Dive into the secluded mountain jungles and emerge from shrines hidden in ancient caves during your ultimate Laos tour customized to your spirit of adventure, thirst for culture, and love of wildlife. Ascend into the trees for an unforgettable visit with gibbons, and then scour the Mekong River to view passing Irrawaddy dolphins. Venture into the hills to meet ethnic minority tribes, and then bond with elephants before riding down to the river for a memorable bath. From opulent temple mosaics...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Chiang Rai – Arrive in Thailand’s Northern City near the Golden Triangle
Emerald trees and rice fields frame the charming city of Chiang Rai. The countryside leads to the rushing waters of the Mekong River where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos converge, which is known as the Golden Triangle. The lush, broken hills roll into the distance from all sides, hiding Buddhist temples and secluded villages. The city was founded in the 13th century and continues to charm visitors along the banks of the Kok River. Your flight will land at Chiang Rai Airport, where your private transfer will greet you upon your arrival.
The city has a relaxed ambiance that emanates from the drifting long-tail boats on the water, the sporadic temple stupas shaded by the trees, and the aroma of fresh noodles cooked in peanut sauce. Take a moment to settle into the comforts of your gorgeous accommodation with views of the jungle-clad mountains and a vibrant exotic garden. Venture out into the city to visit Phra Singh Temple, which was originally erected in the 14th century. The edifice remains the oldest surviving example of typical northern Thai architecture demonstrated in the low sweeping roofs. Continue to enjoy life along the riverside promenade in the burgeoning Night Market.
What's Included:
Day 2
Huay Xai – Cross into Laos at Huay Xai to Reach the Gibbon Experience
Day 3
Huay Xai– Relish a Zip Line Journey in the Treetops on a Full Day Tour
Day 4
Muang La – Travel to the Beautiful and Remote Town of Muang La
Day 5
Muang La – Enjoy a Day of Exploration to View Landscapes and Villages
Day 6
Luang Prabang – Travel along the River Ou to Find Caves and Villages
Day 7
Luang Prabang – Partake in Alms Giving and a Full Day City Tour
Day 8
Luang Prabang – Delight in an Elephant Trek and Day at your Leisure
Day 9
Champasak – Fly to Pakse and Discover the Ancient Temple of Wat Phou
Day 10
Champasak – Cruise the 4,000 Islands and Search for Irrawaddy Dolphins
Day 11
Vientiane – Travel to the Capital City of Vientiane for a Half-Day Tour
Day 12
Vientiane – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy an adventurous experience as you stay in a luxury tree-house in the Bokeo forest as the gibbons glide through the jungle nearby
- Relish a private cruise on the Mekong River to see the 4,000 gorgeous islands and glimpse Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat
- Relax with a soothing spa treatment at a luxury resort located in a secluded village in northern Laos
- Visit with ethnic communities to learn about their distinctive histories, cultures, and traditions
- Participate in the tradition of giving alms in Luang Prabang during a morning procession as the monks walk single-file through the city
- Meet with rehabilitated Asiatic elephants and delight in a ride to the local river to help them bathe
- Enter Pak Ou Caves to view thousands of Buddha icons and a shrine more than 2,000 years old
- Discover the remarkable 10th-century temple of Wat Phou built under the reign of the Khmer Empire over a terraced hillside
Detailed Description
During your ultimate 12-day tour of Laos, you will explore the secluded north, traverse the islands of the south, and enjoy the spiritual calm of a former Imperial city to find vibrant culture, exotic flora, and endangered fauna. Your adventure will begin with your arrival in Chiang Rai, Thailand as your private transfer will greet you at the airport upon your arrival and escort you to your luxurious hotel. Settle in a bit, and then head out on a private introductory tour of the city to see the traditional and untraditional temples before visiting the celebrated night market.
Your private transfer will collect you at the hotel the next morning and escort you over the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge to cross into the border town of Huay Xai. Enjoy a brief exploration of the town at the edge of the Mekong River before continuing into the untouched jungle terrain. Enjoy a small trek and zip lining experience to reach your treetop accommodation connected to the Gibbon Experience. The next day, you can spend a full day trekking and zip lining around Ham Na National Protected Area. Search for gibbons and birds in the trees and enjoy the blend of thrills and relaxation. The following day, return to the forest floor with a private transfer to the secluded village of Muang La.
Settle into the comforts of your riverside resort and relax with a soothing spa treatment fed by the natural thermal spring. Wake the next morning and take to the hills with your guide to visit a collection of villages to learn about the histories, traditions, and customs and separate those of the villages from the surrounding countries. Your private transfer will then greet you at your resort the next day and lead you along a scenic road to reach the Pak Ou Caves. Find thousands of Buddha statues and an ancient shrine located inside the caverns before reaching Luang Prabang. Take time to climb Mount Phousi in the evening or stroll through the riverside night market at your leisure.
Rise early the next morning to partake in the alms giving ritual known as Tak Bat. After breakfast, move on to continue your in-depth cultural tour of Luang Prabang as you visit 33 temples before venturing to the shores of the lagoon that are fed by Kuang Si Falls. Meet a family of elephants the next day at Elephant Village, a sanctuary developed to rehabilitate and protect Laotian elephants. Relish a ride on the elephant to the river to partake in a daily bath. After returning to Luang Prabang, you can relax with the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Fly the next morning from Luang Prabang to Pakse in the south. Your private transfer will greet you upon your arrival and take you to the terraced temple of Wat Phou. Enjoy a private tour of the elaborate Angkor-era complex before settling in the town of Champasak for the evening. The next day, you will board a long-tail boat for a private cruise on the Mekong. Stop on selected shores of the 4,000 Islands and keep an eye out for the rare Irrawaddy dolphins before returning to Champasak. Fly next to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. After checking into your luxurious hotel, you will have a half-day tour of the charming capital streets to find monuments, temples, and French colonial era cafes. Conclude as your private transfer will escort you to Wattay International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$7,795 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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