Spirit of Luang Prabang

In Vientiane and Luang Prabang, the ancient temples, the inspiring Buddhist monks, the tree-lined boulevards create a unique and absorbing atmosphere. On this adventurous trip, we'll explore the beautiful mountainous area of Vang Vieng then trek through the little visited hills and mountains of the north. The true highlight is staying in minority villages and meeting the wonderful people from some of the many diverse ethnic tribes.

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Duration: 9 days/8 nights

Tour Code: MLAT06

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Trek to Ban Klung - Trek to Khouang Si Waterfalls - Trek Ban Long Phu to Ban Long Lao - Luang Prabang.

• Day 1 - Vientiane Arrival - City Tour

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car
  Meals: Dinner

  On arrival, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is located on the banks of the Mekong River. This small city conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French influences. After a short rest, we start our city tour with Wat Sisaket- the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. The following sight is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the imposing Patouxai Monument which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe on our way to the great sacred structure and symbol of Laos- That Luang Stupa. Stay overnight in Vientiane.

  Day 2 - Vientiane - Vang Sang - Vang Vieng

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  The journey northwards begins as depart the town and drive through the spectacular countryside towards the mountain region. Along the way, we visit the busy and colorful market of Thalat where various hill tribes come to trade their goods and buy previsions. A next stop of our trip is Vang Sang which is  famous for the archeological site dating back 11th century. Then we reach to our final destination, Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. The small and tranquil village of Vang Vieng is rapidly developed with the advent of tourist, but the beautiful scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops unchanged for century. After checking into a hotel, we take a wander to catch our first glimpse of this hill town. Stay overnight in Vang Vieng.

  Day 3 - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Heading out of town, we explore the famous cave of Tham Jang that was once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai- a very pleasant village where we can explore the different local lifestyle. Upon leaving Vang Vieng, the roads begin to deteriorate; however, the stunning mountain scenery makes an interesting journey. We wind our way through Phoukhoune and Kasito to Luang Prabang. This town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be "the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia". There is little traffic on Luang Prabang roads and monks in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

  Day 4 - Luang Prabang City Tour

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  The former Royal Palace has been turned into a national museum which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We visit this landmark and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways. We also explore the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city's oldest temple of Wat Wisunalat and Wat Mai with five tiered roofs. After seeing these sights, we ascend Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. Stay over night in Luang Prabang.

  Day 5 - Luang Prabang - Trek to Ban Klung

  Place Transport: 
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  The extremely beautiful mountain region around Luang Prabang is ideal for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition. Today, we cross the mighty Mekong River and visit one of the famous caves in Luang Prabang. The trek begins as we get off the beaten track to the pottery village of Ban Chane and Ban Pha Phet . This small village is conquered by the Khmu hill tribe people. After an enjoyable stop at Ban Pha Phet, we continue our trek and embark on a boat for a leisurely trip to Paklung where we are the guests of a Lao family. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities. Stay overnight at Ban Paklung.

  Day 6 - Ban Klung - Trek to Khouang Si Waterfalls

  Place Transport: 
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  Upon leaving the village of our previous night, we'll set off on a full day trek by using the local tracks and passing through various hill villages from Ban Jong to Ban Long Phu. Along the way, we will see many ethnic minorities. On arrival at Ban Saluen, we'll cross the Mekong River again and walk to the beautiful Khouang Si Falls surrounded by the native forest. The waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape when the heat becomes unbearable. Stay overnight at Ban Long Phu.

  Day 7 - Trek Ban Long Phu to Ban Long Lao

  Place Transport: 
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  In the early morning, we start to walk around mountainsides. We traverse the verdant and rugged mountain landscape. The trek usually takes around 6 hours and is quite steep in places; however, some physical preparation will enable you to maximize enjoyment from the trip. After a full day walking, we arrive at Ban Long Lao and have time to wander around this village. It enables to understand a little more about their culture and lifestyle. Here, we will be toasted as honored guests and will be sample some of their homemade rice wine! Stay overnight at Ban Long Lao.

  Day 8 - Ban Long Lao - Luang Prabang

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  Today, we spend a half day to walk in this beautiful mountainous region. Along the way, we encounter local villagers going about their daily business such as logging, herding buffalo, and tilling the field. At this small village of Ban Xieng Mouak, we meet up with a local transport, Tu Tuc and drive for few hours back to Luang Prabang. The remainder of the day will be free to catch up on some last minute shopping or simply to relax. A farewell dinner is organized at one of Luang Prabang's famous eating spots, and to celebrate your achievement in completing the trek. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

  Day 9 - Luang Prabang Depature

  Place Transport: Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast

  It's time for your own exploration of the town and strolling around the shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer to the airport for departure. We would like thank you for traveling with Minmax.

  The Tour Inclusion:

  - 08 Nights Accommodation with BKF.

  
  

  
  

  - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  - Meals (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

  The Tour Exclusion:

  - International flight tickets and airport tax. Visas.

  - Dinners, except as specified above.

  - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.

  
  

  
  

  - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

  
  

  
  

  Additional Information

  Importance note

  - The itinerary is just a sample of our Vietnam tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

  
  

  
  

  What to bring? 

  - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

  
  

  
  

  
  

  How to start?

  - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.

   - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Laos Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).