Bangkok

This program starts in Chiang Rai, Thailand and end at Luang Prabang, Laos.
Thailand is not only a great travel destination in itself; its location at the junction between the Mekong River region and other Southeast Asian Countries also makes it a natural gateway to the entire region. Its well-developed network of air, land, and water transport also ensures that you can fit more into your schedule using the country as a jump-off base to Indochina , southern China, and Myanmar. These exotic lands all share to a greater or lesser extent the passage of the Mekong , Southeast Asi a 's longest river.

We will have time to visit The Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen, and Chiang Khong in Thailan d. Then we will take a boat across Mekong to Ban Houeyxay, and take a private slow boat to Luang Prabang via Pakbeng.¦nbsp; On Mekong journey, we will stop to visit some interesting villages and observe their lifestyles such as Hmong, local Laos at Ban Tha Suang, where many elephants working, Ban Xang Hai, the well-known whisky producing village. We will also have time for caving at Pak Ou Cave, where thousands of Buddha images are kept. In Luang Prabang, we will explore around Phu Si Mountain where Phu Si Temple is located, the Royal Palace Museum , Wat Xieng Thong, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang. We will have a great opportunity to join villagers offering food to monks.

Program:

Day 1:
Chiang Rai - The Golden Triangle - Chiang Saen - Chiang Khong (L,D) Morning: Pick up guests from hotels in Chiang Rai, travel by van to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand , Laos , and Myanmar borders are met.¦nbsp; Visit Opium Meseum, where its history is shown, and many equipments are presented, followed by Chiang Saen historic site. Chiang Saen was the first capital of Lanna. After that we will travel along a scenic road to Chiang Khong. Check into Ruanthai Sopaphan Resort, built in the old traditional Lanna style (by teakwood). Dinner & overnight at Ruanthai Sopaphan

Day 2:
Chiang Khong - Sightseeing (B,L,D) After breakfast, sightseeing around Chiang Khong.¦nbsp; Visit a local village. Observe villagers working in their field (depending on seasons - Rainy Season-planting, Winter - harvesting, Summer- equipment/ tools repairing. Visit a weaving village. Afternoon, take leisure. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Ruen Thai Sopapan.

Day 3:
(B,L,D) Chiang Khong - Ban Houeyxay - Boat Trip to Pakbeng (B,L,D) 8.30 am . Leave Ruanthai Sopaphan Resort for Thai immigration, cross the Mekong River to Laos (Ban Houeyxay). The Laos Custom Office will check our passport and visa.¦nbsp; It's possible to do visa on arrival here.¦nbsp; Take a Laos Tuk- Tuk to the slow boat pier and take a private boat to Pakbeng.¦nbsp; On the way visit - Ban Tha Darn: The Boat checking point, - Hmong village: Their daily lifestyle is working in their field, and catch fish in Mekong River. We will support them by buying some embroidery or some fishes for our lunch. Lunch on board: Our captain's wife will cook for us. She is a Chinese, and keen at cooking in L aos and Chinese styles. Enjoy the natural scenery on both sides of the Mekong River . On arrival in Pakbeng, check into Laung Say Resort, the best place to stay overnight.¦nbsp; Dinner and overnight at the resort

Day 4:
Pakbeng - Luang Prabang - Sightseeing Local Villages & Cave (B,L,D) 06.00 am.Visit a lively local morning market. Usually, every family comes to the morning market and buy fresh vegetables and meat enough to cook for the whole day (breakfast, lunch, dinner). ¦nbsp; After breakfast, leave Pakbeng for Luang Prabang.¦nbsp; On the way visit - Tha Suang, the junction pier. This is a transit place where many products are loaded by boats from many destinations, and then be loaded by trucks or elephant to Hongsa Provinc e. We will also see many elephants working here. - Ban Xang Hai, the Jar-Maker village. It is now well-known for Laos whisky producing ( Whisky are made of black and white sticky rice), and hand-woven textile (Lan Xang Style) making village - Pak Ou Cave or "thum ting" It is the place that houses 1,000 Buddha statues. There are 2 caves lower and upper, both are limestone caves. On arrival in Luang Prabang, say good-bye to our captain's family and give them some tips. Take a Laos Tuk-Tuk to Phu Si Hotel. It is an Old French Mansion with a large and high ceiling room, and it is located in the center of the old part of Luang Prabang. Evening, after dinner, go for a walk in the main street and visit the evening Hmong Market. Dinner at a very tasty Laos food restaurant. Overnight at Phu Si Hotel.

Day 5:
(B,L,D) Luang Prabang - Sightseeing Temples & Royal Palace Museum (B,L,D) Morning, after breakfast visit - Phu Si or Pra Thad Phu Si: The temple is located on the hill, about 100 meter tall. Walk up 328 steps, we will reach the golden stupa.¦nbsp; See beautiful scenery view of Luang Prabang. - Royal palace museum: Located opposite to Phu Si Hill.it used to be the residence of the Laos royal family, but now is the National Museum . Laos cultural performances will be operated in this museum on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 18.00 p.m. - Wat Xieng Thong, the oldest temples in Luang Prabang was built in beautiful Luang Prabang architectural style. Dinner at Sinsay Restaurant and watch Laos performance.¦nbsp; Overnight at Phu Si Hotel

Day 6:

We get up early in order to see the morning fog that covers mount Hua-Mod.¦nbsp;After breakfast, which will be taken at the resort,
we will return to Mae-Sod. When we arrive at Mae-Sod, you will have time to look around, relax, and you can visit the Rim-Soey
market where you can find many local souvenirs and handicrafts. This is also the perfect time to get a traditional Thai massage after the many hikes and adventures from the last week ! At the end of the day, we will gather at the bus station of Mae-Sod and depart for Bangkok.

Day 7:
Luang Prabang - Free Day - Departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Free for own discovery of Luang Prabang until departure time. Transfer to Luang Prabang Airport.

for departure. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Note: We advice to bring a small backpack for this 1-week tour. We will provide a safe place to put all your other luggage!

January and February 2005 = US$685 / person

The price includes :
all Transfers & excursions - van/tuk tuk & boat -admission fee as per itinerary -visa to Laos for 15 days -6 nights accommodation in mentioned hotels/resort in a twin share basis -full board meals & non-alcoholic drinks & coffee/tea breaks -an English speaking guide.
The price excludes : -airfare: Luang Prabang - Bangkok -airport departure tax -drinks, personal expense, Vat 7%

Things to bring :
warm clothes in Winter ( Nov.- Feb.), rain coat in the Rainy Season (Jul.- Oct.), hat, personal medicine, insect repellant, a towel & toiletry, slippers, salong/clothes for bathing, flashlight, educational toys to children, performance to exchange with villagers

Itinerary :
Due to the nature of the tour, the weather, road condition, local circumstance, prevailing safety factors, the route & itinerary may vary to those published but the content of the tour will remain similar. The final decision of the actual itinerary will be made by the tour operator's staff on the day of the tour.

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