Page 37 - Insider Journeys 2019

LAOS

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
• 9 nights hotel accommodation
• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
(except tuk-tuk touring)
• Mekong River cruise
• Entrance fees
• English-speaking Tour Leader
• All tips on tour
• Return group transfers from airport
to accommodation
• Meals as indicated (B = breakfast,
L = lunch, D = dinner)

Mekong River
DAY 1 Chiang Rai (Thailand) DAY 6 Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng PRICE PER PERSON*
On arrival in Chiang Rai, transfer to your hotel Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before driving 2019 TWIN SINGLE
and enjoy free time until your tour briefing. through stunning scenery to Vang Vieng, a JAN 15 G $2459 $3009
Overnight at Laluna Hotel & Resort (or similar). quaint riverside town. Climb to the entrance of FEB 12 $2459 $3009
DAY 2 Chiang Rai to Pakbeng (Laos) Tham Chang cave for views of town. The cave MAR 12 G $2459 $3009
09
$2979
$2439
G
APR
is one of the deepest in Vang Vieng and has a
Drive to the Lao border and board a private natural spring which is a popular swimming hole MAY 14 G $2359 $2809
boat to cruise along the Mekong River. Take in for the local people. Stay the next two nights at JUN 11 G $2359 $2809
JUL
$2809
09
$2359
life along the river and the picturesque scenery Villa Nam Song (or similar). (B) AUG 13 $2359 $2809
as you enjoy lunch and cruise to the riverside SEP 10 G $2359 $2809
village of Pakbeng, home to the H’mong and Thai DAY 7 Vang Vieng OCT 08 G $2449 $2989
Lu people. On arrival in Pakbeng, walk through After breakfast, kayak along the Nam Song NOV 12 G $2459 $3019
the local market for a glimpse into everyday life. River as you soak in the beautiful natural DEC 10 $2459 $3019
Overnight at Phetsokxai (or similar). (BL) scenery. Return to town and spend the rest 2020 14 TWIN SINGLE
$3309
$2709
JAN
DAY 3 Pakbeng to Luang Prabang of the day at leisure. Choose to hire a bike and FEB 11 $2709 $3309
Once again board your boat and cruise to Luang ride through the spectacular countryside or MAR 10 $2709 $3309
Prabang. Enjoy lunch and stop along the way at simply relax. (B) G = Guaranteed departure with minimum 2 guests.
sacred Pak Ou Caves where local people add DAY 8 Vang Vieng to Vientiane Code: LEXC
to a repository of Buddha statues. On arrival in Continue your overland journey to the
Luang Prabang, take a tuk-tuk to your hotel and capital city of Vientiane. Along the way stop TRIP GRADING: MODERATE
(See page 87 for details)
spend the evening at leisure. Stay the next three at ‘Kilometre 52’, a village with a large ethnic
nights at Sala Prabang (or similar). (BL)
H’mong population and an excellent market.
DAY 4 Luang Prabang Vientiane is home to a charming mix of French-
Nestled on the banks of the Mekong River, colonial architecture, glittering temples and
Luang Prabang is a charming laidback town lovely restaurants. On arrival, discover the city’s
surrounded by rugged mountains. Enjoy a most revered temples, Pha That Luang and Wat
walking tour of Luang Prabang. Explore the Sisaket before seeing the Patuxai Monument
National Museum which was previously the which is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in
former royal palace and now houses fine Paris. Stay the next two nights at Lao Orchid
examples of Lao art and furniture. Visit serene Hotel (or similar). (B)
Wat Mai temple before continuing onto Wat DAY 9 Vientiane
Xieng Thong temple. After a free afternoon Baci Ceremony, Vientiane
exploring independently, participate in a Travel towards the Thai/Lao Friendship Bridge
game of petanque, and enjoy sunset drinks to intriguing ‘Buddha Park’ filled with statues
and traditional local snacks overlooking inspired by Buddhist and Hindu epics. Visit the
the Mekong. (B) Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre
and COPE Centre to learn about the inspiring
DAY 5 Luang Prabang work done by both organisations to help
Rise early to see Buddhist monks collecting local people living with disabilities. Spend the
alms, following an ancient ritual known as afternoon at leisure. In the evening, receive a
Takbat. Explore a lively morning market and traditional Lao blessing at a ‘baci’ ceremony
enjoy a local noodle breakfast and French to wish you safe onward travels. Enjoy a Lao
coffee. Drive to Kuang Si Falls to swim in ‘jaew’ feast as you listen to a performance of
the turquoise pools and visit a nearby bear traditional music – the perfect end to your time Kuang Si Falls
sanctuary. On your return to town, spend the in Laos. (BD)
afternoon relaxing or continue to explore Luang EXPERIENCE MORE
Prabang at your own pace. This evening, take DAY 10 Vientiane This tour can be combined with
part in the Bamboo Experience cooking class set Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the Secrets of Southern Laos on page 34.
among beautiful rice paddy fields. (BD) airport for your onward journey. (B)
*Prices are per person twin share based on low season and will vary depending on date of travel, unless otherwise stated. Pricing does not include the airfare from New Zealand. Please contact us for an air-inclusive quote. 37
Refer to our booking conditions for full pricing and payment information. For more information visit insiderjourneys.co.nz or see your travel agent.