"The Ultimate Laos Adventure Tour"

14 or 19 days in Laos

Your discovery adventure tour in Laos

with small international groups

 

Welcome to Laos, the warm heart of Asia and a country that offers infinite beauty for the soulful adventurer. Delve into the world of the Laotian way of life, which offers peace and openness so often missing in our hectic lives.

 

This tour combines activities like caving, kayaking, elephant trips and mountain biking with stunning forays into the hinterland, which reveal breathtaking nature and the life of the mountain people. The high point of our Asian discovery programs, this trip is best experienced in summer and during autumn, but offers much at any time of year. Explore a country of indescribable natural beauty. Open up to the charm, the history and the gods of this strange world. Join us on a unique soft adventure in LAOS!

 

Our Laos Highlights:

• Historic colonial city
• Unspoiled rivers and countryside
• Caves in different locations
• Breathtaking vistas
• River rafting / camping in the jungle
• Trekking into the mountain communities of the Hmong und Khmu people
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking
• Elephant safari
• Stunning waterfalls
• Cultural city of Luang Phabang and its temples
• Monasteries
• The majestic Mekong River and the Cave of the Thousand Buddhas

 

OUR TRAVEL ITINERARY

Day 0. Flight to Asia

or to Laos and connect to Vientiane
(see our "how to get there" section. Please organise your own travel arrangements and flights to get here. Flights from Bangkok are available every day. Night trains from Bangkok connect to Laos as well.

1. Arrival in Vientiane - (Day 1 mentioned in our travel dates)

You may arrive at any time of the day at our meeting point and hotel. After settling into accommodations in the centre of Vientiane, we spend the afternoon exploring its magnificent colonial buildings, taking in its provincial flair. In the evening, those who are up for it can check out the nightlife...or try the local beer “Lao” … welcome dinner (-/D)

 

2. Monasteries, Colonial Heritage, night life

Today we have time to become more familiar with the city and its sights such as the renovated, active monasteries (Sri Saket, Haw Pha Kaew) and, most importantly, the national monument "Pra Thrat Luang" with its famed golden paint.   In the small monasteries of the city, we’ll meet the friendly young monks in their saffron robes, who gladly show us their homes and describe their lives of devotion… (B/-)

 

3. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng

After breakfast, we drive north to the small city of Vang Vieng (approx. 160 km), which is tucked in among rocky cliffs and a small river and has retained its unique charm. In the afternoon, we explore a nearby cave and subsequently enjoy the sunset and silence at the river. Here we stay in a small guesthouse near the river. (B/-)

 

4. Hiking, Caving and Kayaking

This adventure daytrip brings us to hidden caves and the surrounding villages. We become part of this unbelievable landscape of rock, jungle and rivers. In the afternoon, we paddle by kayak back to Vang Vieng. The area offers other options as well, such as extensive hikes, further cave exploration and enjoyment of the expansive landscape . (B/L)

 

5. Vang Vieng and a Cave Expedition in the Highlands

We now travel deeper into the mountains and the green hinterland. Slowly the road winds along the slopes, over mountain passes and through small villages. In the afternoon, we reach a recently discovered cave. With adventurous spirit and our equipment, we rise into the dark and cool to investigate the wealth of this hidden place.
We spend the night in a small lodge. (B/L/D)

 

6. The Adventure Takes its course…Rafting or Kayaking on the Nam Ming River

After breakfast, we head out by minibus for our river adventure –(approx. 1.5 hrs). With our rafts or kayaks, we embark onto the Nam Ming and paddle by the tides of the river through the wildly enchanting landscape. Equipped with sturdy rafts, life jackets, helmets and our guides, we head into a genuine adventure among rivers, forests, mountain ranges and villages. We spend the night in tents and share a campfire on the beach along the river.   During this river trip, each participant must carry limited luggage. The large luggage is transported to Luang Prabang where we will arrive on Day 11. (B/L/D)

 

7. Trekking Day 1:
Highlands of Laos – Local People - Jungle  and mountains

We continue on foot, and our challenging multi-day trek takes us through the hinterland of Laos , which is difficult to reach. Our guides lead us from village to village, and we have an opportunity to observe the true, original life of the local people. We will have home-stays with the villagers and bed down with mosquito nets

 

8. Trekking Day 2: - Highlands of Laos – Local Peoples - Jungle

We migrate further into the remote and sparsely populated areas of the hinterland. Wilderness and agriculture co-mingle in this ancient homeland of the mountain people.   Here, we meet the Hmong and the Khmu, who make their living by crop rotation and raising small farm animals. Over wildly overgrown mountains, we make our way towards the Nam Khan, which we will soon travel. Overnight in village (B/L/D)

9. short trekking - Highlands of Laos – Jungle Resort, Elephant Camp

Our last trekking day brings us down into the neighboring plains. At midday, we arrive at a beautiful resort. Here we rediscover all the amenities of civilization along a lovely river near beautiful bungalows.   The first thing you may wish to do is to take a shower- or you can choose a bath with our giant neighbors, the elephants!   The resort boasts a great restaurant.   We spend the night here in this beautifully landscaped oasis. Overnight in Lodge or Resort (B/L)

 

10. Elephant Tour - Waterfall - Kayak – Cultural Capital Luang Prabang

On the last day of our intensive adventure, we share an unforgettable experience.   A morning bath with elephants, the elephant ride near the Tad Sea Waterfalls on our thick-skinned friends, a refreshing bath in the waterfall and our subsequent arrival at the cultural capital of Luang Prabang are the icing on the cake of this unique program!   In the evening, time remains for exploring this stunning and idyllic city. Hotel overnight accommodations are included. (B/L)

11. Luang Prabang Tour of the City, Temples , Monasteries and the Majestic Mekong River

There is much to see in today's itinerary, and we will accomplish as much as we can. Our focus is the history and beauty of the city. The old partially renovated colonial buildings and over 20 monasteries in the city are alone worth a whole day. In addition, the monastery mountain Phou Si, with its grand view of the city, offers another high point of full discoveries and experiences. We can converse with monks on the steps of the monasteries, and later stop in at one of the delicious roadside restaurants. (B/-)

 

12. Relaxing in Luang Prabang

Following such an active schedule, we take a day to catch a breath, which is close to the souls of the Laotian people. With our private cars we head out for a relaxing day out at the cascades of the Kuang Si waterfalls. Hang out, enjoy the splashing waters and natural pools. Pick-nick lunch will be served at the waterfalls. (B/L)

 

13. Additional Day in Luang Prabang, Mekong River and Pak Ou Cave

Today, you wrap up this shorter version of our trip, but there is still time for a bit more adventure.   You journey by boat upriver to the Pak Ou Cave, also called the Cave of the Thousand Buddhas, since here innumerable Buddha statues overlook the Mekong from within the cave. In the afternoon, you head back to Luang Prabang for some free time.

14. Departure from Laos

Soon after breakfast, you can ba brought out to the airport to catch your flight or bus for onward travel. Please arrange your travels before going on tour!
We can book flights for you.

 

 

EXTENSION (min. 2 persons)

for the 19 day Adventure Tour

 

14.* Travel to the North

After breakfast, we leave the city northbound by minibus toward Oudom Xay.   A little further along, we stay overnight in the small Muang La where we can relax at the hot springs . Overnight accommodations are in a guesthouse. (B/L)

15. * Mountain Biking – with Support Vehicle With our mountain bikes, we ride through a rural area to Mouang Kua (asphalt road, approx. 60 km). Here we enjoy the life along the roadside and the small places that we happen by.   When you tire of biking, you can ride further with our support vehicle. Overnight accommodations are in a guesthouse. (B/-)

16. * Nam Ou river explorer and village visits
Today the Nam Ou awaits, which is one of the most beautiful rivers in the region. We journey slowly downstream. Here, where there are no roads, life feels completely different from that to which we are accustomed! And we want to share in this peace and tranquility. We arrive in Moung Ngoi where we find our night’s accommodations in one of the small guesthouses. (B/L/D)

17. Moung Ngoi Trekking and Caving
In Moung Ngoi, we interrupt our boat journey for the neighboring caves and the villages of the lowland Laotian people (Lao Lum). A light hike brings us away from the river to the surrounding, rustic villages. We will stay overnight so that we can experience their way of life close up. This area was heavily bombarded during the Viet Nam war and today one can still see the locals use the old bombshells to plant vegetables. This is journey into history. (B/L/D)

18. Trekking - Kayaking to Nong Khiaw
We rise with the roosters and, after breakfast, make our way back to the river. We continue our journey south by raft, heading slowly downstream (depending upon the water level), passing hillsides covered with enormous bamboo plants. The area’s special charm is its isolation and remoteness.   Past small settlements and rapids, we return in the afternoon to a developed area with roads. We arrive in Nong Khiaw where we will stay overnight in a comfortable guest house. You can explore the area a little by foot. (B/L)

19. Return to Luang Prabang After breakfast, we return to Luang Prabang.   On our final evening together, we have the opportunity to share the impressions of our journey. (B/-)

 

See more pictures

Included:

• Double occupancy accommodations in clean hotels and guesthouses, as well as home stays or jungle camp during trekking
• Breakfast in the hotels
Full meals on the tours legend:   B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
• Transportation in accordance with program
in minibuses, tuk-tuks or boats, rafts, kayaks, bicycles
• All program activities, which includes: City tours, Hiking, Cave exploration, Rafting or Kayaking and multi-day treks from Luang Prabang Elephant trip
• English speaking Guides and European management in Luang Prabang
• Additional personnel for activities, such as carriers and aides
• Luggage transfer on Day 6

 

Not Included:

• Anything not specified above
• Travel to/from Laos (no flights included) Local and international airport taxes
• Visa and entry fees for Laos   (Visa should be secured in advance – see appendix for more information)
• Personal local expenses, additional food and beverage
• Travel insurance and medical insurance
• Tips'

Other Expenses
We recommend about 10,- to 15,- US$ per person per day for personal expenses. Typically, this is enough because most costs are included.

Food on the Treks
Depending upon the local cuisine, we offer rice and noodle dishes, with meat, fish, vegetables and plenty of fruit.   We always carry water bottles. Our cooks prepare the meals in cooperation with the participants and may welcome assistance.   On short hikes, lunch packs are carried.

 

Don’t Forget!
- Passport and all applicable travel documents,
- emergency contact information, cash or traveler’s    cheques
- Insurance information and phone numbers
- Durable travel rucksack: 50-60 liter with weight max. 15 Kilo
! (no hardshell suitcases and rollies please!!)
- Backpack for use during daily activities (15-20 liters)
- Hidden all-weather money belt
- Toiletry bag with necessities
- Flashlight and hands-free head light
- Light Sleeping bag (for overnight in villages and outside)
- Good shoes and sandals, which should be broken in
- Sunscreen and sunhat
- Clothing: long-sleeve/leg, lightweight, light-colored and a set of short-sleeve/leg
- Swim gear and towels
- Bring some snacks (muesli bars) for rough trekking days
- Outfit for leisure evening outings
- Necessary medications and supplies
- Rain protection especially during Mai-October tours!

 

min. 2 persons - max. 8 persons on tour

 

-- please note --
that changes in time and itinerary may appear at any time according to unforeseen conditions. The Tad Sae waterfall is dry during the period of February and August!
Trekking routes may change and river conditions depend on the season!

 

Single room surcharge if you want your own room: 225,- US$ p.p.