Day 1 – May 30: Arrival in Vientiane
Arrive individually at Vientiane airport and meet with your assistant for transfer to your hotel. Rooms are available starting at 2 pm. Rest of the day at leisure to start exploring the city on your own. In the evening, meet with the rest of the group and the photographer for a briefing on the experience ahead. Dinner free, overnight stay.
Day 2 – May 31: Vientiane > Vang Vieng
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has been deeply scarred by French colonization but, at the same time, has managed to preserve, loud and clear, its identity. Today we explore the city’s major points of interest, breathing in the preponderant European influence, which at times blurs until it disappears among temples and other buildings with a distinctly Oriental style:
– The Vat Sisaket Temple: despite the strong Siamese influence, this complex presents a unique architectural style. Due to its Thai origin, it was spared from destruction. Today, it is the largest and most well-preserved temple in the capital;
– The Pha That Louang Cloister: was built around an imposing stupa saved from destruction during the Siamese army’s looting, but damaged by Ho raiders in 1873. Renovated by the French in 1930, it is still a symbol of the nation and a masterpiece of Laotian architecture, this structure represents both a religious symbol and a regal one;
– The Patuxay Triumphal Arch, from the top of which, breathtaking views of the city can be seen. Our adventure continues as we travel to Vang Vieng.
Upon arrival at our hotel, we take some time to relax before embarking on a hike to Nam Xay viewpoint in the late afternoon.
We climb to the top to capture the image of the sunset over the karst rock formations of Vang Vieng. This is the time to sit and watch the colors change in the sky as the sun goes down. This is an ancient, scenic and breathtaking landscape, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city below. We return to the bustle of the city to enjoy the rest of the evening in charming Vang Vieng.
Meals included: breakfast
Distance and duration of the hike: 2 hours including ascent and sunset (400m)
Altitude: 129 mt.
Day 3 – June 1: Vang Vieng – Khmu Village – discovering the everyday life of the Lao people
We leave town by tuk-tuk and begin a leisurely drive down the Nam Song River, skirting the impressive limestone karst formations for which Vang Vieng is so famous. Shortly thereafter, we arrive at a small local village on the river, where we spend the day learning about the lifestyle of the Khmu people.
We begin the experience by meeting one of the village elders who works as a blacksmith and uses techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
We then continue to the home of one of the local families with whom we share a typical Khmu lunch in their home or garden. We learn about their culture and the animist traditions practiced not only by the Khmu, but also by many other ethnic minorities in Laos. After chatting for a while, we will get to learn how rice wine, known in Laotian as “Lao Hai,” is made.
In the afternoon, we follow the guide through the rice fields to visit a cave on the other side of the river, passing by farmers working in their fields. Along the way, we take a break at one of the local rice farmers’ huts and taste some of the rice wine we learned to make.
Once back in the village, we say goodbye to our hosts and return to Vang Vieng where we reflect together on our full day of cultural immersion.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch at the home of a local family.
To reach the Village on the river you can opt for kayak (excursion duration about 1hr) or boat (duration about 30′)
Day 4 – June 2: Vang Vieng > Luang Prabang
This morning, by private transfer we reach the local train station to experience the new high-speed train to Luang Prabang. Scheduled departure time is 10:45 a.m. with arrival at 11:49 a.m.
The city of Luang Prabang is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia, with its perfect location at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and at the foot of a centuries-old mountain range. The guided tour of Luang Prabang takes us to its most iconic and culturally rich sites and to the discovery of the history, architecture and culture of this picturesque city.
The Vat Mai, built in the late 18th century, is a highly respected shrine topped by a marvelous roof.
The Royal Palace, which now houses the National Museum, has a vast collection of precious objects that once belonged to the royal family, and a wide range of figurines discovered in temples in the region. It is here that the Buddha Phrabang, considered the holiest artifact in Laos, which also gave the city its name, is housed.
The Vat Xieng Thong, the temple of the Royal City, is a complex of shrines and sacred temples, displaying some of the best traditional arts in Laos and is also, without a doubt, the most beautiful site in Luang Prabang.
At the end of the day, 328 steps await us to reach the top of Mount Phousi from where there is a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 – June 3: Luang Prabang – Walk from Ban Nong Heo to Kuang Sy Falls
After nearly an hour’s drive from Luang Prabang, we reach Ban Nong Heo where we independently explore a Khmu village, with its quaint cottages, water buffalo grazing placidly and ducks frolicking in the courtyards. Impossible not to catch a glimpse of busy farmers and blacksmiths, which, respectfully and with their consent, you can capture with our cameras, before we enter the countryside for a walk through unique landscapes, from lush forests to green rice fields. With the help of our guide, it is possible to pick some sugarcane straight from the field to enjoy its refreshing juice. We reach Ban Thapene, the village that sits at the entrance to Kuang Sy Falls, and be welcomed at a local home to witness a Baci ceremony (Sou Khouan): one of the most popular Laotian traditions, which accompanies every important event in the lives of Buddhists. Whether it is weddings, funerals, births, illnesses, travels or more, the ritual is usually performed in the presence of a small number of people. One or two guests, those for whom the Kiss is performed, a master of ceremony, who officiates the ritual and the rest of the participants invited to attend. During the solemnity in which we participate, the master of ceremony will call upon our souls (according to Laotian tradition, each human being possesses 32 souls) to attract benign influences to them. A cotton thread will be tied to our wrists to symbolize all the good wishes made on our behalf.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner kisses
Duration of walk: 4km – 1h 30min | Level: 2
Day 6 – June 4: Tak Bat – Ancient Lao Pottery
Early in the morning, our guide will escort us to the temple to witness the Tak Bat ceremony during which the people of Luang Prabang kneel on the sidewalk, carrying food in their hands to offer to the monks walking by in their saffron-colored orange robes. We will be transported to this important cultural moment in peaceful and respectful silence as the monks and locals exchange no words during the giving of offerings. On this occasion, the use of photographic machines is not welcome. After this lesson in humility, the guide takes us to the local market, which is in full swing in the morning. Back to the hotel for a full breakfast. Duration: about 2 hours
After our breakfast, we board a boat to cross the Mekong to Ban Chan, a village renowned for its Lao pottery. Tour the village with our local guide to discover what life is like in a rural setting on the other side of the river. We also attend a private demonstration of pottery making techniques used by local families for over 400 years, then get hands-on and create our own unique piece! Our experience concludes with an authentic Laotian meal prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients before returning to Luang Prabang by boat. Duration of the activity: about 3h 30min
In the afternoon, visit the weaving craft center and enjoy a sunset aperitif on a riverside terrace. Ock Pop Tok Weaving Craft Centre is the perfect place to visit to learn about traditional Lao handicrafts, with a chance to discover the beauty and secrets of Lao textiles as a local guide explains the steps of silk weaving and natural dyeing processes. The guide will also tell about the beautiful batik designs and bamboo weaving as we witness the creation of these incredible artifacts. At the end, we will take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful tropical garden that offers stunning views of the majestic Mekong River and mountains. In this unique setting, we enjoy a sunset aperitif on a rooftop terrace with a stunning view of the river to experience firsthand the authentic serenity of Laos, enjoying delicious drinks and local cuisine as the last rays of the sun caress the verdant mountains before setting completely. Note: The activity starts around 4:30 pm and ends at 6:00 pm.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Notes: the Tak Bat ceremony takes place between 5:50 and 6:30 am. It is recommended to wear opaque clothing and to respect the sacredness of the ceremony by avoiding crossing the path of the monks. Photographs may be taken from a distance consonant with the contest. Please also help maintain calm and silence.
Day 7 – June 5: Luang Prabang > Ban Lae
Morning at leisure to continue to explore Luang Prabang on our own and capture the most significant images of this beautiful city with our cameras.
In the afternoon, we travel to the home of a local Lao family in BanLae village outside Luang Prabang, where an overnight stay is planned. Boat ride on the NamXeung River with our hosts to enjoy the beautiful scenery. En route, stop along the embankment to learn how the villagers carry on the tradition of gold panning. Return home to share dinner with family and experience the truly warm and friendly hospitality of Lao people.
Meal included: breakfast, dinner
Day 8 – June 6: Ban Lae > Pak Ou > Nong Khiaw
This morning, after a delicious Laotian-style breakfast, we take a tour of the village to learn about the daily farming activities of the community. It is now time to say goodbye to our hosts to continue the journey to Nong Khiaw.
Stop at the sacred caves of Pak Ou to admire the incredible number of Buddha statues enshrined within.
Sheltered by scenic limestone mountains in the north of the country, the charming town of Nong Khiaw is silently reflected in the waters of the Nam Ou River. Today, while climbing along a small path to the top of the mountain, we can admire the beautiful natural surroundings. We advance at our own pace to the top of a hill covered with dense tropical vegetation. Along the adventurous route, there is no shortage of opportunities to sit on bamboo benches and catch our breath before setting off again. Perhaps out of breath, but certainly fulfilled by the fantastic view, we finally reach our destination. All that remains is for us to admire the breathtaking view of Nong Khiaw and the Ou River, which meanders lazily through the surrounding mountains! After pausing at a pavilion, called Sala, to contemplate the beauty of the viewpoint, we resume our descent on foot to the town.
Meals included: Breakfast
Hiking Duration: 3km-2hr | Ascent +110m – Descent -110m | Level: easy
Terrain: easy dirt trails in the forest with steps dug into the earth. 2 small wooden stairs at the top to access the viewpoint
Day 9 – June 7: Nong Khiaw – Muong Ngoi – Nong Khiaw
Today we have a boat excursion from Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi. After about a 30-minute boat ride, we reach Tam Khang Cave, an ancient cave that served as a hiding place for villagers during the Indochina War (1960-1972). After the visit and a refreshing dip in a natural pool, we continue our walk through lush vegetation and through some rice fields before reaching Ban Na village. Walking through the village, you can learn about the lifestyle of the villagers and enjoy the view of the rice fields and hills from the terrace of a small restaurant. After a pleasant time of relaxation, it’s back to Muang Ngoi for the boat transfer to Nong Khiaw.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – June 8: Nong Khiaw – Oudomxay – Nam Kat Yola Pa
In the morning, depart for Oudomxay and Nam Kat Yola Pa Park. Upon arrival, we take a deep breath of fresh air to start relaxing in the natural environment around us. With a short journey by electric car along narrow and winding roads through dense forests, we kick off our adventure. Arriving at the starting point, we begin the nature hike to the waterfall, which involves walking along small paths and crossing narrow suspension bridges (canopy walk). Once at the waterfall, we take our time to rest or take a dip in the cool waters. We return back along a different trail to end the hike with a full loop.
Meals included: breakfast.
Hiking duration: 5km- 2 to 3 hr | Terrain: fairly flat | Easy level
Day 11 – June 9: Ascent to Phu Ya Ka Mountain and camping
The adventure kicks off at 09:00 a.m. at Nam Kat Yolapa National Park from where we begin our trek up steep slopes through the jungle to reach the top of Phu Ya Ka Mountain. Our local guides guide us through the beautiful natural environment where a stop for a picnic lunch is planned. We resume the ascent to the summit where a panoramic view of the entire area can be enjoyed. While our local guides prepare tents and fire to cook dinner, we stay to contemplate the beautiful sunset reflecting its last rays of light on the mountains.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in a tent (maximum 2 people/tent)
Distance and walking time: 9km-from 6 to 7 hr | Level: medium | Total elevation gain: +900mt.
Terrain: steep slopes, jungle trail in the first part, mountain trail in the second part, including short and easy rock climbing.
Notes: The trek requires proper shoes, long pants and sunscreen.
Day 12 – June 10: Phu Ya Ka > Vientiane
Wake up early in the morning to the surrounding sea of mist to watch the sunrise slowly fill the atmosphere. After breakfast, return to the valley stopping at many scenic spots along the way.
Meet your driver at the hotel for transfer to the train station in time to board the train departing Oudomxay at 6:32 p.m. with arrival in Vientiane scheduled for 9:08 p.m. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Dinner at leisure, overnight stay.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 13 – June 11: Vientiane > departure
Full day at leisure. For flights departing in the evening, meet with your driver around 7:00 p.m. for transfer to the airport in time for boarding operations on your intercontinental flight back to Europe (for flights departing before 7:00 p.m., transfer is not included but can be arranged upon request and at extra charge).
Meals included: Breakfast
Notes: room will be available until 12:00 noon
*** End of our adventure ***
