THE GRANDEUR OF LAOS:
ASIA'S UNDISCOVERED GEM
December in Laos is considered the cool season, though it's correct to note that in the tropics it never gets truly cold, you can expect the most comfortable temperatures and no rain. Pleasant weather, with enough water to keep the waterfalls flowing and flowering trees to add to the beauty of the country make this an ideal time to visit. The journey commences in southern Laos near the town of Pakse where we spend several days exploring the Mekong River by comfortable boat, visiting the ancient ruins of Champasak, and the high altitude coffee growing Bolaven Plateau, with its many cascading waterfalls, lush forests and coffee plantations. Our next destination is Vientiane, the capital, with its mix of modern and ancient, a very pleasant and low key city with a great vibe. We next board the new high speed train to Udomxay in northern Laos. The 3 hour journey brings us to an area of immense natural beauty with waterfalls, mountains, and 23 different ethnic groups. We stay at a luxury hideaway resort in the forest, and spend our 2 days here exploring the forest via a series of sky bridges, plus visits to waterfalls and meetings with local villagers. From Udomxay we again board the high speed train for the 45 minute journey to Luang Prabang. Hypnotically beautiful Luang Prabang is often labelled the most attractive city in southeast Asia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with many temples, and an aesthetic that combines French colonial with traditional Lao, the city has entranced people for centuries, and we at Champaca Journeys have fallen under its spell, and will show you what we find so fascinating about this captivating town. The journey ends with a flight from Luang Prabang to Bangkok, Thailand. Prepare for an experience that both stimulates and relaxes as we explore this remarkable land. All accommodations are luxury boutique hotels.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: TUESDAY, Dec. 3
Arrival in Laos
An early morning flight from Bangkok brings us to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand. Our guide and driver will meet us at the airport and transport us via private vehicle the 3 hours to Champasak in southern Laos.
Overnight at River Resort (Dinner)
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4
Explore Champasak
We begin our day with a visit to the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Vat Phu Champasak, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples, dating back to the sixth century, and predating Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Afternoon to relax on the beautiful grounds of our resort.
Overnight at River Resort (B,L)
DAY 3: THURSDAY, Dec. 5
Bolaven Plateau, waterfalls and coffee plantations
This morning we drive 2 hours to the Bolaven Plateau, known for its cooler temperatures, and excellent coffee growing conditions, such that the French colonists of Lao deemed Bolaven coffee the champagne of coffee. We visit a plantation to observe the process of coffee cultivation and production (and to taste the coffee). The plateau is also home to several spectacular waterfalls and we'll visit these falls that cascade off the mountains through dense forest.
Overnight at River Resort (B,L,D)
Day 4: FRIDAY, Dec. 6
Champasak region
Our own boat will take us on a 90-minute cruise up the Mekong River to Ban Tomo, a small lowland Lao village. After docking we take a short hike into the forest to visit a group of hidden temples built in the 9th century by faithful worshipers to the wife of Lord Shiva. Arriving at these ancient stone temples has an Indiana Jones feel to it and exploring these abandoned structures in the solitude of the forest continues the adventurous feel to the day. We return to the River Resort and have the afternoon to relax at the hotel with its 2 pools, award winning spa and beautiful grounds, or for those looking for more excitement, we can explore the small nearby communities.
Overnight at River Resort (B,L)
DAY 5: SATURDAY, Dec. 7
Pakse to Vientiane
Morning flight to Vientiane, capital of Laos. After a short rest, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the Vat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Hor Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image.
Overnight at Green Park Boutique Hotel (B)
DAY 6: SUNDAY, Dec. 8
Explore Vientiane
Start the day with visits to some of Vientiane's most interesting monuments, the famous and sacred temple; That Luang Stupa and Patuxay, modeled after Paris' Arc De Triomphe. Then visit a textile studio where you can both observe the weaving process as well as purchase some of the textiles for which Laos is renown. Lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, and then afternoon free to explore on your own, or with guides.
Overnight at Green Park Boutique Hotel (B)
DAY 7: MONDAY, Dec. 9
Further exploration of Vientiane
Today we visit to the Buddha park, a private park devoted to the Buddha and full of interesting and quirky statues. The park contains unique pieces of Hindu and Buddhist sculpture, and is set in an attrractive garden. We then continue to Tha Ngone village. Here you will get to see how locals prepare (and also sample) a delicious Lao dessert of sticky rice, coconut milk and sugar syrup cooked inside bamboo tubes (Khao Larm). Lunch on a small boat as we float along the Nam Ngume river. Late afternoon return to hotel.
Overnight at Green Park Boutique Hotel (B, L)
DAY 8: TUESDAY, Dec. 10
Vientiane to Udomxay
Free time this morning to explore on your own or with guides before we board the new high speed train at 1:30 p.m. to Udomxay. The 3 hour train journey formerly took more than 8 hours by road. We arrive in Udomxay at 4:30 p.m. and then have 30 minute drive to our rain forest accommodation, the Namkat Yorla Pa Resort, which has won many awards for its off the grid luxury.
Overnight at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort (B,D)
DAY 9: WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11
Udomxay, waterfall and forest excursion
This morning we visit Namkat Waterfalls. This pristine 60 foot high falls offers many stunning views and the opportunity to swim in the river below and hike in the surrounding forest. Both on our journey to and from the falls we will visit several ethnic villages where locals welcome us into their homes and permit us a glimpse of their lives. Late afternoon return to hotel.
Over night at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort (B,D)
DAY 10: THURSDAY, Dec. 12
Udomxay to Luang Prabang
This morning we have opportunity to visit local markets and wander around Udomxay town before catching the 2:00 p.m. train for the 45-minute journey to the ancient and holy city of Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is often called 'the jewel of southeast Asia,' and we will show you what we find so compelling about this town. After settling into our hotel we will visit the oldest and most magnificent temple, the nearby Vat Xiengthong. This beautiful temple is decorated with gilded stucco, elaborate mosaics, and is home to many orange clad monks who often come to greet us and practice their English.
Overnight at Mekong Riverview Hotel (B,D)
DAY 11: FRIDAY, Dec. 13
Luang Prabang
Morning visit the the former palace of the Royal Family, now the national museum, which displays a fascinating collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings to the reign of the last sovereign. Next we will climb up to the top of Phousi hill for the panoramic view of the city and Nam Khan and Mekong rivers. After lunch we explore more of the many temples for which Luang Prabang is famous.
Overnight at Mekong Riverview Hotel (B, L)
DAY 12: SATURDAY, Dec. 14
Luang Prabang
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of alms from the faithful residents. From there you will visit the morning market, return to hotel. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, with many stunning views also of the tranquil countryside. Our destination is the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, to observe the process of rice wine distillation (as well as taste the product).
Over night at Mekong Riverview Hotel (B, L)
DAY 13: SUNDAY, Dec. 15
Luang Prabang
This morning we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Centre, before departing for Kuang Si Waterfalls, 45 minutes away. These are travertine falls, found in only a few places and beautiful as the limestone above the falls lends the water an attractive turquoise color and forms a series of terraces that add to the beauty and uniqueness. We swim and enjoy a picnic lunch at the falls, set in mature rain forest. The area is also home to a sanctuary for rescued bears, which is well run and provides interesting commentary about the plight of these rare Asian black bears.
Overnight at Mekong Riverview Hotel (B,L,D)
DAY 14: MONDAY, Dec. 16
Departure, Luang Prabang to Bangkok
After your breakfast, free time at leisure to enjoy the atmosphere in this city. Before transferring to the airport for 12:15 p.m. flight to Bangkok. (B)
PRICES & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
(Inclusive of accommodations, meals noted on itinerary, 6 internal flights, ground and boat transportation, entrance fees, services of licensed English speaking Lao guide and driver, services of USA based trip leader)
$5000. (Based on double occupancy)
$5500. (Based on single occupancy)
NOTE: International airfare to and from Bangkok, Thailand, Laos visa, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, items of a personal nature and travel insurance are NOT included.
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Laos is accessed most easily from Bangkok, Thailand from where there are daily flights to many points across the globe. It is highly recommended that participants arrive in Bangkok at least 24 hours prior to flight to Laos, to allow for any delays in flight to Bangkok.
While domestic fares cost is included, price can vary if there is change in cost prior to purchase.
Flights on this journey are with Thai Airways, Lao Airlines and Bangkok Airways.