Secrets of Northern Laos

Explore deep into the jungle for a campfire dinner and exciting drive using spotlights to search for wildlife in the Nam Nern Et-Phou National Protected Area. The rich biodiversity of the Park shelters numerous endangered species. Experience at Vieng Xai the Phathet Laos Caves once a shelter for communist revolutionaries during the 'Secret War'. Hidden away, virtually impregnable, a mini 'city' grew up deep inside the rock: with schools, hospitals, theatres and even airtight chambers. This was home to thousands of men, women and children. Take a fascinating tour of Old Hanoi plus a Cocktail reception. See the intriguing Standing Stones at Hintang, a traditional handicraft village and the life-giving rivers.

Luang Prabang - Nong Khiaw - Nam Nern Sam Nuea - Vieng Xai Caves - Xieng Khouang Vientiane

from £TBC / Per Person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Tour Highlights:

Ban Sopjam Traditional Handicraft Village
Baci ceremony
Xam River
Mysterious Menhirs (standing stones) at Hintang
Tai Dam village
Ban Na Pia (War Spoon Village)

What's included:

Accommodation as per above itinerary in twin share/double rooms with daily BF included
International and domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified
Tours and transfers as specified including entry fees, on a private basis in air-conditioned Vehicles
Service of English Speaking Local Guide for all included sightseeing and transfers
Meals as specified in the above itinerary (drinks are not included)
VAT Government tax and services charge
Bottled water and cool towel provided on transfers and sightseeing

What's not included:

Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than specified as included
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
Tips or gratuities to guides/drivers/porters / hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc
Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities

Itinerary

Arrive Luang Praband and drive to Nong Khiaw. Check into bungalow overlooking the Ou River. Take amazing boat ride up the Nam Ou River. This is one the most spectacular stretches of the 450 km long river. The dramatic limestone formations make for great photographic opportunities. Lunch is included at local restaurant. Dinner with Baci welcome ceremony.

After breakfast drive to Ban Son Khoua (Muang Hiam before "Vieng Thong"). After lunch, head up river deep into the jungle to The Nam Nern Night Safari & Ecolodge. Then long-tail boat ride drifting downriver to spot wild animals. Camp fire and traditional dinner prepared and cooked by local people.

Early breakfast and return to Ban Son Koua, an ethnic Khmu Village then continue on the road to Sam Neua. Stop along the way to admire virgin forests and for lunch. The 200 km journey twists and turns along a paved mountain road. Check into guesthouse. Dinner in local restaurant. Bring a light jacket as the mornings and evenings can be chilly!

After breakfast walk through the morning market along the Xam River. Check out and transfer with guide to Viengsay. Marvel at the amazing karst landscape in the middle of town! Visit the Information Centre to learn more about the interesting historical significance of the area during the Indochina War. See nearby caves to learn how the Lao People's Revolutionary Party lived during the war. Lunch in a local restaurant.

Morning visit to the nearby Hospital Cave; which was used as a hospital during the war. After the bombing raids ended, a new hospital building was built in front of the cave. Now the site is a local school. Afternoon and evening at leisure.

After breakfast, travel with guide on the road to Xieng Khouang. Visit the mysterious menhirs (standing stones) at Hintang. No one is quite sure who built them or why, perhaps burial sites or markers. Lunch in Nam Neun. Continue on to Thampiu Cave, the scene of a tragic loss of lives during the Indochina War. In the early evening arrive in Xieng Khouang. Check into the lodge.

After breakfast full day exploration of the mysterious Plain of Jars. First see Plain of Jars Site 1. The largest and best-preserved of all three Jars sites. Continue to visit Plain of Jars Sites 2 and 3. (Optional walk between sites 2 and 3 - approx. 6km.). Lunch at local restaurant. Then visit Muang Khun, the ruins of the old city including the Wats, and take a short walk to a Tai Dam village. Also see Ban Na Pia (War Spoon Village). Return to Xieng Khuang and if time permit visit to the MAG visitors' centre.

After breakfast transfer to airport for flight return to Vientiane. Transfer to hotel.