CODE LART030E

Travel with Locals VALIDITY Oct 20 – Sep 21 15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS TYPE PRI / SIC

START Daily

LUANG PRBANG - NONG KHIAW - - VANG VIENG - NGA NGUM LAKE - VIENTIANE

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I. ITINERARY

DAY 1 LUANG PRABANG Greetings on arrival at the airport then transfer to your hotel. Orientation walk around the old quarter of Luang Prabang. () Private transfer with guide Overnight in Luang Prabang DAY 2 LUANG PRABANG After breakfast, we’ll take a transfer by local bicycle to visit the Xieng Thong. This 15th century wat is the most important in Luang Prabang and one of the most important in the entire country. Until the revolution of 1975, Wat Xieng Thong was a royal temple, supported by the royal family. During the 1960s, Wat Xieng Thong was completely remodeled and redecorated, becoming the splendid temple we see today. Walking along street you can admire the beautiful architectural style of Luang Pranbang.

The next stop will be at Big Brother Mouse, were you will be welcome to participate at an English Practice Class start at 9:00am, were young student are eager to learn English.

Here some Tips : http://www.bigbrothermouse.com/englishpractice.html For those that are not feeling to speak English but like be involve in the project see more information how as follow http://www.bigbrothermouse.com/volunteer.html

We’ll then keep on to visiting Wat Xieng Mouan and passing by Huan Chan where you can see some local handicraft.

After lunch we’ll visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre home to a rotating display of informative and engaging exhibitions, offering a rare and fascinating insight into the diversity and richness of ’ ethnic cultures. Our exhibits feature objects from our museum collection, such as traditional handmade clothing and textiles, jewellery, handicraft and household tools, reconstructions of domestic scenes, as well as ritual and religious artefacts. A distinctive characteristic of TAEC’s exhibits are its linkages to local ethnic communities – displays feature quotes, photos and videos from our living resource persons. Back on our bike we will cycle to the handicraft village of Ban Xang Khong, here you see in nearly all the house some weaving activities; you can also enjoy the fabrication of the Sa Paper made of bark wood.

Back in Luang Prabang climb Phu Si Mountain to enjoy the view overlooking the city and take in the amazing view the Nam Kan River joining the . We’ll end or day by a visit of the night market.

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(B) Cycling tour with Guide Overnight in Luang Prabang DAY 3 LUANG PRABANG Optional Tours *) Cooking Class *) Ban Chan Pottery village explorer *) Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfall *) Excursion to Pak Ou (B) No transfer No Guide Overnight in Luang Prabang DAY 4 LUANG PRABANG – NONG KHIAW This morning we will transfer north to Nong Khiaw 3 to 4 hours drive along the Nam Ou river and through the northern region of Laos. Arrival Nong Khiaw, where you will check in at your hotel, located on the shores of the Nam Ou River. Afternoon easy walk to Pha Tok cave to learn about history of the Indochina war or chose on hike to up the hill to enjoy a scenic view of the valley. (B) Transfer with local bus & guide Overnight in Nong Khiaw

DAY 5 NONG KHIAW – NAM OU RIVER We will cruise north along the Nam Ou River which has carved its way through some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes of Laos. During this journey we will stop at Muang Ngoi, where we will start an easy walk passing Tham Kaang Cave, a former shelter for local villagers during Indochina war. Passing rice paddies in karst landscape, we will reach Ban Na village before get back to Muang Ngoy and our boat. If time permit you can enjoy a swim on the river or try yourself at the hawk fishing before head back to Nong Khiaw for overnight (B) Private boat & guide Overnight in Nong Khiaw

DAY 6 NONG KHIAW – LUANG PRABANG Easy morning before transfer back to Luang Prabang. (B) Transfer with local bus & guide Overnight in Luang Prabang DAY 7 – 8 LUANG PRABANG Leisure days or optional tours.

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(B) No transfer No guide Overnight in Luang Prabang DAY 9 LUANG PRABANG – VANG VIENG Leaving Luang Prabang, you will drive up into the amazing mountains of central Lao PDR. You will end our journey at the small city of Vang Vieng, tucked in amongst giant limestone cliffs. This is an area of immense natural beauty, with the small Nan Song River passing through the shadows of the dramatic mountains. Transfer from 4 to 7 hours depending on the season and road condition (B) Transfer with local bus / NO guide Overnight in Vang Vieng DAY 10 VANG VIENG – CHOSE YOUR ADVENTURE 1) This one day tour combines all the activities that Vang Vieng is famous for: kayaking on the Nam Song River surrounded by rugged karsts and beautiful rural scenery and exploring limestone caves. Your will have plenty of opportunities to swim in pools of fresh spring water. Approximately: 15minutes transfer, 4.5 hours (wet season) 3.5hours (dry season) kayaking, 1.5 hour caving/walking, 1 hour lunch stop.

2) Feel like exploring the most unusual caves in the area and mountain biking across rice fields and wading through rivers amidst mountainous limestone scenery. The villages passed on the way are over- towered by up to 1400 m high karst peaks. Approximately: 4 hours cycling, 1.5 hours caving/walking

(B) Join in tour with guide Overnight in Vang Vieng DAY 11 VANG VIENG – NAM NGUM LAKE Leaving Vang Vieng around 9:00 am you will take 40 min ride to reach Nam Ngum Lake and Sanctuary beach Resort. (B) Transfer with local bus No guide Overnight in Nam Ngum DAY 12 NAM NGUM LAKE Relaxing day at Sanctuary Beach resort, with optional activities (Kayaking, Boat Tour, Jet sky, easy walk …).

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(B) No Transfer – No Guide Overnight in Nam Ngum DAY 13 NAM NGUM LAKE - VIENTIANE Today your will drive south to Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos, situated along the Mekong river. Vientiane became the capital in 1563 due to fears of a Burmese invasion. During French rule, Vientiane was the administrative capital and due to economic growth in recent times, it has become the economic center of Laos. (B) Transfer with local bus – No Guide Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 14 VIENTIANE During this guiding tour we will explore the capital of Laos, visiting touristic sites, local market, with stop for food and drinks. Pickup from your hotel by local TukTuk, we’ll take a short ride to Phatuxay monument (Victory Gate) where we’ll start walking down Lane Xang Avenue. We then visit the Talat Sao (Morning Market), where you can find an abundance of locally made handicrafts as local food. It’s time to try a selection of local snack made by your guide. Our next stop at COPE center (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise), will give a unique insight into some of the history of Laos during the Indochina war. 500 meter from here the Wat Si Muang is famous for bringing good luck and wealth. The next temple will be Wat Sisaket, which was built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, rather than the Lao style, and thus has a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof. We will now make photo stop in front of the Presidential Palace originally built for the French colonial governor and has also serve as residence of the royal family to reach Anouvong Park prefect place to taste a “Lao Coffee” or fresh fruit shake. Passing in front of “Le Banneton” enjoy a fresh croissant remain of French colonial influence. Arriving along Setthathirath, we have a series of temple with first Wat Mixay, then Vat Ong Teu known as an educational institute that provides widespread teaching of the Theravada Buddhism, following with Wat Haysoke. The tour will end reaching the bank of Mekong, were you will get a Tuk Tuk transfer back to your hotel. Walking distance around 5km duration 3 to 4 hours (B) Half Day Walking Tour with guide Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 15 VIENTIANE Free Leisure before transfer to the airport for departure (B) Private Transfer / NO Guide

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— END OF SERVICES — II. RATES TOUR PRICE OCTOBER 2020 — SEPTEMBER 2021

PAX Basic Standard

1 pax in SGL 1,402 1,719

2 pax 766 933

3-4 pax 687 854

5 pax up 636 803

Sup SGL 387 537

Rates mentioned above are based on sharing Twin or Double and per person. Please add Single Supplement for any odd number of pax or pax requesting SGL rooms ACCOMMODATION CITY Basic Standard

Luang Prabang Davita Boutique Sanctuary Deluxe Standard

Nong Khiaw Phaxang Resort Nong Khiaw Riverside Bungalow Bungalow

Vang Vieng Elephant Crossing Saksiri Standard Deluxe

Nam Ngum Sanctuary Sanctuary Superior Superior

Vientiane Manorom Grand Hotel Vientiane Standard Deluxe

Accommodation in hotels is subject to availability. If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be booked within the same hotel category without surcharge/reduction. If no hotel in same category available, we preserve the right to apply a surcharge for any higher category or a reduction for any lower category. All hotel ratings are according to the local accreditation authority. Compulsory surcharges and meal options apply during peak holiday period such as Christmas, May 1st, New Years and Chinese New Year. These will be advised at the time of booking or at any time should the hotel apply on an ad hoc basis.

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SERVICES INCLUDED SERVICES EXCLUDED SERVICES All described sightseeing as in program above International air tickets Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle Flights & visa fees Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast Travel Insurance in all kinds English-speaking local guides Meals not mentioned in itinerary Admission fees to indicated sights Compulsory Meals Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, Drinks during Meals D=dinner) Tip, drinks, any personal expenses Domestic gov’t tax and service charge Early check-in and late check-out

PCM: Laos_Travel with locals_15D_BAS_2020-21 Laos_Travel with locals_15D_STD_2020-21

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