Thailand Treks and Tours

Day 1 Chiang Khong – Houeixay – Luang Namtha ( Laos )
After breakfast we walk to the Thai border at the banks of the river. The Mekong forms the border between Thailand and Laos. We walk down a small slope to the ferry's waiting at the docks and cross the river. You will be required to carry your own luggage at this point. On the Lao side of the river at Ban Houeixay we will walk up the embankment to the small building,which houses the Lao customs. After passing through customs we will meet our Lao guide and continue our journey to Luang Nam Tha by private vehicle. On the way we will visit Ban Nam Khok where the local people make Lao whisky. We will also visit a Laentan tribe dwelling. We’ll arrive Luang Nam Tha late afternoon.

Day 2 Luang Namtha
A free day in Luang Nam Tha. May be you like to explore the surroundings of the valley by bicycle or by motorbike. Or may be you like to raft or take a trip along the Nam Tha river ( B )

Day 3 Luang Namtha – Nongkhiaw
Climbing out of Luang Namtha valley, we are rewarded with some amazing views. Most of the villages are inhabited by the Hmong people who are distinctive in the way they dress. Late afternoon we'll reach in Nong Khiaw, where we have to overnight here at Local bungalow near the river. It’s nice to walk around this area and crossing the bridge over the Ou River. (B,L).

Day 4 Nongkiaw – Luang Prabang
After breakfast you'll have some time left to enjoy the village life before we board our wooden 'sampan' and continue our trip on the Ou Rriver. Before reaching Luang Prabang, we will stop to visit the Pac Ou caves, where we climb steps up the limestone cliffs to reach the sacred Buddhist shrine. Around lunch time we will arrive in Luang Prabang. This afternoon you'll have some time to relax and unwind or to explore a bit of this world heritage town. All the main sites of interest are close together so you can comfortable wander around and visit several Wats by yourself. Don't miss the Wat Xieng Thong (the golden temple built in 1559) which is strikingly decorated in brilliant red and gold designs, with an imposing tiled roof and mosaic motifs. Late afternoon you can climb the small temple on top of Mount Phousi and enjoy fine views over the town and the surrounding hills (B).

Day 5 Luang Prabang
Free day to explore by yourselves ( B )

Day 6 Luang Prabang
Free day to explore by yourselves ( B )

Day 7 Luang Prabang – Phonsavan ( Plain of Jars )
After breakfast we have a scenic drive to Xieng Khouang, the home amazing Plain of Jars.
On the way through high mountains and karsts formations, we have time to stop and have a short visit at the remote dwellings of ethnic minority villages. Probably you will notice that many houses have looms underneath with which the family’s clothes, bags and accessories are manufactured. Late afternoon we’ll arrive at Phonsavan, the capital of the Xieng Khouang province( B )

Day 8 Phonsavan ( Plain of Jars )
Today we’ll spend the day exploring the Plain of Jars ( number 2 and 3 ) and the surrounding area. The jars are thought to be 2000 years old, although there is little proof to date them very accurately. Archaeologist still struggle to find out the specific purpose of the jars, were they used for funerary urns or to store rice wine. We‘ll see the sunset at the site number 1 before return to the town.(B)

Day 9 Phonsavan ( Plains of Jars ) – Vang Vieng

Following breakfast and travel to Vang Vieng, on the way we’ll have time to stop to take in the scenery from the viewpoints. Vang Vieng is a small village settled between a spectacular spread of limestone karsts and is surrounded by lush green paddy fields and dwellings of ethnic minorities. We’ll arrive the town before sunset and check in your hotel which offers splendid sunsets amidst these magnificent natural settings (B,L).

Day 10 Vang Vieng
The whole day is at leisure. You probably like to enjoy some excursions such as exploring the surrounding caves by bicycle, hiring a canoe, tubing or rafting (B).

Day 11 Vang Vieng – Vientiane
After breakfast, we have a scenic drive to the capital of Laos. Vientiane is a friendly sleepy town resting on the shores of the mighty Mekong river. In the afternoon we’ll also have a sightseeing tour around the city. We’ll explore some of the best sights including the Victory Gate (Arc de Triomphe), the wat Sisaket, and the impressive That Luang Stupa, the country’s most important monument. Also visit the ‘morning market’ where you can wander around and buy silver, silk or other items you like to take back home. In the evening you can walk along the path beside the Mekong at the sunset is always popular for travelers and locals alike. ( B )

Day 12 Vientiane – fly to Pakse – Bolaven Plateau
Early morning we fly to Pakse. Upon arrival we drive to Bolaven Plateau where there are coffee plantation, on the way we will visit the mixing minorities villages ( Tad Phasuam ) and then continue by car to Tadlo, located on the northern edge of the Boloven Plateau. Tadlo is touted as an eco-friendly resort near the Xeset Waterfall. ( B )

Day 13 Bolaven Plateau
After breakfast we will have a short visit the Katou village of Ban Houeihoun. This minority is a very primitive population that earns their livelihood from forest products. In this village, one thing worth pointing out is that the women do not use handlooms for weaving as in other parts of the country. Visit Alack and Nge tribal villages , Kaleum on the way to Thateng. Afternoon,visit villages of minority (tribal) Souey,Ta Oy at Tadlo. Overnight in Tadlo. ( B )

Day 14 Bolaven Plateau – Champassak – Khong Island
Following breakfast, we keep on our journey 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 centenary. Later in the afternoon we take a scenic drive and ferry boat 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 ( B )

Day 15 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 16 Khong Island – Pakse – Siem Reap
After breakfast we take a ferry boat and vehicle we leave early morning to drive to Pakse for the flight to Siem Reap.
End of the tour in Laos

Trip price includes:

- English speaking guide from day 1 to day 8
- 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

Trip price does not include:

- International 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 gratuities