IMPRESSIVE MEKONG

VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG - PAKBENG - HOUEISAY - THAILAND

6 DAYS | 5 NIGHTS

Experience the best of Laos’ landscapes, cruise along the mighty Mekong River, culture, history and attractions on this Impressive Mekong of Laos, explore the splendours of this intriguing country and discover the charm of Luang Prabang, uncover the incredible Pak Ou Caves, visit the hill tribe villages in HoueiSay, and the unassuming capital of Vientiane.

IMPRESSIVE MEKONG IMPRESSIVE MEKONG IMPRESSIVE MEKONG IMPRESSIVE MEKONG

Start

Finish

Air routes

Road route

IMPRESSIVE MEKONG

SMALL GROUP TOUR ITINERARY

IMPRESSIVE MEKONG

DAY1: ARRIVAL –VIENTIANE (L/D)

On arrival in Vientiane, you will be met by our guide and transferred to our centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a fascinating city, with a fusion of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences. This charming and easygoing city exudes a timeless atmosphere, providing you with a smooth introduction to Laos. After a short rest, we see the major sights of the capital; including Wat Sisaket, which contains more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue and That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. We also see the Patuxay (Lao Arc de Triomphe), which was built in commemoration of those who died during past wars. Today it is the city’s main landmark.
Overnight in Vientiane

DAY2: VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG (B/L/D)

Today, we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After checking into your hotel, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse through a lovely selection of handmade textiles. Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY3: LUANG PRABANG - KHOUANGSI WATERFALLS (B/L/D)

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to the city’s monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. After we’ll visit the former Royal Palace, now a National Museum (closed Tuesday) where you will find ornate, gilded and brocaded reception rooms, as well the Prabang, a large holy image, which was given to King Fa Ngum in the 14th century by the Khmers. Later in the day we drive to see the Ban Hmong hill tribe in Ban Nam Ouay, as well as a number of other special villages. We then spend the remainder of the day at the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls, where water tumbles 60 meters over multi tiered limestone formations into a cool and clear pool. It’s a refreshing escape from the heat!
Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY4: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE – PAKBENG (B/L/D)

Heading out of the town, we board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Along the way we stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. During the day, we will also visit a few local villages, including one that makes rice wine and the atmospheric riverside town of Pakbeng. The Mekong was once the only major transport route in the country, and Pakbeng, was the halfway point between Luang Prabang and HoueiSay. It developed into an overnight stop for many traders. This scenic and authentic river cruise has been described as a once in a lifetime experience.  
Overnight in Pakbeng

DAY5: PAKBENG – HOUEISAY (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we visit the local market where many hill tribes converge from the outlying valleys and hillsides to sell their goods and buy provisions. Upon leaving Pakbeng, we re-embark on our boat for the second leg of our journey toward HoueiSay, which is close to the famous Golden Triangle. The cruise may take long, but the tranquil river scenery makes the journey worthwhile. Overnight in HoueiSay

DAY6: HOUEISAY – THAILAND

The surrounding areas of HoueiSay are home to 34 ethnic minority groups, making it the second most ethnically diverse province in Laos. After an enjoyable visit with the Lu hill tribe people at Ban Namkeung, we take a short drive to the border gate for Chiang Khong, Thailand. The tour ends at the Lao-Thai border.

TOUR RATES INCLUDE

Transfers and ground transport by private air-conditioned vehicles

One way air ticket from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in economy class

Accommodation based on twin/double sharing room with daily breakfast

All meals mentioned in the itinerary

English speaking guide throughout the itinerary

All entrance fees, private boat trip as indicated in itinerary

2 bottle mineral water per day per person

Government tax and service charge

You May Also Like...

Phone+84938228856
DI TRAVEL

How can we help ?

Testimonials

We saw, learned, heard, tasted a lot and really got to know these 2 countries better. Thanks a lot for organizing our tour.

Mr Denis

View all testimonals

My husband and I are now home and we'd like to thank you for an extraordinary trip in Vietnam and Cambodia. Thu, you did a terrific job in planning it and all details were perfect and everything happened like clockwork. We loved...

Fran O’Connell

View all testimonals

We just got back. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it was. We loved every place we stayed. You're a gem. As to the countries themselves: I was totally thrilled, fascinated, absorbed. Hope to do another trip to the...

Loraine F. Gardner

View all testimonals

I wanted to specifically tell you how wonderful my tour guide Tien from Hue was. We were lucky enough to have him for Hue, Danang and Hoi An. He was sweet, caring, knowledgeable, dedicated and passionate about his country. I felt...

Dr. Halli Zung

View all testimonals