Thursday, January 31, 2013

Luxury Indochina Resorts and Hotels 12 Days / 11 Nights

This perfect two week luxury Indochina holiday, consists of staying in some of the best hotels and resorts in Bangkok, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia where you can experience pure relaxation and culture in style and comfort. This particular itinerary has been designed for only the most exquisite of tours so think personal butlers, premium vehicles, helicopters, VIP touches all the way and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience to last a lifetime.

 Luxury Indochina Resorts and Hotels 12 Days / 11 Nights
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Tour Code: MTLT03
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Bangkok - Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh - Hanoi - Vientiane - Luang Prabang
  • Day 1 - Bangkok: City tour

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Dinner
    Arrive in Bangkok and transfer in luxury to the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel. After a tour of the city, enjoy dinner in a spectacular rooftop restaurant overlooking the sparkling lights of the city.

    Day 2 - Bangkok - Siem Reap

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    Fly to Siem Reap and check into the luxurious Amansara Resort. Marvel at the ancient ruins on a guided tour of Angkor Wat and watch the sunset with a glass of champagne in your hand, from the top of a hill overlooking Tonle Sap lake.

    Day 3 - Siem Reap

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Experience a sunrise over magnificent Angkor Wat before taking a scenic helicopter flight over the Angkor Complex. Upon return, enjoy traditional Khmer cuisine for lunch before spending the afternoon exploring more of the ruins which will take your breath away.

    Day 4 - Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Dinner
    Take an optional game of golf in the morning or simply relax in your resort, before flying to bustling HCMC. Transfer by limousine and check into the magnificent five star Park Hyatt in the heart of the city. Enjoy a dinner cruise along the Saigon River with traditional music and dancing.

    Day 5 - Mekong Delta – Le Jarai Cruise

    Place Transport: Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Enjoy a relaxing a day’s Mekong cruise on the converted rice barge Le Jarai and local boat. Sail through the broad waterways and small creeks of the Mekong River, enjoy a sumptuous three course lunch and see traditional rural life including a local village, communal temple and traditional matt weaving at a local farmer’s house. This trip is the ideal way to spend the day in the delta.

    Day 6 - Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Today is optional with a half day tour of Cu Chi Tunnels or alternatively Saigon city sites. Afternoon is free for leisure before transferring to the airport and flying to Hanoi. Transfer by luxury vintage Citroen to the colonial classic Sofitel Metropole hotel which is located in Hanoi’s French Quarter.

    Day 7 - Hanoi: City tour

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Experience a city tour in style in a vintage Citroen or by traditional cyclo. Privately guided tours by museum curators can be arranged on request. In the evening, dine in one of the Hanoi’s finest restaurants and experience an authentic Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

    Day 8 - Hanoi - Halong Bay

    Place Transport: Car->Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    In the morning, you will enjoy a private transfer from your hotel in Hanoi to Halong City, taking around 3.5 hours stopping off for a refreshment break en route. Board the ‘Princess’ junk and meet the crew at the dock. Cruise to the famous islands of Halong Bay and onto Bai Tu Long Bay where aside from the cave visit and swimming, there is a chance to explore this stunning area by sea kayak. Return back to the junk for a delicious dinner.

    Day 9 - Halong Bay – Hanoi - Vientiane

    Place Transport: Car->Cruise->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Enjoy fresh air and gentle breeze of the bay in the morning. Cruise through Bai Tu Long, and visit the floating fishing village of Vong Vieng where you will learn about daily life here. Cruise back to the dock arriving in Halong City around noon then transfer back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel at about 4pm. Later, take the flight to Vientiane.

    Day 10 - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    Embark on a guided walking tour of charming Vientiane and spend the afternoon at leisure before your flight to Luang Prabang. Check into the luxurious Maison Souvanaphoum.

    Day 11 - Luang Prabang

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Wander the ancient streets of laidback Luang Prabang, pass saffron robed monks, golden temples and small markets. Enjoy a private boat cruise downriver to Pak Ou caves filled with Buddhist statues before returning to your hotel for cocktails at sunset.

    Day 12 - Luang Prabang Depature

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast
    Depart Laos for your connecting flight to home.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 10 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily BKF.
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.


    - Boat, cruise as indicated in the itinerary.


    - Domestic flight tickets as indicated in the itinerary.
    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.
    - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - Visas on arrival
    - International flight tickets and airport tax.
    - Dinners, except as specified above.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.


    - Travel insurance 
    - 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 Thailand 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 Thailand, Lao. Cambodia and Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Discover Magical Temple City

The ancient capital of the Khmer kingdom, Angkor is a spectacular landscape of crumbling stone reliefs, great towers, encroaching jungle roots, orange-clad monks and spectacular sunset reflections. Angkor is the most popular destination in Cambodia by far, and one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring sacred sites in the world. Its central attraction, Angkor Wat, is proudly featured on the Cambodian flag and it is a major boost to the economy of the recovering country. Stretching across some 400 sq km, including forests and jungles, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire dating from the 9th to the 15th century. Angkor Wat, is believed to be the largest religious structure in the world, and there are many other fascinating temples to explore as well. Allow more than one day to see Angkor — preferably several days to a week. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and transportation to Angkor in the nearby city of Siem Reap.


Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Tour Code: MCSS04
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Siem Reap - Great Lake - Angkor - Les Chantiers Ecole - Siem Reap Departure

  • Day 1 - Arrive Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake

    Place Transport: Car->Boat
    Meals: Dinner
    Arrive in the morning. Meet with guide for transferring to hotel. Afternoon boat trip on Great Lake Tonle Sap and visit floating village and view sunset at Phnom Krom. Dinner with Khmer Traditional Dance Show. Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

    Day 2 - Angkor

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    In the early morning, view sunrise at Angkor Wat. Transfer back to the hotel for breakfast. In the morning, visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the World Seventh Wonder of the Magical temple City of Angkor Wat and view sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Stay overnight Siem Reap.

    Day 3 - Les Chantiers Ecole - Siem Reap Depature

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    In the morning, visit Les Chantiers Ecole, a handicraft center, located in the center of Siem Reap. Les Chantiers Ecole was founded in 1992 and its aim is to revive that ancient art of Khmer workmanships. This organization gives young people the opportunity to learn the art of stone, wood carving, and silk weaving . Afternoon, transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your departure.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 02 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily breakfast.
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
    - 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

    - Lunches and dinners (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.
    - You can get Cambodia Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport).

Laos Central Stopover Tour

The capital of Lao- Vientiane sits on the northern bank of the Mekong River facing across to the even sleepier Thai town of Sri Chiang Mai. For many visitors, Vientiane is the first taste of Lao food, culture and hospitality and on all counts it does not disappoint. 


Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Tour Code: MLVS07
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: VienTiane - Dansanvanh - VienTiane

  • Day 1 - Vientiane Arrival - City Tour

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Dinner
    Upon arrival in Vientiane Capital, you are  transferred to your centrally located hotel. After a short rest, we start visiting 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 the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa , we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument which is well known as Vientiane 's own Arc de Triumph. Stay over night in Vientiane .

    Day 2 - VienTiane - Nam Ngum - Ban Keun - Dansanvanh

    Place Transport: Car->Boat
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    After breakfast, we are heading out of the city. We make our way to Nam Ngum - a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River with stopover at Ban Keun which is famous for the salt extraction. On arrival, we embark on a long tail boat to Dansavanh Resort where only legal Lao casino is available and enjoy an ideal landscape for anyone seeking an overview of lake when the heat becomes unbearable in city. A long the way, we visit some beautiful islets and take a short walk to explore the lifestyle of fish man people. Return to Vientiane in the late evening. Stay overnight in Vientiane .

    Day 3 - Vientiane Departure

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong (if time permits). The tour ends after your transfer to Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge for departure.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 02 Nights Accommodation with BKF.
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
    - 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 Laos Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Vietnam Impressions

Vietnam Impressions Tour will bring you a glimpse into  three cities that encapsulate the romance, history and the resurgence of Vietnam. Starting in Hanoi- the ‘Paris of the Orient’, this tour will stops at the UNESCO listed old town of Hoi An before finishing in vibrant Saigon. 


Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Tour Code: MVSD07
Price from: US $ 1199.00 Pax
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Hanoi - Sapa - Halong - Hue - Hoian - Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta

  • Day 1 - Hanoi

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Dinner
    You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive activities can be arranged for the rest of the day.

    Day 2 - Hanoi – Sapa

    Place Transport: Car->Train
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Enjoy a guided city tour of Hanoi. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is located on the bank of the Red River in the northern section of the country. While not the largest city in the country, it has a rich and fascinating history. A traditional cyclo tour through the narrow, ancient streets of the exotic Old Quarter is a great way to soak up the sights and sounds. In the evening, board an overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai and the mountainous region near the Chinese border.

    Day 3 - Sapa

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Arrive at Lao Cai station in the early morning and transfer to Sapa. Depending on your fitness level, you can arrange anything from gentle walks to challenging hikes to explore the lush valleys and mountains . With an expert local guide, you can navigate small paths through verdant, terraced fields of rice and corn, passing farmers and their water. In here, the ethnic-minority groups still maintain their traditions and way of life, including their own language, intricately embroidered, and colorful clothing. In the evening, you can stay overnight with a local family in Ta Van village or return to the comfort of your hotel in Sapa.

    Day 4 - Sapa – Hanoi

    Place Transport: Car->Train
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Start your morning with a hike to a beautiful waterfall before continuing on to a picturesque Red Dao village. Red Dao women wear giant red scarves around their heads, and their clothing is embellished with colourful red embroidery and coins. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Sapa before returning to Lao Cai to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.

    Day 5 - Hanoi – Halong Bay

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Arrive in Hanoi at around 5 am. A day room will be available, so you can shower and freshen up before having breakfast. At around 8 am, start your journey to Halong Bay and arrive at around midday to board a traditional junk for an overnight cruise. Halong Bay is widely considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Thousands of towering pillars of sea and wind-carved limestone karst make the bay an unforgettable sight. After lunch, explore some of the huge limestone caves dotted around the bay and visit a floating fishing village. Then the captain will find a secluded spot where you can swim, soak up the sun on the top deck, or try your hand at kayaking. In the evening. enjoy a seafood feast for dinner.

    Day 6 - Halong Bay – Hanoi

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Enjoy an early morning swimming (during the summer), followed by breakfast as you cruise through more spectacular scenery. In the afternoon, drive back to Hanoi where you will have one more evening to sample its fabulous cuisine and explore the Old Quarter.

    Day 7 - Hanoi – Hue

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    In the morning, fly to the former Imperial Capital of Hue. This beautiful city is rich in history, culture and ancient temples. Spend the day to visit  the Citadel which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site before relaxing on a sunset cruise on the Perfume River.

    Day 8 - Hue – Hoi An

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Drive to the south along a beautiful stretch of coastline and over the scenic Hai Van Pass, to the picturesque riverside community of Hoi An. On arrival, enjoy a walking tour of this charming traditional town now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Day 9 - Hoi An

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    Spend the day at leisure on the beach or have clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors in Hoi An. If you like to cook, you can spend a fabulous day to explore the local produce market with an expert chef who will teach you the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine.

    Day 10 - Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the afternoon on a guided tour of the highlights of this bustling, cosmopolitan city. In the evening, you may like to enjoy a fun cooking class or take a cruise down the Saigon River, complete with local entertainment and a fantastic traditional and international buffet dinner.

    Day 11 - Mekong Delta

    Place Transport: Car->Boat
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Explore the heart of the Mekong Delta on a traditional sampan cruise in Cai Be. Visit floating markets and get a feel for a way of life that has changed little for centuries. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a superb restaurant on the banks of the river before returning back to Ho Chi Minh City.

    Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. I hope you have had a great trip. Thanks for traveling with Minmax.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 11 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily BKF.
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
    - Domestic flight tickets: Hanoi - Hue and Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City , including domestic airport taxes.


    - Boat cruises as specified in the program.

    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests' return to their hotel or reaching their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.
    - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - Visas on arrival
    - International flight tickets and airport tax.
    - 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Monday, January 28, 2013

Tropical Nature Discovery

Malaysia is located in the center of Southeast Asia, home to a vast range of tropical rainforest that teems with the wonders of nature. The amazing wildlife species found in this region have long been the fascination of researchers and explorers around the world. Divided into Peninsular Malaysia in the west and Borneo in the east, its natural heritage has been the subject of countless documentaries and continues to yield astounding discoveries today. Let's join us to discover the tropical nature of Malaysia.


Tropical Nature Discovery
Duration: 5 days/4 nights
Tour Code: MMAT03
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Sandakan - Sepilok - Sukau - Gomantong - Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu

  • Day 1 - Sandakan Arrival - Sepilok - Sukau

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car->Boat
    Meals: Lunch - Dinner
    Meet upon arrival at the Sandakan Airport (preferably on MH 2042 ETA:0810hrs). Proceed to the free roaming area and feeding platform to witness feeding time at 1000hrs. At this center, observe as man’s closest relative, “the Orang Utan” is rehabilitated to the wild of their natural habitat. Also, experience a walk in the Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo. Depart Sepilok and transfer to jetty in Sandakan. Take an hour boat cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary where you will take your lunch at Abai Jungle Restaurant. This is a wonderful journey of discovery which starts from the waters of Sulu Sea of Sandakan Town through a magnificent scenery of the Mangrove Forest. After lunch, cruise up river to Sukau village in search of primates especially the Endemic Proboscis Monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Arrive Sukau and check in at Lodge. In the late afternoon, an option to take another river cruise with electric motor to Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan. Return to lodge for dinner and stay overnight at Kota Kinabatangan.

    Day 2 - Sukau

    Place Transport: Boat
    Meals: Breakfast
    Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. In the early morning, take a river trip to the Ox-Bow Lake to observe wildlife and experience the early morning river ambience of the longest river in Sabah. Return to the lodge for breakfast and then free at leisure on you own. After lunch, take another river cruise to search for more wildlife. Dinner and overnight at Kota Kinabatangan.

    Day 3 - Gomantong - Lahad Datu

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    Proceed 27 km overland to Gomantong Caves. Trek 20 minutes through the rainforest to the cave entrance. Your guide will brief you on the cave faunas including bats, swiftlets and crabs among others and their contribution to maintaining a balanced ecology and significance to the local economy. When in season, witness the collecting of birds' nests by the local people using bamboo ladders and poles. Proceed 2 hours overland to Lahad Datu for lunch. Drive 83 km through selectively logged forest, cocoa and soft-wood plantations before arriving at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge beside Danum River on the edge of 438 sq. km of undisturbed lowland rainforest. The Lodge is home to the full range of Sabah's lowland fauna, including the rare Sumatran Rhinoceros, Elephants, Clouded Leopards, and Orang Utans. So far some 275 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Explore nature trail and nearby river. In the evening, experience a slide show. If weather permits, we can go spotlighting to view some of the nocturnal animals. Stay overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge

    Day 4 - Lahad Datu

    Place Transport: 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    In the early morning, birdwalk before breakfast. Spend the whole day exploring the forest for birds and mammals, leading up to an escarpment with ancient burial coffins. Trek to waterfall and dip in refreshing rock pools. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, jungle walk through trails leading to canopy walkway. Stay overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge

    Day 5 - Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu Departure

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast
    In the morning, trek in search of mammals and birds. Return to the centre before departing for Lahad Datu. Take the late afternoon flight back to Kota Kinabalu for your departure

Laos at Glance

Around World Heritage Site Temples and the Town of Luang Prabang surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today.


Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Tour Code: MLHL07
Price from: US $ 600.00 Pax
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Pakse
  • Day 1 - Luang Prabang Arrival - City Tour

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car 
    Meals: Dinner
    Welcome to Luang Prabang! Your guide will meet you upon arrival at the airport and bring you to your hotel. Then enjoy a half-day to visit a number of Wats and some of this peaceful town’s main highlights. In the late afternoon, you will climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

    Day 2 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Buddha Caves - Weaving Village

    Place Transport: Boat 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    After breakfast, begin a Mekong Riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit the famous and sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today, many of them still pay respect with this old tradition. Walk through the caves before returning to your boat and to Luang Prabang town. Enjoy lunch en route. Then visit the village of Ban Xang Khong where weaving of traditional Lao textiles takes place on traditional wooden looms. Return to Luang Prabang and spend the rest of the day to explore or relax on your own. Stay overnight in Luan Prabang.

    Day 3 - Traditional Lao rite of Almsgiving - Kuang Si Waterfall - Fly to Vientiane

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    If you wish, get an early start (5:30am) and go watch or participate in the traditional Lao rite of Almsgiving to the monks. In the city, monks file through silently collecting alms. This is an amazing sight and your guide will be on hand to demonstrate and explain this important ritual. Return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, drive with your guide by car to the Kuang Si waterfall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. You can climb the stairs and look down from various high viewpoints on the way to the top! Enjoy a local lunch and in the afternoon, return to the hotel for check-out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, you'll transferred to your hotel for overnight and dinner.

    Day 4 - Vientiane City Tour

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    After breakfast,you'll enjoy a city tour to Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Other sites, you will see include the huge golden That Luang monument, and next door, Vientiane’s own Victory Monument, which looks like the Arc de Triomphe. This was built at the end of the Indochina war with money rumored to be American, and earmarked for the airport’s new runway. Thus, the departing Americans dubbed this monument the vertical runway. Then let's take a look at the lovely arches inside the monument. We also visit Wat Simuang and Wat Prakeo which was the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha, which today lives in Bangkok. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and then return to your hotel, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

    Day 5 - Vientiane - Fly to Pakse - Bolaven Plateau

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Please get up early and have breakfast. Then we'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up for transferring to the hotel. Check into your hotel and commence enjoying a day-trek in this lovely area. In the morning, make an easy 4 hours hike on the Bolaven Plateau. This hike goes trough a local village, coffee plantations, over a hanging bridge and on to the plains. Huge boulders, epiphytes and wild orchids abound. Large pine trees grow here, giving it a wholly different character of landscape. Return to hotel for lunch. After lunch, it’s time to relax.

    Day 6 4000 Islands - Wat Phou - Elephant Camp

    Place Transport: Car->Boat 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    After breakfast, continue on to the 4000 Islands area (Si Phan Don) by van. En route, visit the famous Khmer Temple complex of Wat Phou. This represents the easternmost border of the Khmer empire although the influence of the Khmers was felt deep into central Vietnam). Also visit an Elephant Camp to see how handlers (“mahouts”) train these giant friendly beasts! Ride one of the friendly pachyderms to the top of Phou Asa to see mysterious ruins there. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to 4000 Islands by bus and boat.

    Day 7 - Boat to the largest waterfalls in Asia (Khone Phapeng & Li Phi Falls)

    Place Transport: Boat 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    After breakfast, enjoy a trip by boat to the largest waterfalls in Asia. Khone Phapeng  and Li Phi Falls were the major obstacles which thwarted the French in their efforts to open the Mekong River to navigation. Here, there are 50-100 about Irrawaddy (freshwater) dolphins. If lucky, you’ll have the chance to see them! Have lunch in a local restaurant. See the small gauge railway and Colonial Bridge which were built by the French to circumnavigate the falls. Then return to the island to spend the afternoon at leisure or explore the island on your own. 

    Day 8 - Pakse Depature

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane 
    Meals: Breakfast
    After breakfast, we'll take you yo Pakse for your flight onward.