Northwest Journey 1,  6 days

LAO-T-11

Pakbeng
Arrival in Huay Xai (Laos/Thai border)

On board the Luangsay Cruise from Huay Xai to Pakbeng (Downstream), day 1 of 2
First thing in the morning the Pak Ou boat leaves the pier for a leisurely cruise down the Mekong for Pakbeng. Several stops along the way offer the opportunity to sample rural life first hand and marvel at just how little has changed over the centuries.

Overnight in Pakbeng.

Luang Prabang

On board the Luangsay Cruise from Pakbeng to Luang Prabang (Downstream), day 2 of 2
The boat leaves in the morning for the second leg of the cruise to Luang Prabang. Lunch on board and on to Pak Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River to visit the famous PAK OU CAVES. Stop off at the village of BAN XANG HAI for a lesson in how rice whisky is made. Arrival in Luang Prabang is in the late afternoon.

Transfer

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang

Sightseeing in Luang Prabang

Set between the Nam Khan and Nam Ou rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Start the day at WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street of Luang Prabang, stopping at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays). Afterwards, visit WAT MAI.

Visit Mount Phousi for sunset

Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop PHOU SI, the 100m high hill which sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls

From Luang Prabang to KUANG SI WATERFALL, travel by vehicle to visit minorities village of Ban Muang Khai Continue by car to Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relaxing in the natural environment. Continue to BAN THA PENE, a nearby Khmu village, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle.

Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong

Visit BAN XANG KHONG, a village near Luang Prabang well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Sightseeing in Vientiane

The capital city of Laos, Vientiane still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colorful markets. Tour the different highlights of the city, including PHA THAT LUANG, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps most important national monument in Laos; HO PHA KEO, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; WAT SI SAKET; and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs.

Overnight in Vientiane.

** Reduction for 3rd pax in triple room Var. A:USD26; Var. B:USD78; Var. C:USD83