Active Laos

Day 1: VIENTIANE

Arrive in Vientiane where you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Vientiane - half day city tour and Buddha Park

An optional early start enables you to visit the fascinating local market of Thongkhankham which is where the locals shop and a wide variety of weird and wonderful foods are on offer. You continue to explore the city by visiting the oldest Wat (temple) in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a museum of arts and antiques. You then travel up Lanexang Avenue where you have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument. The climb to the top offers great views over Vientiane.  The final visit of the morning will be to the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem that many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War era. 

In the afternoon you visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the banks of the Mekong River. By no means historic - Buddha Park was built in the 1950's by a self styled "holy man" - the park features some very photogenic and unusual sculptures, including a huge reclining Buddha, and a giant pumpkin!

A spectacular view of the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. 

Day 3: Vientiane – Phou Khao Khouay and Tad Xay

Early this morning you leave your hotel and drive to Ban Hatkhai via a stop at Prabaht Phonsan; a stupa dating back to the 15th Century and home to the Buddha's footprint. You will also make a stop at Ban Huay Leuk and visit the school there. You then continue to Ban Hatkai, arriving mid morning. At Ban Hatkhai you meet your local guide and take a local songthaew, or small truck, to Tad Xay where a short 20 minute path will take you to your spot for a local style picnic lunch. Here you will have time to admire the multi-tiered waterfall's, as well as a swim in the refreshing pools.

In the afternoon you begin a 2 hour trek through the forest where you can see beautiful wild orchids. When you reach the Nam Mang River you board a small local boat to take you back to Ban Hatkhai village where you can see the locals weaving sticky rice baskets.

En route back to Vientiane there is time to stop at the interesting Lak Saojet Market, which hosts a range of interesting foods on offer to try, including ant eggs and insects for the very brave! You will arrive back at your hotel by early evening.

 Day4: Vientiane – Vang Vieng

This morning you travel by the picturesque back roads to Vang Vieng stopping en route at Ban Keun, which is famous for its salt mine. Here you can learn about the daily working life of the local people. You’ll also stop at Nam Ngum, a picturesque lake popular with the locals.

 You reach Vang Vieng by mid afternoon, where there is time to visit Tham Jang cave with its stunning views of over the Nam Song River and surrounding karst scenery.

 Day5. Vang Vieng – half day cycling

 This morning you leave the hotel by bicycle and cycle to Tham Phoukham Cave, crossing over a small bamboo bridge that provides a great photo stop. You pass through 3 local villages before arriving at Tham Phoukham caves where the most beautiful limestone cavern, surrounded by natural forests, is sure to take your breath away.  There is also an opportunity to swim here before returning to Vang Vieng town by lunchtime.

Day 6: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang

 There is quite a lot of driving to get to Luang Prabang today but this is the way to get a real feel for how rural and breathtaking Laos truly is.

There will be several stops along the way to break up the journey.  In the morning you’ll have chance to stop and visit a picturesque Hmong village as well as a local forest market offering edible reptiles!

In the afternoon you’ll stop at a Khmu village and you’ll have an opportunity to stretch your legs at the picturesque riverside village of Ban Nam Ming.

Arrive in Luang Prabang late afternoon.

 

Day 7: Luang Prabang – half day city walking tour

 After breakfast you'll visit the quaint Royal Palace Museum, which gives a brief overview of local history via a guided audio tour. You then begin your walking tour, taking in some of Luang Prabangs hidden secrets via quiet back lanes with their mix of  French Colonial buildings, and traditional old Lao houses. You’ll pass by the Fine Arts School  where there is artwork on display, before visiting the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its sweeping roof.

 Day 8: Luang Prabang – Elephants and Kayaking

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and travel to the Nam Khan valley about 15 km out of town. The Elephant Village is set here admist rugged mountians and lush countryside. You will be introduced to protected Asian elephants in the project area and go out for a scenic ride along the Nam Khan River. Afterwards a boat will take you to the amazing cascades and pools of the Tad Sae waterfalls (best between September and February as the falls can dry out from March onwards).

Lunch will be at the Mountain View terrace of the Elephant Village with views over the river, the surrounding landscapes and mountains.

This afternoon there will be a soft 4 hr kayak back into town with a few small rapids (depending on season) suitable even for inexperienced paddlers.

 Day9: Luang Prabang – Kamu Lodge

After breakfast, transfer to the boat pier where you board a traditional Long River boat  for a leisurely cruise upstream.

Marvel at the thousands and thousands of gold Buddha statues placed in sacred Pak Ou caves by devotees. Continue up river and reach Kamu Lodge around noon.

 Check into your supersize tents before enjoying a home cooked Laotian's meal in an airy Sala in the paddy fields. After lunch, you can choose to either relax in the veranda or partake in traditional Kamu  activities. Dinner is a Kamu feast!

 Day10: Kamu Lodge – Luang Prabang

 Check out after breakfast and return to Luang Prabang by boat, reaching the pier just before lunch time.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city or simply relax.

Day11: Luang Prabang – departure

 Today you’ll fly home via Bangkok (morning and evening flights available)

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK