Travel Indochina specializes in small group (maximum 16 passengers) journeys to Asia. Their classic journeys offer a unique trip to meet people, experience the culture and savour the cuisine, staying in hand picked, comfortable and well located hotels. Their Deluxe journeys include an upgrade in hotel style and standard to some of Asia’s Heritage properties.

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Your 17 Day small group exploration of Laos begins with a boat journey down the Mekong.  Spend the night in a remote eco-lodge, visit a scared cave and explore Luang Prabang’s temples.  Join the locals in a game of petangue, a favourite past time.  Visit the cryptic Plain of Jars and the charming capital, Vientiane, plus the stunning Bolaven Plateau and the 4,000 Islands.

DAY 1 FRIDAY - ARRIVE CHIANG RAI

Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, the gateway to the Golden Triangle, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The Golden Triangle is the name given to the area where Thailand meets its neighbouring countries, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) and is home to some of Thailand’s most picturesque scenery and colourful hill tribes. Tonight meet your tour leader and the rest of the group for a tour briefing. Overnight: WIANG INN, Superior Room

DAY 2 SATURDAY - CHIANG RAI TO PAKBENG

This morning drive towards the border with Laos, the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ and board your boat for a cruise down the Mekong (for six to seven hours). In the late afternoon disembark and ascend the steps to your lodge in Pakbeng village. Overnight: PHETSOKXAI HOTEL, Run of the House Room (B,L)

DAY 3 SUNDAY - PAKBENG TO THE KAMU LODGE

Re-board your boat this morning for a five hour trip along the Mekong, through some of the prettiest scenery in Laos.

Tonight you will stay in private safari-style tent lodging. Each tent is clean and comfortable and has a private bathroom with a toilet and solar-powered hot water shower. Retire this evening under the stars.  Overnight: KAMU LODGE Run of the House Room (Safari Tent style) (B,L,D)

DAY 4 MONDAY - KAMU LODGE TO LUANG PRABANG

This morning you can choose to take part in further Kamu Lodge activities, or just relax in the peaceful setting. Late morning say goodbye to your village hosts and set out on a private slow boat for the short journey down river to Luang Prabang. At the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers, visit the Pak Ou Caves with their thousands of Buddha statues. 3 Nights: VILLA SAYKHAM, Run of the House Room (B)

DAY 5 TUESDAY - LUANG PRABANG

Surrounded by mountainous forest and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm. Visit the museum and sample some of Luang Prabang’s most exquisite temples, including serene Wat Xieng Thong, and Wat Mai. (B)

DAY 6 WEDNESDAY - LUANG PRABANG AND KUANG SI FALLS

Rise early this morning and see robed Buddhist monks collecting morning alms, following a centuries old ritual. After breakfast, travel to Kuang Si Falls, one of the many beautiful waterfalls near Luang Prabang. Near the falls you shall also get the chance to see the Asiatic Black Bear being care for in the local bear sanctuary. In the late afternoon take part in a traditional Lao-style cooking class. Have fun while learning about typical Lao ingredients, and prepare your own dinner! (B, D)

DAY 7 THURSDAY - LUANG PRABANG TO THE PLAIN OF JARS

Travel by road today to the mysterious Plain of Jars. The Plain of Jars is one of Asia’s most unusual sites. The jars you will see are thought to be over 2,000 years old but their origins still remain a mystery. Archaeologists speculate that the jars were funerary urns, but discoveries in recent times have uncovered nearby unusual treasures of statues and precious artefacts. 2 nights AUBERGE LODGE, Run of the House Room (B, L)

DAY 8 FRIDAY - THE PLAIN OF JARS

Today you will begin your Journey with a trip to Tham Piu cave travelling through some of the most spectacular countryside Laos has to offer. After visiting the cave, you shall visit the MAG visitors’ centre; this will give you an excellent introduction into the worn torn history of this region and showcase the unprecedented volume of munitions left in this area. Next door is ‘Craters café’ where you can stop for lunch or order a picnic lunch for later in the day (cost of lunch not included to allow for choice). From the MAG centre it’s off to see more sites. Then Tad Lang Waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls in Xieng Khuang.(B)

DAY 9 SATURDAY - THE PLAIN OF JARS TO VANG VIENG

Begin early in the morning with a brief stop at the Plain of Jars before driving to the idyllic town of Vang Vieng. In the late afternoon (time permitting) you shall visit the amazing Tham Chang (Frozen Cave), located on the banks of the Nam Song River, a short distance from your hotel. This is a very popular swimming hole for the local people and the water is believed to have special medicinal qualities. This evening you may like to take advantage of the unique Vang Vieng sunsets whilst relaxing with a cold drink from your lodge on the bank of the river. 2 nights THAVONSOUK RESORT, Riverview Room

DAY 10 SUNDAY - VANG VIENG

This morning will be at your leisure. You may wish to rent a bike and ride around the outskirts of town to experience some more of the beautiful scenery and local life Vang Vieng has on offer. In the afternoon you will be transferred 10km upstream for some light kayaking or rafting (for those who want a more relaxed option) on the majestic Nam Song River.(B)

DAY 11 MONDAY - VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE

Rise early this morning for the 4 hour drive to the capital Vientiane. Your touring today will take in Vientiane’s intriguing main sights. You shall visit the exquisite Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest original temple (built in 1818), Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos and symbolic of both the monarchy and the Buddhist religion. Finally you shall take part in a traditional Lao ‘Baci’ welcome ceremony, held in a local home to honour your arrival to the capital and bless the remainder of your journey. Late afternoon is ideal for taking in the unparalleled Mekong River sunsets and a cold Beer Lao. 2 nights AVALON HOTEL - Twin Balcony Room

DAY 12 TUESDAY - VIENTIANE

This morning visit the intriguing ‘Buddha Park’. Located on the banks of the Mekong River this park is full of larger than life concrete images related to certain aspects of the Buddhist and Hindu faith. Late morning you will travel back to Vientiane to visit the grand Patuxai Monument, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris before paying a visit to the COPE centre. COPE is an organisation dedicated to providing prosthetic limbs to Laotian people, many whom have been victims of UXO’s left behind from the Vietnam and Indochina conflicts. You will have free time this afternoon to further explore this Mekong riverside city, shop at Talat Sao (morning market), or enjoy a cool drink whilst watching the sunset over neighbouring Thailand from the Mekong Banks. (B)

DAY 13 WEDNESDAY - VIENTIANE TO THE BOLAVEN PLATEAU

This morning you will fly to Pakse, the major city in the south of Laos. After a brief tour of Wat Luang and the old market set out for the Bolaven Plateau. Travel by road through the plateau, passing ethnic minority villages, and stopping at markets, wild coffee and cardamom plantations, and fruit groves. Arrive in Tad Fane late afternoon for superb views of the beautiful hundred metre Tad Fane Falls, and drinks in the upstairs restaurant of your lodge. Overnight TAD LO RESORT, Run of the House Room (B)

DAY 14 THURSDAY - ELEPHANT TREK AND KHONG ISLAND

After an early breakfast, you will set out for a short elephant trek. Later travel the short distance to the Um Mouang temple ruins on the eastern side of the Mekong. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon, exploring the island and meeting its graceful inhabitants. Hire a bicycle (optional) from your hotel and ride to the southern tip of the island, or go for a stroll along the waterfront area. In the evening, enjoy a drink at your hotel. 2 nights VILLA MUANG KHONG HOTEL(B)

DAY 15 FRIDAY - CRUISING THE FOUR THOUSAND ISLANDS

After breakfast, board a local boat and travel to Khone Island to see Li Phi falls and the remains of the sole railway built by the French during their time as colonial occupiers of Laos. Later you will visit Ban Done Date village and look out for the famous and illusive Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins. In the afternoon cross the Mekong and pick up your vehicle for the trip to Khonephapheng Falls, the largest falls in Southeast Asia in terms of water volume. Return to your hotel for sunset from Khong Island. (B)

DAY 16 SATURDAY - WAT PHOU AND PAKSE

This morning you will travel by road to Champasak town. The nearby Wat Phou World Heritage temple site is all that remains of one of Southeast Asia’s most mysterious and least understood kingdoms. After lunch and a rest, either cycle (optional) the gentle ten kilometres to Wat Phou, or travel by vehicle. The Hindu-influenced Wat Phou ruins are the finest example of Khmer temple ruins outside Cambodia, and have changed little since French explorers first visited them in the late 1800s. Overnight PAKSE HOTEL, Run of the House Room (B)

DAY 17 SUNDAY - END OF YOUR JOURNEY

Today you will be transferred to Pakse airport for your onward journey.(B)