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The mountains and valleys of Laos are a spectacular place in which to meet the most enchanting people in Southeast Asia. Life moves slowly and nothing is taken seriously, other than a devotion to Buddhism which is evident in the golden temples of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Trek to tribal villages from Muang La and watch the world slip by as you cruise the Mekong.
CLASSIC LAOS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Losing yourself in the markets and temples of Luang Prabang.
- Remote hill tribes and dramatic scenery in the far north.
- French architecture and cafe culture of Vientiane.
- Cruising from Laos to Thailand on the Mekong River.
- Getting close to elephants in the Golden Triangle.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Vientiane
Arrive in Vientiane and settle in to a colonial palace from the 1930s. The best restaurants in the capital are within walking distance.
Overnight: Settha Palace
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Day 2 Vientiane
Highlights of your city tour include magnificent French architecture, the holiest site in Laos at That Luang and the excellent COPE centre so that you can appreciate events in Laos during and since the Vietnam War.
Overnight: Settha Palace
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Day 3 Oudomxai
Fly to Oudomxai, close to the borders with China and Vietnam. Your lodge sits on the edge of a small village and the Nam Pak River, offering a complete escape with jungle-clad mountains as far as the eye can see.
Overnight: Muang La Resort
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Day 4 Oudomxai
Trekking can be as strenuous as you wish, taking in crashing waterfalls and a remote pilgrimage sight.
Overnight: Muang La Resort
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Day 5 Hmong - Luang Prabang
Travel by car and boat along the beautiful Nam Ou River, where scenery is characterised by limestone karsts. Stops can be made at villages of the Hmong and Lu tribes as well as for a picnic lunch. Arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
Overnight: La Residence Phou Vao
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Day 6 Luang Prebang
The UNESCO town of Luang Prabang is famous for the early morning ritual of 'alms giving', where you can witness processions of monks collecting daily offerings from local residents. Architectural highlights include the former Royal Palace and beautiful temples such as Wat Xieng Thong, with an E-bike tour giving you the freedom to roam. Markets are vibrant social events and fascinating insights in to local lives. Mount Phousi provides panoramic views of the town whilst the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre explains the social landscape.
Overnight: La Residence Phou Vao
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Day 7 MandaLao Elephant Sanctuary
Once known as the Land of a Million Elephants, Laos is now home to fewer than 500 wild pachyderms. Twenty-five minutes by car from Luang Prabang, Prasop Tippreasert works tirelessly to change this reality at his ethical MandaLao Elephant Sanctuary. The visionary co-founder prepares elephants rescued from logging to be released back in to the wild, while educating guests through meaningful elephant encounters. After arriving by boat, first learn from expert guides and mahouts how to feed, bathe and jungle trek alongside these majestic giants. Then slide on high rubber boots and expect to get muddy as you frolic in their world of pure joy and water-play. Wind up your heart-warming adventure over cocktails, listening to moving stories about how the team rescued these nine nellies.
Overnight: La Residence Phou Vao
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Day 8 Pakbeng - The Pak Ou Caves
This morning you skim through the mist on your journey north along the Mekong. Stops include the Pak Ou Caves and hill tribe villages. Sunset is enjoyed from the village of Pakbeng, where you will sleep tonight.
Overnight: Luang Say Lodge
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Day 9 Golden Triangle
A second full day on the majestic river takes you through dramatic mountain scenery before crossing the Thai border in the late afternoon. Your accommodation in the Golden Triangle looks back over Laos and Myanmar.
Overnight: Anantara Golden Triangle
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Day 10 Opium Museum
Immerse yourself in the Hall of Opium Museum, gaining a deeper understanding of the illicit trade which made the Golden Triangle so infamous. Relax and enjoy breath-taking views or prepare to be pampered in an excellent spa.
Overnight: Anantara Golden Triangle
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Day 11 Depart
Transfer to Chiang Rai for the journey home, via Bangkok.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
Currency
| Low | £ 3,520 | $ 5,188 |
| Mid | £ 4,620 | $ 6,810 |
| High | £ 5,500 | $ 8,107 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Based on two people sharing a twin/double room throughout.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
