In Depth Laos

Still relatively untouched by tourism, Laos is a glimpse of a traditional Asia that has all but disappeared. Explore this beautiful, tranquil country on an in-depth- 12-day comprehensive tour. You’ll visit charming Luang Prabang, the mysterious Plain of Jars, sleepy Vientiane, and the scenic 4000 Islands area of the legendary Mekong River. It’s an unforgettable way to experience a lovely land most travelers overlook.

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Duration: 12 days/11 nights

Tour Code: MLHL08

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Luang Prabang - Wats Temples - Pak Ou Cave - Kuang Si Waterfall -Xiang Khoang – Plain of Jars - Old Town in Muang Khoun - Vang Vieng - Vientiane - Pakse - Bolaven Plateau - Wat Phou - Elephant Camp - 4000 Islands - Pakse.

• Day 1 - Luang Prabang Arrival - City Tour

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car
  Meals: Dinner

  Arrive in Luang Prabang, and enjoy a half-day tour around this beautiful World Heritage town. Nestled in a stunning setting amid lush mountains, this sacred city of golden temples and saffron robed monks provides endless opportunities for sightseeing. Visit a number of Wats (temples) and other fascinating sites. Spend the afternoon to experience on your own at the relaxed pace of laid-back Laotian life.

  Day 2 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Ban Xang Khong Weaving Village

  Place Transport: Cruise
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Cruise the Mekong River to visit the famous and sacred Pak Ou Caves. Since the 16th century, the local people have brought images of the Buddha to place in the caves—by now there are thousands. Visit the village of Ban Xang Khong where weaving of traditional Lao textiles takes place on ancient wooden looms.

  Day 3 - Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfall

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  If you wish, get an early start and participate in the traditional Lao rite of giving alms to the monks. Every morning, some 300 monks file through the city silently collecting offerings. After breakfast, drive to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. You can cool off with a swim before returning to Luang Prabang. Enjoy a local lunch before returning to the hotel for an evening at your leisure.

  Day 4 - Luang Prabang – Xiang Khoang

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  An eight-hour drive to the mountainous plateau of Xiang Khoang is a great way to see more of rural Laos. There are plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs and take photos of the spectacular views.

  Day 5 - Xiang Khoang – Plain of Jars - Old Town in Muang Khoun

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  After breakfast, our guide will take you to the Plain of Jars- one of the more mysterious sites in Laos. Visit the Old Town, the stupa and temple at Muang Khoun. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

  Day 6 - Xiang Khoang – Vang Vieng

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Take a six-hour drive along picturesque winding roads to Vang Vieng. There are stunning vistas of towering limestone karst hills around every turn. Enjoy your lunch along the way. The afternoon is free for you to relax on the scenic banks of the Song River or explore the lovely town.

  Day 7 - Vang Vieng

  Place Transport: 
  Meals: Breakfast

  Enjoy the scenic wonders of Vang Vieng at your leisure. You can go inner-tubing in the cool and lazy river. Try your hand at kayaking or caving, or just relax and enjoy the amazing views from your balcony.

  Day 8 - Vang Vieng – Vientiane City Tour

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Drive three hours to Vientiane. In the afternoon, you will visit the major sights of the capital including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao's national precious heritage- the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will stop en route to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph.

  Day 9 - Vientiane – Fly to Pakse - Bolaven Plateau

  Place Transport: Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  After a very early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Your first adventure here is an easy four-hour hike up to the Bolaven Plateau. This hike goes through a local village, coffee plantations, over a hanging bridge, and on to the plains. Huge boulders, pine trees, epiphytes and wild orchids abound. Return to the hotel for late lunch. The afternoon is free for you to explore Pakse.

  Day 10 - Pakse - Wat Phou - Elephant Camp – 4000 Islands

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Drive south to the famous Khmer Temple complex of Wat Phou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the easternmost border of the Khmer empire. Continue on to an Elephant Camp to see how handlers (“mahouts”) train these giant and friendly beasts. Ride one of the friendly pachyderms to the top of Phou Asa to see mysterious ruins there. After lunch, you’ll continue going to 4000 Islands by car and boat.

  Day 11 - 4000 Islands - Khone Phapeng & Li Phi Falls

  Place Transport: Car->Cruise
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  The section of the Mekong River that runs through southern Laos boasts thousands of tiny islands. This morning, you’ll cruise through this tropical paradise to the largest waterfalls in Asia, Khone Phapeng and Li Phi Falls. If you’re lucky, you might see some of the 50-100 Irrawaddy (freshwater) dolphins that make 4000 lakes their home. Spend the afternoon to relax or explore an island on your own.

  Day 12 - 4000 Islands – Pakse Depature

  Place Transport: Car->Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast

  After breakfast, drive north to Pakse airport for your flight.

  The Tour Inclusion:

  - 11 Nights Accommodation with BKF.

  - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.

  - Domestic flight tickets, including domestic airport taxes.

  
  

  
  

  - Boat cruises as specified in the program.

  
  

  - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

  - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.

  - Meals (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

  The Tour Exclusion:

  - International flight tickets and airport tax. Visas.

  - Dinners, except as specified above.

  - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.

  - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

  Additional Information

  Importance note

  - The itinerary is just a sample of our tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

  What to bring?

  - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

  How to start?

  - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.

   - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Lao Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).