look. You will have the afternoon free to wander around this very pedestrian friendly city, and in late afternoon we’ll climb Mt. Phousi to watch the sunset. Overnight at Sala Prabang.

DAY 5
The day begins, if you wish to arise at 5:30 a.m. to participate in the ritual of giving alms to the hundreds of saffron clad monks. The traditional offering is the ubiquitous sticky rice, which the residents offer daily to the monks. After breakfast we drive to Khousangsi waterfall where we can swim in the river and hike in the surrounding forest. In the late afternoon we will return to Luang Prabang, with a stop at a village well known for silk weaving, and another village equally well known for traditional paper making. Overnight at Sala Prabang.

DAY 6
Today you are on your own, an easy and pleasant assignment in Luang Prabang. For those wishing a structured activity, a visit to the elephant rehabilitation camp provides an all day activity, and one of the local cooking classes provide for half day activity. Overnight at Sala Prabang.

DAY 7
Another day to explore Luang Prabang. While the day is unstructured, permitting participants to join optional activities, both guide and trip leader will be available for further walking and vehicle exploration of Luang Prabang. Overnight at Sala Prabang.

DAY 8
After breakfast we commence our 6 hour drive through beautiful mountains and forest to Phonsavan, also known as Xiengkhuang. En route we stop at some minority tribal villages, to greet locals with whom the guide has become friends. Upon arrival in Phonsavan, we take a short drive to site 1 in the Plain Of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered over the hills. Overnight at Vansana Hotel.

DAY 9
After breakfast we return continue to explore the Plain of Jars, visiting site two and site three. We pack a picnic lunch as we hike for an hour to reach site 3. Overnight at Vansana Hotel.

DAY 10
Following breakfast we tour the town of Phonsavan, visit the market and then proceed to airport to catch midday flight to Vientiane, capital of Laos. From Vientiane onward flight to Bangkok, or solo exploration of Vientiane

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TOTAL COST PER PERSON FOR NINE (9) NIGHTS IN LAOS
(Inclusive of accommodations, ground, river and air transportation within Laos, entrance fees to all sights in itinerary, services of driver, English speaking guide, and US trip leader, all breakfasts, 2 lunches and one dinner.)

$2100. (Based on DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
$2364. (SINGLE ROOM)

Note: Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, international airfare, visa fee (US $35.), travel insurance, optional tours, and meals noted above not included.

AIRFARES TO LAOS
As journey begins in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and finishes in Vientiane , Laos, participants will need to travel to and from these 2 cities. Both are easily accessed via 1 hour flights from Bangkok, Thailand.

To reserve space on this journey, a deposit of $1000. is required. Balance of payment is due 2 months prior to beginning of trip.

Please contact me at john@champacajourneys.com with any questions!