Journey through Laos - Overland Trip
2 weeks: Bangkok to Bangkok (IMT-SAJL08)
Intro
What a list of highlights! Visit the contrasting cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai; take a boat along the Mekong to the laid back town of Luang Prabang; explore Vientiane - the sleepiest of capital cities that has only a few paved roads and rush hour is when the kids get out of school, and take to the streets on their bikes, and go inner-tubing or cycling to local holy caves in Vang Vieng. The perfect tour!Group Size
Max 18Activities
Optional cycling in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, optional innertubing in Vang Vieng, extensive walking in towns or at sitesAccommodation
11 nights simple hotels, 1 night village homestay, 2 nights sleeper trainsTransport
Local bus, overnight train, Mekong river boat, tuk tuk, songthaew (pick-up truck)Fully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leaderMeals
Some breakfasts included. Allow approx $8 per day for other mealsItineraries
Day 1, BANGKOKArrive and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2, BANGKOKFree day to explore. Overnight train to Nong Khai. (B)
Day 3, VIENTIANEToday we arrive at the 'Friendship Bridge' and our first glimpse of the mighty Mekong. We cross into the mysterious jungle republic of Laos and proceed to Vientiane, possibly the sleepiest capital city in the world.
Day 4, VANG VIENGTransfer by public bus to the peaceful riverside village of Vang Vieng. (B)
Day 5, PLAIN OF JARSDrive to the ancient and mysterious Plain of Jars. Nobody knows the exact origin or use of these amazing artefacts, some as large as 6 tonnes.
Day 6, PLAIN OF JARSToday you have a whole day to explore the Plain of Jars.
Day 7, LUANG PRABANGContinue by road to Luang Prabang, one of the most lovely towns in South East Asia.
Day 8, LUANG PRABANGA full free day to explore this wonderful centre of religion and royalty of old Laos. Hire a bike or wander the leafy streets, stopping at golden temples to chat with the monks.
Day 9, HOMESTAYWe take a beautiful boat trip up the Nam Khan River and stay with one of the hilltribe minorities of northern Laos.
Day 10, PAKBENGTravel by local bus/truck through jungle clad mountains. We spend the night in a simple guesthouse in Pakbeng.
Day 11, HOUAY XAIStart our journey up the meandering Mekong, travelling by public boat and passing through thick jungle with abundant bird life. We transfer to our guesthouse in Houay Xai.
Day 12, HOUAY XAIFree day with an optional trip to a Laten tribal village, a tribe that originally travelled from Tibet to settle in Laos centuries ago.
Day 13, CHIANG MAIToday we cross the Mekong and take either a songthaew (pick-up truck) or minivan to ThailandÂ’s northern capital Chiang Mai. Transfer to railway station for the overnight train to Bangkok.
Day 14, BANGKOKArrive and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Day 15, BANGKOKTour ends after breakfast. (B)
Last updated: 8th June 2008
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