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Laos Adventure Holiday

A voyage of discovery... embracing the rich diversity of one of Asia's most peaceful and enigmatic countries. Our 17 day journey takes us from the waterfalls and islands of the Mekong, through charming colonial buildings and ancient monuments, to the hills, caves and spectacular scenery of the North.

Day 1 - BANGKOK
Arrival at BANGKOK airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel situated in the centre of the city where there are many shops and nice Thai restaurants. The day is at leisure to enjoy the city or relax by the hotel's swimming pool and your tour leader will be on hand to offer advice on places to see. In the early evening there will be a group introduction on the hotel's roof garden terrace.

Day 2 - BANGKOK
In the morning, there will be guided boat trip on the Bangkok River. The rest of the day is free until early evening when we will transfer to the railway terminus for an overnight train to Ubon Ratchathani. We will have sleeper carriages, and food and drink can be purchased on board.

Day 3- DONG KHONG ISLAND, LAOS
On departing the train we head for the Laos border. After crossing, we will travel to DONG KHONG island, one of the "4000 islands" in the Mekong river - the final part of the journey to our locally-run guesthouse, is by small local boat. On the way, we will visit Champasak, home of Angkorian-era temples. Celebrate your arrival in Laos with some of the delicious local fish.

Day 4- DONG KHONG ISLAND
After breakfast, we travel again by boat to see the Somphamit Waterfalls - also one of the biggest in South East Asia. On the way we will make a few stops to look at the old French architecture and the old railway (still with a train abandoned in the jungle!) before returning to the guesthouse for a cool drink while watching the sunset.

Day 5 - BOLAVEN PLATEAU
After breakfast, we will drive from Dong Khong Island to Don Daeng. Local villagers will take you on a boat and for a short walk to the village, where you can enjoy a local lunch. Continue to Bolaven Plateau, stopping a few times on the way to see some of the local minority villages. Stay overnight in a local resort in the middle of the forest - an ideal place to relax, with opportunities for swimming in the waterfall.

Day 6 - BOLAVEN PLATEAU
Today we will have a walking day in the mountains to appreciate the truly beautiful scenery. There will be a packed lunch (included), and during the walk we will visit Tad Lo Waterfalls.

Day 7 - SAVANNAKHET
Drive to the town of SAVANNAKHET, on the Mekong River, which is in an area inhabited by many ethnic minorities. This journey will take around 4 hours and there will be a stop for lunch in this lovely town. When you look over the river you can see "modern" Thailand. Go on a short trek through the forest accompanied by guides from an environmental NGO who have set up a project in the region and learn about the plants and animals here.

Day 8 - VIENTIANE
Drive to VIENTIANE, the capital city ofLaos. On the way, appreciate the magnificent views and open spaces - there are many opportunities to take photos. In the evening, you can visit the riverside for a local barbecue and a cool drink. Overnight at a guest house with a lovely family atmosphere.

Day 9- VIENTIANE
Visit the Ho Phra art museum, then continue to the That Stupa national monument and Wat Sisaket - the oldest temple in Vientiane.

Day 10 - VIENTIANE
In the morning we will walk to the market, one of the oldest ones in Vientiane and visit an NGO that helps the street children here to learn more about their project. The afternoon is free.

Day 11 - VAN VIENG
Early morning, travel by minibus through the mountains and rivers to Van Vieng. After you have checked in at your local resort - right next to the river - make a short boat trip to visit one of the stunning caves that Van Vieng is justifiably famous for.

Day 12 - PHONSAVAN
Early morning drive to Phonsavan, site of the PLAIN OF JARS. These huge jars (some weigh six tons each!), of unknown age and origin, are scattered over a number of sites. On the way around we may also be able to visit a few minority villages who grow delicious fruit. We stay overnight in the small, locally-run hotel.

Day 13 - LUANG PRABANG
Travel by minibus to LUANG PRABANG. This is a very scenic trip - we will drive through many mountains, and can stop to see the tea plantations. Also you will probably see many different kind of ethnic groups walking besides the road. On arrival, it will be possible to go for a traditional Laos massage, before visiting the night market - an opportunity to buy some beautiful locally-made items at very reasonable prices.

Day 14 - LUANG PRABANG
Luang Prabang is the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia, and a World Heritage Site. In the morning we will visit the Kwang Xi Waterfall, where we can have a swim surrounded by jungle. We will have a packed lunch here (included), before visiting the Royal Palace Museum and Vat Xieng Thong - considered the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang with its classical Lao architecture.

Day 15 - MEKONG BOAT TRIP
This morning we take a boat trip up the Mekong River to the famous caves of Pak Ou - housing thousands of retired Buddha statues. We will have a picnic lunch (included) overlooking the river. On the way back, we will visit the village of our boat driver, a young student who lives with his family on the site of the Mekong in a village with only 14 houses, and another village making paper using traditional methods.

Day 16 - BANGKOK
The morning is free until your afternoon flight back to Bangkok. The rest of the day is free.

Day 17 - DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Small group departures of this itinerary run throughout the year and it can also be run as a tailor-made trip to suit your requirements.

Price: From £1115 on twin sharing basis

Dates: