Laos – Discover Mekong River

Highlights: Chiangkhong – Houei Xai – Ban Nam Jang – Pakbeng – Luang Prabang

Trip duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Level: moderate
Group size: Private only - 1 person and above

BRIEF ITINERARY:

Trip price: please enquire for the most up date price

TRIP PRICE INCLUDED:

Private transfer and transportation with air-conditioning vehicles
English speaking guide (Other language upon request)
Accommodation based on twin share with daily breakfast
Entrance fees and permits
Private boat cruise

TRIP PRICE EXCLUDED:

International flights
Airport tax
Private expense
Visa and visa fee
Meals not indicated in the program

Detail Itinerary:

Day 1: Chiang khong – Huay xai
Cross the border from Chiang Khong, Thailand to enter Laos at Huay xai. We will be met at Houay xay Immigration and our tours will be started by visiting the small cities of Huaysai and Ban Nam Jang Leantean tribe. Huay Xai is the border town with Thailand, the city is busy and prosperous. Located in the center of Huay Xay is Chomkao Manilat temple. The view from the the temple hill over Houy Xay city,the Mekong river and surrounding mountains is a definite reward for making it up the many steps. Overnight at Arimid Resort in Houay xai.
Today Welcome dinner included

Day 2: Huay xai - Pakbeng.
Breakfast at hotel. Today we will transfer by local transport and slow boat (with cover) on the Mekong River to Pakbeng (7-8 hours) with stops to visit local villages along the riverside.

Pakbeng is the halfway point on the Mekong River between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. As the Mekong was once the only major transport route in the country, Pakbeng developed as an overnight stop for both cargo and passenger ferries. As this route down the Mekong is so spectacular, it remains a popular transport route, and Pakbeng is flourishing. Set in a particularly scenic spot, where the Nam Beng flows into the Mekong (Pak means mouth, and Beng is the name of the river), the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer but a number of guesthouses and restaurants have sprung up catering to backpackers. For a more 'Lao' experience, head up to the early morning market and have a look at all the local produce including dried buffalo skin, frogs on sticks, pigs face and buffalo hooves. Overnight in Pakbeng. Today Breakfast included

Day 3: Pakbeng – Luang Brabang
Breakfast at hotel. Today we continue on our journey down the Mekong River to Luang Prabang (about 8 hours). On the way we will Visit Thamting / Pak Ou cave and Ban Sang Hai rice whisky distillation village and ancient pottery site on the way. Pak Ou cave is 25km far from Luang Prabang. There are more than 4,000 Buddha images – mostly the standing Buddha of the Luang Prabang style - have been placed in for more than 60 decades. There are 2 caves in a striking limestone cliff where the Nam Our river meets the Mekong. The lower and smaller, called Tam Ting, is open to the light some 50 ft above the river, but the higher cave, Tam Phum, is deep and impenetrably black without a torch. After visiting Tam ting cave we keep on cruising to Luang Prabang. Arriving in Luang Prabang, we will transfer to our hotel. Trip concludes.

Today Breakfast included

Note:

Visa: Customers will need two passport size photographs and US$30 at Wattay Airport, Vientiane; Friendship Bridge, Vientiane; and Luang Prabang Airport. Foreign tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao embassy.A Laos TOURIST visa is usually issued for a SINGLE entry within three months from the date of issue for a period of stay not to exceed 30 days. The visa may be extended in Laos for a further 15 days.Passport must have at least six months validity remaining, and one blank visa page in order for the visa to be issued. TDS can assist with expediting U.S. Passports whether new issue, renewal, and adding visa pages.