MEKONG RIVER ADVENTURE  

This group tour is a great way to gain an understanding of Laos without feeling like you are doing too much sightseeing and losing that holiday feel.

 

Your tour begins in the south of Laos with the stunning hillside temple of Wat Pho and the magical 4000 islands and waterfalls in the area not to mention some scattered French colonial buildings along the way.

 

From Champasak, the tour continues to the country’s capital of Vientiane where you have time to explore the city and unearth some of its hidden secrets. From here you journey to Vang Vieng where you are greeted by picturesque limestone mountains. Once there we explore the local countryside and the Tham Jang cave before an incredible sunset over the Nam Song River.

 

The journey continues to the UNESCO town of Luang Prabang, one of the world’s most picture-perfect towns. From here you will be able to explore the turquoise Kuang Si waterfall, discover the Pak Ou Caves as well as experience the traditional rice alcohol-making process.

 

Our adventure then comes to a climax with an incredible trip north to discover Nong Khiaw and explore the river and its magnificent scenery.

 

 

Day 1: Depart from the UK

Our scheduled flight leaves London for Laos with a change of aircraft in Thailand.

 

Day 2: Arrive Pakse

Champasak

Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to Champasak and your hotel. You then have the rest of the day to relax and get settled into your new surroundings. 

 

Day 3: 4000 Islands & Don Khone

Champasak

We board a local private boat for a tour of the 4000 Islands and the picturesque island of Don Khone. Explore the island by bicycle, tracing the route of an old railway and admiring some old French Colonial buildings and the beautiful Liphi Waterfall. We then return to Champasak through the spectacular Khone Phapheng Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia.

 

Day 4: What Phu

Champasak

Today we visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century and one of the highlights of any trip to Laos. In the afternoon you are free however we recommend taking a boat across to Don Daeng Island for lunch, then enjoy the afternoon by relaxing, or exploring the peaceful island. 

 

Day 5: Champasak to Pakse to Vientiane

Vientiane

After breakfast, you may have free time at leisure, before being transferred back to Pakse and then onwards to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Once in Vientiane you have the afternoon to enjoy as you wish.

 

Day 6: Vientiane

Vientiane

We visiting the oldest wat in Vientiane and Wat Sisaket, the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo; then the Patuxai Monument, similar to the Arc de Triomphe. Afterwards we see Laos’ National icon, the golden stupa of That Luang. We finish the day with the COPE exhibition centre, the quirky Buddha Park and the Lao Disabled Women’s Centre.

 

Day 7: Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng

We travel by the stunning back roads to Vang Vieng, pausing at Nam Ngum and Ban Keun, which is famous for its salt mine. Next, we arrive at Tha Heua, a small village that specializes in dried fish, before reaching Vang Vieng, where visit Tham Jang cave before an incredible sunset over the Nam Song River.

 

Day 8: Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

We leave Vang Vieng to admire the beautiful scenery at Phatang Mountain and continue our journey visiting; Koe Kuang’s forest market, Ban Hin Ngon, a picturesque Hmong village and Phou Khoun. In the afternoon we stop to explore Ban Kiu Kam Pone, a Khmu village and the riverside village of Ban Nam Ming.

 

Day 9: Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw

Leaving Luang Prabang we head north to Nong Khiaw, driving through rolling countryside, rice paddy fields and veiws of the Nam Ou River. We arrive in Nong Khiaw and have the option of taking a short bicycle ride or an easy trek to the picturesque local limestone caves nearby. 

 

Day 10: Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw

We board a local boat visiting 2 minority villages of Ban Sop Khing and Ban Sop Jaem as we drift up beautiful the Nam Ou River. We also make a stop in the fishing village of Muang Ngoi for lunch and a walk around before travelling back in Nong Khiaw.

 

Day 11: Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

Today we travel back to Luang Prabang via boat stop for a picnic lunch and the mysterious caves of Pak Ou. Two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. 

 

Day 12: Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

Start with a morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’ or giving alms to the monks then to a local market. The half day city tour then starts with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ and Wat Xiengthong.

 

Day 13: Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

Today we visit an Elephant Camp to enjoy an elephant ride before continuing to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can swim in the turquoise pool or walk along the forest trails. A picnic lunch is then taken before visiting a Bear Rescue Centre.

 

Day 14: Depart Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

After breakfast, you may have time at leisure before transferring to the airport for your departure flight 

 

Day 15: Arrive back in the UK Airport

Morning Arrival in UK

 

Price per person sharing: 1985 GBP (subject to change and availability)