Hiking in the Land of Million Elephants - 8 Days - LAD01

On arrival at the airport, meet up with the guide then transfer to the hotel for check in, and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel in Vientiane

After breakfast, start to explore Vientiane capital by visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Have lunch at the local restaurant
In the afternoon we continue visiting the rest of Vientiane by foot, including Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok. We pass by the major shopping area continuing to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao and Talad Kouad in where various goods are displayed for sale; including fresh food, household goods, souvenirs, textiles, gold, silver and antiques. Overnight at the hotel in Vientiane

Breakfast at hotel. Today we depart to Vang Vieng  by following the Road 13 toward North about 160 km from Vientiane . The first stop is at the archaeological site of Vang Xang which dates from the Mon-Khmer period of the 8–11th century. En route, we will stop at Hmong village and arrive in Vang Vieng around lunch time. Our lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, boarding a small boat sails upstream along Nam song river for 30 nimutes to enjoy the scencery on the banks and then make a short trekking to visit Pukham cave located about 5 km from Vang Vieng, then back to town in the late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel in Vang Vieng

After enjoy breakfast at hotel, we continue to drive along the mountain road to Luang Prabang (230km) with some stops along the ways for visiting Ban Phoudam settled by H'mong, Ban Kiu Taloune and Ban Kiu Ya. Arrival in Luang Prabang, check in  hotel. In the afternoon, Start exploring this charming city with visit to the impressive Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Wat Mai and Wat Xiengthong which nestled at the confluence of two rivers, the Mekong and Nam Khan. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Mountain to discover the sacred, gilded stupa as well as to enjoy panoramic view of the city and Mekong River at sunset. Overnight at the hotel in Luang Prabang
 

Breakfast at hotel. In the morning  we visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu villages. This then takes us to the beautiful Khuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang. Have lunch at the local restaurant
This afternoon, we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we disembark the boat to visit traditional villages, and continue taking a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

(Transfer: 01 hour; Trekking: 06 hours)
We take a drive to Ban Hatkang Village where we start our trek through jungle following hunting paths that offer a rare insight into the unique culture and nature of the Pha Theung Area. A picnic style lunch will be served on the trail.
After lunch we descend to the other side of the mountain and reach Pha Theung Waterfall which falling into a cave. Here we have a short break for relaxation, and then we trek to the village of Ban Huei Leum. We spend the night in the village of Khmu ethnic minority who host us with the amazing hospitality. Our guides act as interpreters enabling a fascinating interaction with the people of Ban Huei Leum Village. Overnight at homestay

(Transfer: 01 hour; Trekking: 05 hours)
After breakfast at the home-stay we begin our trek through jungle towards Tham Gula Caves which is hidden in deep jungle. Here we take a rest and enjoy picnic lunch in front of the cave. After lunch we continue walking to pick-up point at village of Ban Si Boun Hom by the bank of Nam Ou River. Swimming if time and weather permit. Transfer back to Luang Prabang. Overnight at the hotel in Luang Prabang

Today after having breakfast at hotel, you will be free until time to transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services