ECO FRIENDLY EXPEDITION OF LAOS 6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS

This tailor-made trip will show you not only the breathtaking highlights of two of the fascinating country’s must-see destinations, but also give you a mesmerizing look at the ways the country is attempting to control its development with care and consideration for the environment and indigenous hill tribes.
You will visit the iconic temples in both Vientiane (such as Wat Si Saket, Haw Phra Kaew, Wat Simuang and That Luang) and Luang Prabang, where you will take to the temples of Wat Mai and Wat Sensoukarahm on a guided electric bike tour.

You’ll also visit spectacular sites of natural beauty such as the spellbinding Kuang Si Waterfalls, and go on an intrepid orchid trek through the remarkable Phou Khao Kway National Park led by local villagers, spotting countless wildlife and spectacular flora along the way, stopping for a serene picnic before ending the trek at the magical Tad Xay Waterfalls.

The chance to climb the 328 stairs to the crest of the majestic Mount Phousi will also be offered, from which you’ll be able watch a spectacular sunset over the picturesque Luang Prabang.

After descending the 150-meter-high mount in the twilight you will make a stop at a hill tribe evening market where you can shop for unique hand-made craft products and fabrics.

The ‘Eco-Friendly Expedition of Laos’ tour gives you a glimpse into both the past and future of this developing Southeast Asian nation, allowing you the chance to understand the wonderful smiling people and pace of life in laid-back Laos.

TRIP IN BRIEF:
Tour type: private tour - can be customized
Trip Duration: 06 days 05 nights

Tour Route:VienTiane-  Kuang Si Waterfalls-Luang Prabang
Tour Operates: Year Round/ Upon Request
Start: Vientiane                   Finish: Luang prabang

Tour Itinerary: ECO-FRIENDLY EXPEDITION OF LAOS

Day 1: VIENTIANE (D)

Welcome to Vientiane! The laid-back capital of Laos is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and tranquil demeanor and is without doubt one of the quietest capital cities in Asia. The name Vientiane literally translates to ‘city of sandal wood’ and is built around the Mekong River, close to the Thailand / Laos border.

Upon arrival in the city you will be met by your Backyard Travel guide who will escort you effortlessly to your hotel where you will have the chance to freshen up before heading out for a half-day tour to uncover the wonders of this peaceful city.

Your tour will begin at Wat Si Saket, one of the most spectacular temples in Vientiane and said to be the last remaining temple after an invasion by the Thai army (then Siam) in 1828. The impressive structure features a wall that holds more than 2,000 ceramic Buddha effigies. You’ll then pay visit to the nearby Haw Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) which is a former temple that now houses an interesting museum and see the Presidential Palace, which served as the governor’s residence during French rule.

Your next stop will be at Wat Simuang, possibly the most popular temple in Vientiane, located near the eastern entrance to the capital city. Within the temple grounds is an Angkorian-era pillar and legend has it that anyone who circles the column three times will be granted any wish. Next you will visit COPE, an association that works to help landmine victims from unexploded ordinances left over from the Vietnam War with the USA.

Your local Backyard Travel guide will then escort you to the most important national symbol of Laos - That Luang, a gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the center of the city which was commissioned by King Setthethirat in the 1th century. Sadly not the original, the latest incarnation of the temple was reconstructed in the 1930s after numerous invasions and plundering’s.

Finally you will visit Patuxai, which literally translates to ‘Victory Gate’, a war monument in the center of Vientiane, built between 1957 and 1968. The large gateway was built in memory of Laotian soldiers who lost their lives during World War II and the war of independence from France in 1949.

In the evening you will take dinner at Makphet restaurant where you can try modern Lao cuisine. Makphet is an award-winning restaurant run by Peuan Mit, an organization founded by Friends-International which helps local families by selling their products in a small gift shop attached to the restaurant and trains homeless children how to cook and wait tables.
Overnight in Vientiane
Meals included on this day: Dinner

Day 2: VIENTIANE (B/L)

Your guide will collect you from your hotel after you’ve had time to enjoy your breakfast and escort you on an orchid trek in Phou Khao Kway National Park - an area 90-minutes’ drive outside Vientiane. The trek aims to promote environmental awareness as well as encourage orchid preservation and conservation. Please note: appropriate footwear should be worn for today’s trek.

The Phou Khao Kway National Park is filled with waterfalls and lush vegetation including over 50% of the wild orchid species of Laos and a diverse range of animals including wild elephants. The trek you will take will be led by an orchid expert and a local from the Ban Hatkhai Village.

Guides are provided from the local village by an initiative which helps increase their income and thus way of life. Money from each tour will go directly to the villagers and a development fund, as well as helping maintain the forest and walking trails – a good example of sustainable tourism in the region.

Your walk will begin from Pha Xay which offers a beautiful view of the waterfalls. You’ll then trek through the lush forests and immerse yourself completely in the park’s spectacular natural beauty, spotting wild animals foraging for food and unusual, distinctive flora along the way. Led by your expert Backyard Travel guide and experienced villager, you’ll visit the best spots to see the wild orchids.

At lunchtime you will find the ideal place for a serene scenic picnic, allowing you the chance to rest and relax in an area of perfect tranquility, surrounded by beautiful nature.

Refueled and recharged you’ll then resume your walk to Tad Xay Waterfall, a picture-perfect scene of a seven-tiered waterfall with pools to bathe or swim before finishing off your inspirational scenic trek.

You will return to Vientiane in the late afternoon and will have the evening free to spend at your leisure. Be sure to ask your Backyard Travel guide for advice on any local bar, restaurant or evening activities.

Overnight in Vientiane
Meals included on this day: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: VIENTIANE -LUANG PRABANG (B)

On day three of your tailored tour you will have the chance to do some last-minute souvenir shopping before your Backyard Guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival in the city you will be met by your Backyard Travel guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

You’ll then have the chance to get some rest and relaxation at your own leisure before your expert guide picks you up in the late afternoon and takes you to climb the 328 stairs to the crest of Mount Phousi.

From the top of the mount you’ll be able watch the spectacular sunset over the picturesque city, rivers and hills that surround you as you soak up the spiritual essence of laid-back Laos.

After descending the 150-meter-high mount in the twilight you will be transferred back to your hotel, making a stop on the way at a hill tribe evening market for a spot of shopping. The nightly market is one of the highlights of any visit to Luang Prabang and features an abundance of locally produced craft items for sale. Many villagers come down from the surrounding hills to sell their hand-made produce and fabrics.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals included on this day: Breakfast

Day 4: LUANG PRABANG (B/D)

This morning you have the option of getting up early to grasp the opportunity to observe the local monks collecting alms. The rising sun brings with it long lines of orange-robed monks who walk barefoot around the city collecting offerings made by locals and should be seen at least once.

Your guide will collect you after breakfast and escort you by tuk tuk to pick up your electric bike. After a quick briefing and instructional lesson on how the bikes work, you’ll be let loose on a relaxing guided discovery of Luang Prabang.

The bikes are environmentally-friendly, responsible travel alternatives to scooters, not to mention being silent. The electric bikes can be powered either by the rider peddling or by using the bike’s battery-powered motor.

Your tour will begin at the former Royal Palace which now exists as the National Museum. Here you can learn about Laos’ rich history and culture and there are usually special exhibits on display to see. You’ll then move on to Wat Mai Buddhist temple, one of the most richly decorated temples of Luang Prabang and Wat Sensoukarahm which is decorated in a stenciled gold façade.

You will then return your eco-bikes and have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure before ending the splendid day at Luang Prabang’s finest French restaurant, L’elephant where you will be spoiled with a delightful romantic dinner.

Optional: If you would like to arrange an additional activity in the afternoon, we can give you the opportunity to visit the Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden (additional costs apply).

Set on the banks of the Mekong River, just a 15-minute boat ride from the city center, Lao PDR’s first Botanical Garden aims to encourage awareness for the environment and the importance of local plants. The center also conducts research into traditional medicines and helps to train and educate local communities to use resources in a sustainable manner.

Although not open to the public until 2014, we can arrange membership for you which will not only allow you the opportunity to experience the project in its development phase, you will also be helping to fund the initiative. Today you will be guided around by private boat and taken on a personal tour by the creator of the project (subject to their availability) and also provided with lunch.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals included on this day: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls – Luang Prabang (B)

The morning of your last full day of the tailored tour will be free to spend at your leisure, but should you wish, you can take advantage of an optional tour addition (see below).

For lunch your Backyard Travel guide will take you to enjoy a fresh selection of local dishes at the family-run Tamarind restaurant where the staff aim to promote awareness and customs of the regional cuisine.

After lunch your guide will pick you up in a private car and whisk you out into the countryside, taking you on an hour-long drive through beautiful landscapes, small villages and rice paddies to the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls.

An elegant three-tier waterfall, the main fall of Kuang Si is approximately 60 meters high and there are several turquoise blue pools in which to bathe or swim (note: please observe local customs and dress appropriately). If you’re in the mood for some gentle exercise, there’s the chance to scale the track up to the top of the falls which provide spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Once you’ve had your fill of the natural beauty around the falls you will next have the opportunity to visit the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center located near the falls. The center is home to around a dozen sun bears that were rescued from the grasps of poachers. The center attempts to rehabilitate the bears and raise awareness of the plight the endangered species face.

On the return journey back to Luang Prabang you will also have the chance to stop at two hill tribe villages to interact with locals and catch a glimpse into their daily lives. Depending on time, you may also have the opportunity to visit Ock Pop Tock, a shop that utilizes the skills of locals who produce goods using traditional weaving techniques.

Optional - Morning: Should you wish, we can arrange for you to spend the morning at the Living Rice Farm, which is located just 5km outside Luang Prabang city center. You’ll have the chance to see how rice is grown on this entirely organic farm, try your hand at some of the 14 steps involved in the process and experience the life of a farmer. You’ll even have the opportunity to get your hands dirty and help Susan the water buffalo in the paddy fields. At the end of your morning you’ll get to sample the best sticky rice that Laos has to offer as reward for your exploits.

Optional – Evening:

If you’d like to end your day with a unique experience, for an extra cost we can arrange for you to play a traditional game of pétanque with locals. A game introduced to Laos by the French, the country of Laos has adopted the sport as one of their favorite pastimes. This is a great opportunity to interact with locals as you’ll join a group of locals who will teach you their secrets and tricks while they cheer you on.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals included on this day: Breakfast

Day 6: LUANG PRABANG (B)

After breakfast you will enjoy some leisure time to soak up your last moments in Luang Prabang, either doing some last-minute shopping, or taking a coffee in one of the many scenic riverside restaurants.
Meals included on this day: Breakfast

Price Tariff

The price is in US$, per person, based on double/ twin share and valid until 31 Dec 2013
Price details: The sample quote is for 3* hotel standard. Contact us email : info@indochinacyclingtour.com

if you want to change the hotel category

Price Inclusions and Exclusions