Laos Small Group Discovery Tour
Tags:
Family; Family Vacation; Laos; family travel; Discovery; Heritage; UNESCO heritage city of Luang Prabang;
A true voyage, this itinerary embraces the rich diversity of one of Asia's most peaceful and enigmatic countries. Our 17–day journey takes us from the waterfalls and islands of the Mekong to lush national parks, ancient historical mysteries, and the UNESCO heritage city of Luang Prabang. Starting and ending in ...
Read Full Description- Destination:
- Bangkok, Thailand; Laos; Luang Prabang, Laos; Savannakhet, Laos; Vientiane, Laos
- Trip Length:
- 17 days
- Price Range:
- From $0 to $2000 per person See what this includes and what this excludes
- Best Time to Go:
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Recommended for:
-
Infants (under 2)
Children (2 - 5)
Children (6 - 8)
Children (9 - 11)
Children (12 - 14)
Children (15 - 17)
Adults (18 - 20)
Adults (25 - 29)
Family Trip, Group Retreat, Trip Around the World
Detailed Trip Description
A true voyage, this itinerary embraces the rich diversity of one of Asia's most peaceful and enigmatic countries. Our 17–day journey takes us from the waterfalls and islands of the Mekong to lush national parks, ancient historical mysteries, and the UNESCO heritage city of Luang Prabang. Starting and ending in Bangkok, we spend some time seeing the city from the river before traveling by overnight train to the Laos border. This journey takes a comfortable pace, punctuated by enough free time for visitors to explore for themselves or just relax a little. We believe that no–one can truly appreciate the beauty of anywhere if they have only ten minutes to see it, so we give you time at each place we visit to take photos, talk to local people or just absorb the atmosphere. Accommodation is in clean, comfortable locally–owned guest houses or small hotels with fan or air–conditioning and private bathroom, each of which has been hand–picked by us. Laos is dominated by the Mekong River, the “mother of South East Asia” and spectacular scenery, and to make the most of these we travel by boat and foot as much as possible. This trip is suitable for moderately fit adults of any age and children over 10 years old. There are some short treks over uneven ground with ascents and descents, and you must be able to carry your own bags between your room and your transport, and to get yourself on and off boats. There are also options to extend or combine this trip with any of our Cambodia itineraries.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Bangkok
Arrival at Bangkok.
Hotel
Arrival at BANGKOK airport and take a taxi to your hotel, situated in the centre of the city and with a fantastic view from the rooftop bar .
Relaxation
The day is at leisure to enjoy the city or relax by the hotel’s swimming pool, and your tour leader will be able to give you advice on places to see. There will be a group introduction early evening on the hotel’s garden roof terrace.
Day 2 - Bangkok
Enjoy boat trip on the Bangkok River.
Sightseeing
In the morning , there will be a guided boat trip on the Bangkok River. The rest of the day is free until early evening.
Train
Transfer to the railway terminus for an overnight train to UBON RATCHATHANI. You will have sleeper carriages; food and drink can be purchased on board.
Day 3 - Laos
Travel to Dong Khong Island in Laos.
Sightseeing
On departing the train you head for the Laos border. After crossing, travel to DONG KHONG island, one of the “4000 islands” in the Mekong river – the final part of the journey to our locally–run guesthouse is by small local boat. On the way we will visit Champasak, home of Angkorian–era temples. Welcome your arrival in Laos with some of the delicious local fish!
Day 4 - Laos
Enjoy boat trip to the biggest waterfalls in South East Asia.
Sightseeing
After breakfast, travel again by boat to visit the biggest waterfalls in South East Asia – Khon Phapheng and Somphamit Falls – where you can have lunch. On the way back, make a few stops to look at the old French architecture and the old railway (still with a train abandoned in the jungle!), before returning to the guesthouse for a cool drink while watching the sunset.
Day 5 - Laos
Drive from Dong Khong Island to Bolaven Plateau.
Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive from Dong Khong Island to Dong Daeng. Local villagers will take you on a boat and for a short walk to the village, where you can enjoy a local lunch. Continue to BOLAVEN PLATEAU, stopping a few times on the way to see some of the local minority villages.
Hotel
Stay overnight in a local resort in the middle of the forest – an ideal place to relax, with opportunities for swimming in the waterfall.
Day 6 - Laos
Walking day in the mountains.
Adventure
Today is a walking day in the mountains to appreciate the truly beautiful scenery. There will be a packed lunch (included).
Day 7 - Savannakhet
Drive to The Town Of Savannakhet on The Mekong River.
Sightseeing
Drive to the town of SAVANNAKHET on the Mekong River, which is in an area inhabited by many ethnic minorities. The journey will take around 4 hours and there will be a stop for lunch in this lovely town. When you look over the river you will see ‘modern’ Thailand. Go on a short trek through the forest accompanied by guides from an Environmental NGO which has set up a project in the region, and learn about the plants and animals in the region.
Day 8 - Vientiane
Drive to Vientiane, The Capital City Of Laos.
Sightseeing
Drive to VIENTIANE, the capital city of Laos. On the way appreciate the magnificent views and open spaces – there are many opportunities to take photos. In the evening, you can visit the riverside for a local barbecue and a cool drink.
Day 9 - Vientiane
A guided walking tour of Vientiane.
Museums
A guided walking tour of the city – including Ho Phra art museum, That Stupa national monument, the National Museum and Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane.
Day 10 - Vientiane
Walk to the morning market in Vientiane.
Shopping
In the morning walk to the morning market, one of the oldest ones in Vientiane, and an NGO that helps street children, to learn more about their project. The afternoon is free.
Day 11 - Laos
Travel to Vang Vieng.
Bus
Early morning travel by minibus through the mountains and rivers to Vang Vieng.
Sightseeing
After you have checked in at your local resort – right next to the river – make a small boat trip to visit one of the stunning caves for which Vang Vieng is justifiably famous.
Day 12 - Laos
Drive to Phonsavan, site of the PLAIN OF JARS.
Early morning, drive to Phonsavan, site of the PLAIN OF JARS. These huge jars (some weigh six tons each!), of unknown age and origin, are scattered over a number of sites.
Sightseeing
On the way you may also be able to visit a few minority villages which grow delicious fruit.
Hotel
Stay overnight in a small, locally–run hotel.
Day 13 - Luang Prabang
Travel to Luang Prabang.
Bus
Travel by minibus to Luang Prabang. This is a very scenic trip – driving through many mountains, and you can stop to see the tea plantations. Also you will probably see many different kind of ethnic groups walking besides the road.
Shopping
On arrival, it will be possible to go for a traditional Laos massage, before visiting the night market – an opportunity to buy some beautiful locally–made items at very reasonable prices.
Day 14 - Luang Prabang
Explore the city of Luang Prabang.
Sightseeing
Luang Prabang is the best–preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia and a World Heritage Site. In the morning visit the Kwang Xi Waterfall, where you can swim surrounded by jungle and eat a packed lunch (included).
Museums
In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace Museum and Vat Xieng Thong – considered the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang with its classical Lao architecture.
Day 15 - Luang Prabang
Enjoy boat trip up the Mekong River to the famous caves of Pak Ou.
Take a boat trip up the Mekong River to the famous caves of Pak Ou housing thousands of retired Buddha statues. We will have a packed lunch here (included) overlooking the river.
Sightseeing
On the way back, visit a village making paper using traditional methods and the home of your boat driver, a young student who lives with his family on the site of the Mekong in a village with only 14 houses.
Day 16 - Bangkok
Flight to Bangkok.
Commercial Flight
The morning is free until your afternoon flight to BANGKOK.
Day 17 - Bangkok
Last day of the trip.
Trip ends after breakfast.
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