Routes: Paske – Khong Island – Boloven – Tadlo – Luang Prabang –Xieng Khouang – Vientiane

A special tour for those who love off-the-beaten tracks in Laos, exploring Pakse, Khong Island, Tadlo, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khoang and Vientiane.

Day 1: Arrival – Pakse – Wat Phu – Khong Island (L)
Upon arrival, you are met and transfer to boat pier, you board the long tail motorboat to visit the ruins of Wat Phu, the pre-Angkorian temple. Then take time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Here you also have a chance to visit some nearby Khmer temples and Buddhist shrines. After lunch, drive to the peaceful Khong Island, the largest in the 4000 islands region, on the way you stopover to at the villages of ban Phone Saat. Overnight in Khong Island.
Day 2: Khong Island – Surrounding (B, L)
After breakfast, enjoy a cruise venturing into the widest point of the Mekong River. Along the way, you stop at the Liphi waterfalls. You then visit the fishing village of Ban Done Khone. On return, you take a short drive to the Lao – Cambodia border at Weukham, expect to be encapsulated by the sight of Khone Phapheng, which boasts South East Asia’s biggest waterfall, known as the Niagara of the east. Overnight in Khong Island
Day 3: Khong Island – Tadlo (B, L)
Today you continue your journey towards Tadlo, through Boloven plateau. This trip gives you the chance to venture off the beaten track and to discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region. Upon arrival at Tad Lo waterfall, you visit the villages of Alak, Nge, and Katu, populated by ethnic minority groups. Overnight Tadlo
Day 4: Tadlo - Pakse – Luang Prabang (B)
After breakfast, you enjoy Asian Elephant riding to visit beautiful Tadlo waterfalls and local village of Khmu; transfer to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival you will explore the main town will stroll around walking street of Night Market. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Pakou - Luang Prabang (B, L)
After breakfast, you enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. You then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River. En route, you stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local specialty of rice wine is produced. You also have time to visit Ban Xangkhong, Ban Xienglek, small villages well known for silk weavings and for Saa (jute) Papermaking. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 6: Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfalls (B, L)
After breakfast, you will visit the morning Phosi Market. Continue to visit local village of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene. Continue driving to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall. Return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well-known weaving village, and then return to the city by late evening for observing the sunset at Wat Phabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Xiengkhouang (by road) (B, L)
After breakfast, visit the National Museum (close Tuesday) and the Central Market then drive 306km uphill a mountain surrounded by wonderful natural scenery to Xiengkhouang. Upon arrival, you transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau. If time permits, you see the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages. Overnight in Xiengkhuang
Day 8: Xiengkhouang – Vientiane (by flight) (B, L)
After breakfast, you visit the Central Market then transfer to airport for flight back to Vientiane. After checking into the hotel, time permitting you continue your sightseeing tour of the surrounding areas of Vientiane; visit the impressive Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and the Buddha Park. A spectacular view of over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane
Day 9: Vientiane City Tour (B, L)
After breakfast, you continue to explore Vientiane capital by visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument. After lunch, continue visiting the rest of Vientiane by foot, including Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok. You pass by the major shopping area continuing to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao and Talad Kouadin where various goods are displayed for sale. You return to the Mekong Riverside in the late afternoon for observing the sunset. Overnight in Vientiane
Day 10: Vientiane departure (B)
After breakfast, you are free at your leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight

Validity until 31st of December 2012 (US$/Pax)

Accommodation

Inclusions: Meals as mentioned in the itinerary; Private transfer with air-con, including pick-up and drop-off at hotel and at the airport; Domestic air ticket with airport tax; English speaking guide (other languages on request); Private boat trip as stated in above sights; Hotel accommodation on a twin-share basic with breakfast; All entrance and sightseeing fees;
All taxes and service charges
Exclusions: Insurance; Personal expenses; Tipping / Gratuities; Surcharge on special days; Any other services not clearly mentioned above.

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