Thailand Treks and Tours

Upon arrival we drive and travel on a wonderful local ferry over the Mekong River to Champasak. Here we visit the sacred Khmer temple of Wat Phu. This complex represents the most eastern border of the Khmer Empire in the 4th century. Later in the afternoon we take a scenic drive to Don Khong. This island is one of the larger permanently inhabited islands in the ‘Si Pan Don’ area. Dong Khong is best explored by bicycle. A reasonable dirt road circumvents the island.

Day 2: Khon Phapheng en Liphi falls
By boat we’ll explore the 4000 islands area (Si Pan Don). Here, the Mekong River is at its widest. During the rainy season it is up to 12 km across. When the waters recede, many small islands emerge. It is from this phenomenon that the region takes its name. From far distance you can hear the unmistakable roar of the Khone Phapheng and Li Phi falls, which we will visit today. Nearby the falls live some hundred Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins. Ban Hang Khon is one of the rare places on earth to spot these endangered mammals. Also see the old locomotive, railway and colonial bridge built by the French to avoid navigating on the rapids and waterfalls that abound on this section of the Mekong. Overnight at Khong Island (B)

Day 3: Khong Island – Bolaven Plateau
By boat and bus we leave early morning to drive to the Bolaven Plateau. Our activities today include an elephant ride at Ban Khiet Ngong for 1 hour and visits to villages on the Bolaven plateau. We overnight at our resort near the Tad Fane waterfall (B).

ay 4: Bolaven Plateau – Pakse - Savannakhet
For those feeling active, it is possible to enjoy some treks in this delightful area. In the morning, make a hike up to the Dan Sin Say Plateau. Passing a hanging bridge, this walk goes trough coffee plantations and local villages. Ethnic tribes living in this area include the Laven, the Alak, the Katu and Suay people. After lunch we drive to Savannakhet via Pakse and continue to your hotel for check-in (B).

Day 5: Savannakhet – Hinboun
Leaving Savannakhet for the Hinboun Valley, we head for a small area situated on the banks of the Hinboun River. It still feels as though the country life has never left: buffaloes and chickens graze and wander in the villages. Before leaving Savannakhet, we'll visit the That Inheng, a holy 16th century temple. We will pass the real jungle and nature area, when we arrive Ban Naphouak we will change from car or bus to the local boat to Sala Hinboun where we stay overnight. If the dry season ( March – May ) we can drive directly to there. (B).

Day 6: Hinboun, excursion to the Kong Lor Cave
After breakfast we leave by local boat for an excursion to the Kong Lor Cave. On the banks of the river you'll see sheer limestone cliffs reach upwards. Each twist during our boat ride will bring new fresh vistas into view. The cave, a tunnel of limestone, over eight km in length, is threaded by the Nam Hinboun River. It is the only mountain cave in South East Asia that can be crossed underneath. Kong Lor features rare birds, spiders and many bats. In the late afternoon you can explore surrounding villages by foot and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of rural life in Hinboun (B,L).

Day 7: Hinboun – Vientiane
Today we change the local rural life in the Nam Hinboun river valley. Khammouane province is noted for its magnificent zigzag limestone formations, exciting caves, underground rivers and traditional villages. We take the boat and bus to Vientiane the capital city of Laos. Approx 6 hours driving (B,L,).

Day 8: Vientiane
Today there will be a tour of Vientiane. Although it is a capital city, Vientiane has the feel of a small provincial town. The wide boulevards are almost devoid of traffic and with its many temples, the city retains the feel of another age. Our tour includes visits to the major temples of Vat Sisaket, Vat Phrakeo and the impressive That Luang Stupa, the country’s most important monument. We will also see the Arch of Triumph, the National Museum and the main market. In the evening, it’s free at leisure you can enjoy an evening stroll along the banks of the Mekong River. ( B )

Day 9: Vientiane - Luang Prabang
This morning we transfer to the airport for the short domestic flight to Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is best known for its beautiful scenery and high numbers of ancient temples. This former royal capital has a rich variety of architecture, from the old facades of French colonial homes to the glittering temple rooftops. In 1995 UNESCO designated the town as a World Heritage site. We embark on a tour of this enthralling town visiting Vat Xieng Thong, the Golden City monastery. Dating back to the 16th century this splendid temple is considered to be the finest in Laos with its low-sweeping roofs as well as a rare bronze reclining Buddha.
We will also visit the fine temples of Vat May, Vat Vixoun and Vat That Luang. Later in the day we adjourn to the Phousi Holy Hill to enjoy the excellent views of the town and a great sunset. ( B )

Day 10: Luang Prabang
Today we take a trip to the Royal Palace Museum. The palace built in 1904 is relatively new by Luang Prabang standards and is a hybrid of traditional Lao and colonial French design. Originally the palace was constructed to house King Sisavang Vong but the French later commissioned the building. This helps to explain the mix of Lao and French architecture. Afterwards we visit the morning market and the weaving village of Ban Phanom. This will be followed by an excursion by boat on the Mekong River to the holy caves of Pak Ou. The caves are crammed with gilded and wooden images of Buddha. Along the way we will have a picnic lunch before returning to Luang Prabang. ( BL )

Day 11: Luang Prabang
This early morning you may want to wake up early and participate in a daily Lao morning ritual. Monks carrying their bowls, wander trough town blessing local people who give them offers (mostly sticky rice). After breakfast a day trip to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls where turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The abundance of water forms a magnificent display of nature. Below the Kuang Si are large ponds perfect for swimming and cooling off under the spray. Before enjoying a picnic lunch next to the pools, we will pass stupendous landscapes, teak forests and several ethnic minority villages (Hmong and Khmu). In Ban Phanom, a weaving village, we can find excellent pieces of Lao textile. Near the waterfalls it’s worth while to visit a centre where the endangered black Asiatic beers found a safe shelter (B,L).

Day 12: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap/ Bangkok/Hanoi
This morning following breakfast there will be a transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight out of Laos. ( B )

Trip price includes:

- English speaking guide from day 1 to day 10
- Additional meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All accommodation on twin sharing room with breakfasts
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees and permits during guided time
- Government taxes
- Drinking water 1bottle/day during guided time

Trip price does not include:

- International/domestic airfares and taxes
- Foods and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visas and visa fees
- Entrance fees and permits during free time
- Personal expenses such as: Telephone, laundry, and bar bills
- Tips and gratuitie