YUNNAN – LAOS (PART OF LAOS) 7 days / 6 nights (LTYULA07)

After crossing the borderline, travel by road to Luang Namtha. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, which displays a collection of cultural artifacts of the various hill tribes of the Province, such as costumes, agricultural tools and local items, as well as rare Khmu bronze drums. Then transfer to the pier to board a long-tail riverboat for a 2-hour cruise down the Nam Tha River towards the Nam Ha NBCA. Take a walk through the jungle (approx. 20 minutes) to reach the ethnic villages.

Return by  road to Luang Namtha.

Overnight in Luang Namtha.

After breakfast, depart by road to Muang Sing (approximately 2 hours).  On the  way, visit various hill tribes’ villages: Ikho, H’Mong, Thai Dam (BlackThai), Thai Daeng (Red Thai), Thai Kalom, strolling in the market of Muang Sing, where various hill tribes of the surroundings gather daily to trade their goods and exchange news.

In the afternoon, discover the small town of Muang Sing. Since the late 16^th century, Muang Sing has been a Thai cultural nexus as well as an opium trade center until the end of the Vietnam War. Visit Vat Xieng Jai and Vat Nam Keo Luang temples which display Thai Lu architectural influence.   Then, return to Luang Namtha at the end of the afternoon.

Overnight in Luang Namtha.

After breakfast, early morning departure to Oudomxay (approx. 4-hour drive). On the way, visit a Lanten village.

Continue to Luang Prabang (approx. 3 hours) along the Nam Ou valley, populated by Khmu and Thai Daeng (Red Thais), who have maintained their traditional way of life.  Upon arrival at Luang Prabang, check-in your hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple of Luang Prabang with roofs that sweep low to the ground. Then take a traditional riverboat for a 2-hour cruise upstream the Mekong River towards Pak Ou, at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers, to visit the sacred caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phum, home to hundreds of Buddha statues.

On the way, stop at Ban Xang Hai village where sticky rice wine distillation can be seen.

Return to Luang Prabang and continue by car to visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong,  where traditional mulberry leaves paper is also produced.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, excursion by car to the beautiful waterfalls of Khouang Sy nestled in the lush tropical vegetation. On the way, visit some hill tribes’ villages such as the H’Mong village of Ban Thinkeo and the Khmu village of Ban Thapaene.

Return to Luang Prabang and visit Vat Visoun temple, with its Singhalese-style stupa, That Makmo, and Vat Aham, one of the city’s major tutelary shrines housing the puppets of the Lao ancestors.

Spend some time strolling through the H’Mong market in the evening.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, time at leisure until your transfer to the airport to take your flight to Vientiane. Meet upon arrival, transfer and check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Vat Sisaket, the only original temple in Vientiane (built in 1818 – it is the sole survivor of a Thai invasion in 1828), the Ho Phrakeo, the former Royal Chapel, where an Emerald Buddha at the early time of the Lane Xang Kingdom  was enshrined, the Patouxai and That Luang stupa.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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