GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Route: Vientiane - Nam Pien Yola Pa - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Chi Kung Session- Paske - Don Khor - Vientiane.
Duration: 17 Days/ 16 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Vientiane/Vientiane
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Vientiane Arrival (-)
Day 2: Vientiane – Phou Khao Khuay – Nam Pien Yola Pa (B)
Day 3: Full-day Orchid Trek (B, L)
Day 4: Nam Pien Yola Pa – drive to Vang Vieng – Boat trip Nam Song River (B)
Day 5: Free day (B)
Day 6: Hot Air balloon – train to Luang Prabang – Garavek Story telling show (B)
Day 7: Half-day Detox experience – afternoon charter sunset dinner cruise (B, D)
Day 8: Floral offering class – Monk blessing – city tour (B)
Day 9: Free at leisure (B)
Day 10: Full-day sustainable experiences at Nahm Dong Park (B)
Day 11: Culinary tour with expert – afternoon communication with Elephant (non-riding experience) (B, L)
Day 12: Luang Prabang – fly to Pakse – Don Khor – Pakse (B)
|Day 13: Coffee Tour at Bolaven Plateaux by Jeep – Pakse (B, L)
Day 14: Pakse – Wat Phou – Don Deang (B)
|Day 15: 4000 Islands surroundings – Done Deang (B)
Day 16: Back to Pakse – fly to Vientiane (B)
Day 17: Vientiane departure (B)
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Vientiane Arrival
VIP Fast track services upon arrival, then you’ll be warmly greeted by private guide and driver. Transfer to hotel for check-in.
Day 2: Vientiane – Phou Khao Khuay – Nam Pien Yola Pa (B)
This morning, check out hotel, we visit the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Then we transfer out of town and toward to Phou Khao Khouay Biodiversity Conservation National Park, where the Nam Pien Yola Pa located. The journey last about 1,5 hours and we will stop to visit a local market a long the way, seeing the local products, vegetables, insects… and other specialities being sold by local people from the villages nearby. Arrive at Nam Pien Yola Pa, check in hotel.
This afternoon, we start a half-day tour explore the park with choice of trekking & zipline to visit the waterfall or kayaking on the stream & river.
Overnight at Nam Pien Yola Pa.
Day 3: Full-day Orchid Trek (B, L)
Meeting at 9:00am, a local guide will be waiting for us after preparing the picnic. 7 km of track by vehicle through the forest separate us from the start of the hike. The orchid trek begins at Pha Say waterfall with its impressive viewpoint over a gorge over 50m high and its thick jungle. Around the viewpoint, Bulbophyllum, Panisea, Coelogyne, Phalaenopsis, Thecostele are already present on the trees and rocks.
The walk continues on small shaded paths where we move through different types of forests: semi-deciduous, jungles, bamboo, allowing us to observe the different biotopes. Do not be surprised by the abundance of orchids in some places, all rocks and some trees are covered with them!
Some biotopes are extraordinary. You will also have the opportunity to learn a lot of things about medicinal plants and other families of plants such as: Rattans, Gingers, Dypterocarpus ... and their different uses. The picnic will be taken in the bed of a dry river for part of the year in the shade of trees or at the Tad Say waterfall. The afternoon ends with a pleasant swim in a unique setting at the Tad Say waterfall before returning to the village then back to Nam Pien Yola Pa.
Overnight at Nam Pien Yola Pa.
Day 4: Nam Pien Yola Pa – drive to Vang Vieng – Boat trip Nam Song River (B)
This morning, we will transfer to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, we transfer to visit Tham Jang Cave. Later, we take a leisure boat trip on Nam Song River. Come back hotel for overnight.
Day 5: Free day (B)
Free at your leisure to explore the little town.
Suggestion for optional tour:
- Half-day kayaking & caving on Nam Song River
- Secret Eden trekking
Day 6: Hot Air Balloon – train to Luang Prabang – Garavek Storytelling show (B)
Early morning, we join in Hot Air Balloon riding over the breathtaking panorama view of Vang Vieng. Then back to hotel for breakfast. In the mid-morning transfer to train station to catch speed train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for checking in.
This evening, we join in at the warm and cozy theater in the heart of Luang Prabang for Garavek story telling. The tales – accompanied by khene, a handmade bamboo mouth organ (has been recognized as 4th UNESCO of Laos) – recount the origins of such local landmarks as Mount Phusi and the Mekong, as well as the exploits of such legendary characters as Xieng Mieng and Chao Fa Ngum.
Day 7: Half-day Detox experience – afternoon charter sunset dinner cruise (B, D)
After breakfast, transfer to the venue next to Nam Khan River. At 8:30, your Chi Kung & Meditation teacher will welcome you. The detox begins with a 40 minute Chi Kung session. Chi Kung is a thousand year old Chinese practice that translates to the art of cultivating energy for harmonious circulation throughout the body. This experience ends with a 35 minute meditation called “Yoga Nidra”. After this moment of zen, we will guide you to the restaurant for your veggie breakfast, made with products from the organic farm, You will then have an hour long break to explore the gardens before enjoying a massage with the qualified therapists.
Late afternoon, we go to boat pier to embark on a private traditional cruise for sunset dinner. The 2.5 hours slow boat trip gives us the opportunity to see the view of the city from Mekong River. We continue sailing to Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden area with the most beautiful sunset area. Enjoy our time and a dinner on cruise before returning to our pier. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Day 8: Floral offering class – Monk blessing – city tour (B)
After breakfast, we transfer to Heritage House and attend a hands-on experience in traditional religious floral decoration uses banana leaves and local flower from the lush jungles that surround in this art form, and will help you create a religious offering, or Van-Cornet. After that, we will bring our floral set to visit local temple, attend blessing ceremony by the Monk, that is believed to bring you the health, happiness and longevity.
After a short rest, our city tour starts with the National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 9: Free at leisure (B)
Free at your leisure.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 10: Full-day sustainable experiences at Nahm Dong Park (B)
After breakfast, we transfer to Nahm Dong Park, an 18 hectares of beautiful plants, lush greenery, exquisite flora and fauna and rushing waters.
Upon arrival, we will have a short hike to the forest, explore the garden of senses, dedicated to the 5 senses and traditional medicinal plants. Visit the 3 traditional ethnic houses representing different way to build in Lao and take a look to the bee exhibition. You can choose to swim at the natural spring pool of the waterfall or take a zipline/ tree top walking for around 1 hour.
Then, we hand on a class of Natural plates and containers making. As plastic waste is becoming a major problem in Asia, leaf plates and container are a perfect alternative to plastic and polymer based products While areca sheath provide a strong and durable material for plates and containers, other leaves can be used. These only have to be collected once fallen on the ground. No need to cut trees! These materials are organic and no chemical of any kind is used. Return to Luang Prabang town for overnight.
Day 11: Culinary tour with expert – afternoon communication with Elephant (non-riding experience) (B, L)
Today we will meet up with Tamarind’s head chef and owner – Mr. Joy Ngeuamboupha for an interesting hand on cooking class half day. Mr. Joy will guide us to an in depth market tour to learn about the local cuisine and recipe. The class will be held at a chill-out venue outside of town, surrounded with a lily pond and jungle covered mountain scenery.
Afternoon, meet tour guide and transfer to Mandalao for a private experience with the Elephants. Mandalao Elephant Camp is the non-riding camp where focus on the animal welfare. We will get an in-depth introduction into elephant behavior and communication. Then hand on preparing special treats for the elephants that help in their digestion. Fun hands-on time preparing tasty food we only feed the elephants in the afternoon.
After that, we cross the Nam Khan river by long tail boat for the first introduction to our elephants. MandaLao guides introduce guests to our elephants and mahouts, providing background on our elephants. We feed the elephants the special treats we prepared for the elephants. We will take a short 1 Km trek up Hoy Kang stream side by side with these gentle giants. This trek is flat and can be catered to clients’ needs. After a few more treats head back across the Nam Khan river to MandaLao. Enjoy the afternoon with snacks on our beautiful deck. Return to Luang Prabang.
Day 12: Luang Prabang – fly to Pakse – Don Khor – Pakse (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport.
Afternoon, we'll head to visit the local artisans of the village of Don Khor, located at the entrance to Vat Chompet, with its impressive 30-metre high Buddha, here you can observe stone carvers making traditional Buddha images. Take some time to appreciate the beautiful carvings they are making. Then you might want to get a closer look at the big golden Buddha of Wat Chompet. You can even go inside, but please make sure to respect the local culture and dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Then continue to visit Phou Salao to visit the impressive Golden Buddha Wat Phou Salao, overlooking the city of Pakse which offers a superb panorama of the province of Champasak. The more energetic will want to climb the 200 steps to reach the temple, or you can stay in the vehicle to reach the summit. Come back hotel for overnight.
Day 13: Coffee Tour at Bolaven Plateaux by Jeep – Pakse (B, L)
This morning, we transfer to Paksong. Arrive at B Beng, we change to Jeep and start out Coffee Trail. Our first stop is Tad Moun waterfall where we are free to visit and swimming before driving to Mystic Mountain Coffee farm via the vegetable fields on bumpy & muddy road in raining season but you will enjoy the Adventure Jeep tour! Lunch at the Coffee farm. Mr Khamsone – the owner will take 1 hour to demonstration about coffee Roasting steps and finishing by a coffee cupping to Savor the different kind of coffee (Robusta, Arabica and the Typica). Afternoon, we have 1 hour trekking to visit the Coffee farm and drive further to visit Laven Village before returning to Paksong and then back to Pakse for overnight.
Day 14: Pakse – Wat Phou – Don Deang (B)
This morning, we transfer to visit the ruins of Wat Phou Temple Complex, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 9th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. A festival of this site is held yearly during the full moon in February and attracts numerous pilgrims from all over southern Laos.
Then transfer to Done Daeng and cross the river to La Folie Lodge.
Day 15: 4000 Islands surroundings – Done Deang (B)
This morning, transfer to 4000 Islands. Upon arrival, we enjoy a visit to the surrounding countryside, and embark on a long tail boat tour to Don Khone, where we disembark and have the option of exploring the island by bicycle, which takes you to visit the remains of the French period and Liphi Waterfall or "the Corridor of the Devil". We return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia; this is a really impressive site near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Then we drive back to Done Daeng for overnight.
Day 16: Back to Pakse – fly to Vientiane (B)
This morning, say goodbye to Done Daeng, we transfer to Pakse Airport for fly to Vientiane. Upon arrival, meet tour guide and transfer to hotel for checking in.
Day 17: Vientiane departure (B)
Transfer to the airport for the departure flight home. See you on the next Laos tours!
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions:
- Private transportation in with air-conditioned: Toyota Hiace new version 2020-2023
- English speaking guides
- Admission fee to indicated sights
- Morning alms giving
- VIP Fast track services at Vientiane Airport (including Visa fee USD 40/pax)
- Activity at Nam Pien Yorla Pa Resort
- Speed train ticket Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang (first class, one way)
- Full day Orchid Trek (private)
- Hot Air Balloon riding (join in)
- Boat trip at Nam Song & in 4000 Islands
- Garavek Story telling show (join in ticket)
- Half day Detox (private)
- Charter sunset cruise dinner
- Floral offering class (private)
- Monk Blessing ceremony at local temple (private)
- Full-day activity at Nahm Dong Park (private)
- Culinary tour with expert (private)
- Private Communication with Elephant in the afternoon
- Private Jeep tour in Southern Laos
- Government tax and service charge
- Luggage handling
- 2 bottles of drinking water per day during the tour
- 2 cold towels per day during the tour
Exclusions:
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Domestic airfare and airport tax in Laos
- International airfare and airport tax to & from Laos
- Compulsory dinner on 31 Dec 2024 at La Folie Lodge – US$ 60 per person
- Early check- in or late check-out (except as indicated)
- Beverages and other meals do not indicate in the program
- Single room
- Optional excursions and entrance fees and permits during free time
- Additional transportation required due to any emergency situation
- Tipping/ Gratuities
- Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills, shopping…
- Excess luggage charges
- Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc
