+44 (0)20 8741 7390 An insightful journey through one of South East Asia s hidden gems, this wonderful adventure encapsulates all the richness and diversity of this beautiful country. From Laos charming riverside capital, you will journey across a landscape filled with natural beauty, colonial grace and timeless tradition, travelling from the remote mountains of the north, to the stunning riverine islands of the Si Pan Don Archipelago. Beginning in Vientiane you ll have a chance to explore this historic and fascinating capital, before flying north, towards the Chinese border and the remote landscapes around Oudomxay. Here you will enjoy the relaxing ambience of one of our favourite lodges, an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding indigenous villages, before turning south towards the captivating charms of sleepy Luang Prabang. The southern part of your journey then offers up the UNESCO highlights of Laos s old royal capital and the ancient Khmer setting of Wat Phou, as well as a chance to enjoy some expert cookery tuition before taking to the waters of the Mekong to explore the famous Buddhist caves at Pak Ou and the country s spectacular 4,000 islands. HIGHLIGHTS: Discover life amongst the village communities of the Mekong River Savour the cultural and historic charms of Luang Prabang Experience the rare tranquility of the Laos wilderness Visit the hill tribes and village markets of the Golden Triangle Enjoy the historic and surreal highlights of Laos' charming riverside capital TOUR INCLUDES: 1 internal flight 10 nights 4 star hotels & Luxury lodges 10 breakfasts & 1 lunch Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private basis Private driver & vehicle. Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports Guide's and driver s expenses
*Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: VIENTIANE Arriving in Vientiane today you'll have a chance to freshen up before spending the afternoon uncovering some of the delights of Laos' sleepy capital. Highlights include the 16th century splendour of the golden stupa of That Luang and the imposing grandeur of the Patuxai Monument, which bears a striking resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. You'll also visit the Lao monastery of Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of Buddha statues, before ending up at the superb COPE Exhibition Centre, created to highlight the continuing problems of unexploded landmines left behind by the Vietnam War. (B) DAY 2: VIENTIANE - OUDOMXAY A short flight this morning takes you on to the market town of Oudomxay, located in the remote far north of the country close to the Chinese border. On arrival you will then drive the short distance on to the beautiful riverside village of Muang La, famed for its hot springs and home to one of Laos' best kept secrets, the stunning Muang La Resort. Here you can spend the rest of the day relaxing with a traditional massage or lounging in the natural hot springs. DAY 3: OUDOMXAY Depart by 4WD vehicle to Pak Khai, a pleasant 15 minute drive that offers some magnificent views of the Pak Nam River, the rice terraces and a number of small villages. On arrival you'll then start trekking along a small local trail, providing an ideal opportunity to meet local farmers and learn about life in these remote rural landscapes. Arriving at the beautiful Khamu village of Ban Phavie in time for a picnic lunch, the afternoon then resumes with a hike up to a local waterfall, where you can relax in the clear cascades before returning to the vehicles and driving back to Muang La. (B,L) DAY 4: OUDOMXAY - MUANG KHUA - NONG KHIAW Continuing on to the riverside town of Muang Khua this morning, you'll board a local private boat for an unforgettable cruise down the Nam Ou River to Nong Khiaw. This particular stretch of the river meanders it way through some quite spectacular scenery, passing a number of remote villages along the way including Ban Sob Jaem, a Khmu and Hmong village that can only be accessed by boat. Reaching Nong Khiaw by late afternoon, you will have an opportunity to take a short bicycle ride out to the picturesque limestone caves nearby. (B)
DAY 5: NONG KHIAW - LUANG PRABANG Heading south by road this morning, the journey brings you next to the charming old town of Luang Prabang, Laos' old royal capital and one of South East Asia's best kept secrets. The drive follows lovely rolling countryside, offering timeless views of the rice fields and the beautiful Nam Ou River and stopping off to admire the famed limestone caves at Pak Ou en route. Home to some 4,000 statues of the Buddha, this major pilgrimage site is littered with a remarkable collection of figures of all shapes and sizes. Arriving in the old capital by lunchtime, the rest of the day is free. (B) DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG Stretch your legs with a morning walking tour through the backstreets of Luang Prabang, a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site. A wonderful fusion of French colonial and Laotian styles, the city is probably one of the most genteel anywhere in South East Asia and there will be time to admire the architecture today, along with the Wats and monasteries for which the city is famed. A visit to the Royal Palace Museum also provides an enlightening overview of the town and its local history. (B) DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG A morning cooking class offers a chance to visit the local market with an expert chef, who will then teach you how to turn those ingredients into a delicious lunch. Driving out of the town this afternoon, you will then visit some of the local ethnic villages, before continuing on to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall. A visit to a rescue centre next to the falls provides information on the vital work being done to protect and rehabilitate the rare Asiatic Black Bear, before returning to Luang Prabang in time for a guided sunset tour of the temple of Wat Phabath Tai. (B) DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG - PAKSE - CHAMPASAK An early morning flight south takes you to Pakse, at the confluence of the Mekong and Don Rivers. From here you'll continue on to Champasak, gateway to the fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex that dates back to the 5th Century. A centre of Theravada Buddhist worship, these dramatically sited 11th-13th century ruins are one of the highlights of any trip to Laos. This afternoon you will then take a boat across to the island of Don Daeng, where the rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy at your leisure. (B)
DAY 9: CHAMPASAK Boarding a local private boat this morning, you'll take a tour through some of the spectacular 4000 Islands of the breathtaking Si Pan Don Archipelago. A stunning riverine setting, this spectacular landscape presents Laos at its most serene and lunchtime will see you arriving on the picturesque island of Don Khone. This afternoon you will have a chance to explore the island by bicycle, retracing the route of the old abandoned colonial railway and taking in the old French buildings and the captivating cascades of the Li Phi Falls. You'll return to Don Daeng by boat early this evening. (B) DAY 10: CHAMPASAK A free day to relax by the pool, or hire bicycles to further explore the island and its enchanting little villages. (B) DAY 11: CHAMPASAK - PAKSE You will have a short drive to back to Pakse today, arriving in time for your onward flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION CHAMPASAK LA FOLIE LODGE La Folie Lodge is set on the banks of the Mekong River on tiny Dong Daeng Island, a short 15 minute boat ride from the riverside town of Champasak. This ecolodge is one of our favourites in Southern Laos with an idyllic peaceful location, facing the ruined Khmer temples of Wat Phou, and perched on a secluded beach. Housed within 12 wooden bungalows, the 24 en-suite guestrooms have a traditional Lao design yet offer all the comforts you need, together with a balcony ideally situated for you to watch the sunset over the Mekong and mountains beyond. There is also a private villa which has two bedrooms and is ideal for a family group looking for extra privacy. The poolside restaurant offers both Asian and continental cuisine and likewise, the bar offers a great service. There are no vehicles on this sleepy island which is best explored by bicycle. This wonderful hotel makes a perfect base for enjoying the laidback charms of Southern Laos and enjoy the hospitality for which is famed. LUANG PRABANG SATRI HOUSE Satri House is a authentic boutique hotel set in the heart of the bustling town of Luang Prabang. Built as a residence for a branch of the Lao royal family in the late 1900s, it has been immaculatey refurbished by Lamphoune, the creator of Satri House, who has made it what it is today, intimate and homely yet striking and grand all at once. The 28 rooms and three suites are superbly furnished with crafted wood furniture, oversized balconies, and wonderful bath rooms. There is also a wonderful restaurant, garden bar, library together with spacious outdoor swimming pool and spa. The attention to details in the masterful design is second to none. This is a glorious tribute to a bygone era. MUANG LA
MUANG LA RESORT Muang La Resort is a beautiful boutique hotel set the banks of the Nam Pak River in Oudomxai province, northern Laos. There are 10 guestrooms, housed in four traditional villas, each decorated in authentic Lao style with an en-suite bathroom and private balcony. Inspired by the local architecture, the villas are built using local wood treated with lightly scented oils. The white-washed walls, polished wooden floors and the furniture, all made by local craftsmen from Oudomxai, provide a hallmark of originality to the whole lodge. The pieces of Lao art, paintings and sculptures, the design and colours of the fabrics are all locally created and produced, giving each room its own unique identity. The names of the rooms correspond to traditional ethnic groups, as a tribute to hill tribes for which the region is famed. There is a hot spring on the grounds as well as a small spa offering a range of beauty treatments. The restaurant overlooks the river from a raised deck and serves delicious Lao cuisine and also offers cookery courses. Excursions are broad and varied and guided walks, trekking, cave trips, village visits, 4x4 adventure drives, cycling tours and boat trips can all be enjoyed in the surrounding area. The mountains around Muang La are spectacularly beautiful and the region does not get many foreign tourists so remains relatively unexplored. Attention to detail, beautiful décor and a spectacular setting make this property one of our favourites in Laos. NONG KHIAW NONG KHIAW RIVERSIDE RESORT This rustic eco-lodge has a fabulous setting on the banks of the river surrounded by forests and mountains in the heart of rural Northern Laos. 15 simple bungalows are crafted of wood and rattan and stilted on the rivers edge. Each is furnished in a traditional style with a private river-facing balcony and large ensuite bathroom. Mountain biking and trekking are great ways to explore the surrounding area as well as boat trips to enjoy the spectacular scenery. VIENTIANE ANSARA HOTEL This intimate boutique hotel is superbly located on a quiet lane right in the centre of Vientiane, and is an excellent choice for the discerning traveller wanting high quality personalised service in a comfortable environment. Consisting of 12 tasteful rooms and 2 suites, the property is elegantly decorated with a subtle blend of Laos and Asian design. Rooms feature luxurious hand-woven silk furnishings, rosewood parquet flooring, wood and rattan furnishings, and striking black and white photographs depicting Laos fascinating culture and spectacular landscape. Facilities include private bathroom, private balcony, 24 hour reception, Laptop computer for complimentary use in room and WIFI and 3 sophisticated dining options. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com