A Tale of Laos

A TALE of

LAOS

about us Don’t Wait for Others – Go When You Want To! Why let others make your decisions? Don’t let last minute group tour cancellations ruin your holidays. Book a bespoke Country

Holidays package with your own private guide and transport and go where you want, when you want.

Utmost Flexibility Fixed schedules with 6 a.m. morning calls and strict dinner hours begone. Hungry? Your guide will take you to a restaurant of your

choice. If you feel like sleeping in, simply depart later. Scheduled to visit a site and you just don’t feel like it, then skip it. It’s your holiday and you should be allowed to do as you please.

Tailor-Made Exclusively for You A voyage with Country Holidays delves below the surface to bring you to the heart of a destination. Our experienced and

knowledgeable tour guides mean skipping the tourist traps and

heading straight to the best stall at the market or be shown to the

best table at the hottest restaurant and local eatery. Your holiday is driven by you, not everyone else.

Unique, Authentic and Driven by the Best It’s the unexpected unique experiences that make a journey

unforgettable. See, hear, touch and smell the places you are visiting by immersing yourself in the local culture. Roam the

weekend markets, partake in festivals and chat with the locals to learn about their perspectives. Don’t settle for anything less.

Expert’s Advice Our consultants have travelled extensively to each of our

top experiences •

Serenity and peace at the start of dusk, join in the

to include the best accommodations, dining venues, sites to visit

tradition of alms giving to the monks

short, everything you’ve dreamed your holiday to be. We’ve done

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Slow down and take in the locals’ pace, sitting at the

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Meandering down the river on a Mekong Cruise

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Immerse in nature while riding an elephant through

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Kayak down the river in Vang Vieng, embracing nature

destinations. With firsthand knowledge, we craft your excursions as well as the best kept secrets the destination has to offer – in

the research, found the best and weeded out the rest so you don’t have to.

Our Guides Make the Difference A guide can make or break a holiday experience. A good guide

not only brings out the best in a destination but provides insightful

knowledge for the curious and delivers what you want even before you know you want it. Our carefully selected guides have a strong

command of English and are eager to share their knowledge of the peoples, places and cultures of their homeland.

roadside café by the Mekong River sipping Beer Laos

verdant teak forest followed with lunch by the waterfall

and scenery while observing the locals going about on their daily chores

Laos

Savvy travellers consider Laos to be the undiscovered jewel of Asia. Landlocked

and with the Mekong meandering along most

of its border, Laos is only just blooming and at

its infancy of opening doors to the outside world after years of isolation. It continues to march at

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1 Vientiane 2 Luang Prabang 3 Xieng Khuang 4 Vang Vieng 5 Pakse

its own rhythm seemingly ignorant of the lightning

speed and progress of its neighbours. Here lies the charm of the country.

The gem of Laos has to be Luang Prabang. Besides having a captivating blend of the indigenous colourful architecture and French chic cultural style, it is also beautifully nestled at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong River. It is little wonder that UNESCO listed it as a world heritage site in 1975.

Elsewhere, the capital Vientiane offers some of the biggest temples in the country. Vang Vieng is a magnet for adventure seekers while the Plain of Jars is simply one of the most bizarre experiences. Southern Laos is the “off-the-beaten path” destination of an already little known and explored country.

To best experience Laos is to see it at its pace….slowly. Travel with just

your friends or family and let us craft your journey into this beautiful land.

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Our Recommended HotelS In Luang Prabang AMANTAKA

Previously a provincial hospital now transformed into a luxurious Aman property resonating traditional Laotian architecture styles and Aman indulgences. www.amanresorts.com

Member of the Small Luxury Hotel, the all-suites hotel is elegantly appointed with ample living space featuring its own vegetable garden and complimentary bikes for guests. A 5-minute ride brings you to the city center. www.luangsayresidence.com

MAISON SOUVANNAPHOUM Once the residence of Prince Souvannaphoum, the centrally located hotel exudes distinct colonial style architecture with contemporary décor. www.angsana.com

XIENG THONG PALACE HOTEL A charming boutique hotel located right in the center of Luang Prabang, next to the royal temple of Wat Xieng Thong. www.xiengthongpalace.com

MEKONG RIVERSIDE HOTEL A value for money boutique hotel situated by the Mekong and steps away from the city’s best restaurants and shops. www.mekong-riverside.com

ZEN NAMKHAN BOUTIQUE RESORT Located 30 minutes from Luang Prabang, the eco-resort offers a restful mountain

In Vientiane

SETTHA PALACE

Along the Mekong

An elegant luxury boutique hotel set in an old French colonial mansion, located right in the heart of town. www.setthapalace.com

SALANA BOUTIQUE HOTEL

LUANG SAY LODGE

A centrally located boutique hotel furnished in contemporary style with comfortably appointed rooms. www.salanaboutique.com

THE MERCURE VIENTIANE

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LUANG SAY RESIDENCE

Located 12 km from Luang Prabang, experience the first luxury camp in Laos offering tented accommodation and expedition trips. www.shangri-lao.com

Located in the Golden Triangle along the Mekong River with panoramic views of Laos and Myanmar. The rooms are clean, modern and well maintained. www.sereneatchiangrai.com

Located on the shores of the Mekong, the eco-lodge is built in traditional Laotian architectural design, each room offers private bathrooms fitted with comfortable beds. www.luangsay.com

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Once a governor’s mansion, a garrison and briefly a jail, the century old structure has been restored to a luxury boutique resort with 23 spacious suites. www.hoteldelapaixlp.com

SHANGRI-LAO CAMP

SERENE AT CHIANG RAI HOTEL

LAOS

HOTEL DE LA PAIX LUANG PRABANG

getaway. All rooms come with a large terrace overlooking lush forest grounds with indoor/ outdoor shower. www.zennamkhanresort.com

KAMU LODGE

Built between the flowing river and rice fields, the lodge features 20 canvas tents. Tents are equipped with private attached bathroom and toilet with solar powered hot water and electricity. The lodge conducts all inclusive programs. www.kamulodge.com

In Xieng Khoung – Plain of Jars VANSANA XIENG KHOUANG

A 4 star modern hotel with comfortable rooms. Located near the airport, it makes for a convenient overnight stay. www.mecure.com

Conveniently located, just 30 minutes from the Plain of Jars, this tourist class hotel offers 38 comfortable guest rooms. www.vansanahotel-group.com

CITY INN VIENTIANE

In Pakse

Conveniently located near the major sites of interest, it is a tourist class modern hotel providing full room facilities. www.cityinnvientiane.com

In Golden Triangle, Thailand

ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE Perched high on the lush hills overlooking Myanmar and Laos, stay in the comfort of luxuriously appointed rooms. www.goldentriangle.anantara.com

RESIDENCE SISOUK A simple, charming colonial style hotel with 16 clean and comfortable rooms, located in the city center. www.residence-sisouk.com

In Vang Vieng

THAVANSOUK RESORT Nestled along the banks of the Namsong River, this 3-star resort sits on a lush garden and offers rooms with modern amenities and spectacular views of the karst mountain range. www.thavonsouk-resort.com

4 DAYS Glimpse of Luang Prabang dotted with rice paddies and ethnic minority villages to Kuangsi Waterfall. (For the active, choose to cycle through the verdant countryside to the waterfall.) Cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools while you take in the scenery before journeying back to Luang Prabang.

DAY 01 Arrive Vientiane or Luang Prabang

Fly to Vientiane or Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 02 Vientiane / Luang Prabang

For those who flew into Vientiane, a short flight brings you to Luang Prabang.

Ascend Mt Phousy for a panoramic view of the city. Stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre for an insight into the ethnic mix and cultures of Laos.

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Sitting at the confluence of Mekong and the Khan rivers, UNESCO has deemed Luang Prabang as the best preserved fusion of traditional and colonial architecture in Asia.

Enjoy your evening at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony, believed to bring harmony and prosperity!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

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Stroll through the city and discover the charming back alleys leading to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong Temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Cave filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes.

Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop. Do not miss out on the night market tonight!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 03 Luang Prabang

DAY 04 Depart Luang Prabang

At dawn, join the locals in the morning ritual of offering alms to the monks then make a quick visit to the local morning market.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

(Breakfast included)

This morning, visit the Wat Visoun and the Royal Palace Museum before driving through scenic Laotian countryside

c 5 DAYS Laos Insight DAY 01 Arrive Vientiane

Fly to Vientiane and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 02 Vientiane / Luang Prabang

What better way to learn about Laos than an introduction via her food culture at the local market of Thongkhankham? Proceed to tour Vientiane starting from the oldest Wat Sisaket to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. On your way to visit That Luang Stupa, pass through the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s version of Arc de Triumph.

Enjoy lunch by the Mekong River before flying to Luang Prabang. Tonight, visit the night market.

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 03 Luang Prabang

Stroll through the city and discover the charming back alleys leading to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop.

Ascend Mt Phousy for a panoramic view of the city. Stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre for an insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos.

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 04 Luang Prabang

This morning, visit the Wat Visoun and the Royal Palace Museum before driving through scenic Laotian countryside to Kuangsi Waterfall. (For the active, choose to cycle through the verdant countryside to the waterfall.) Cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools while you take in the scenery before journeying back to Luang Prabang.

Enjoy your evening at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony, believed to bring harmony and prosperity!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 05 Depart Luang Prabang

At dawn, join the locals in offering alms to the monks then make a quick visit to the local morning market.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

(Breakfast included)

5 DAYS Luang Prabang Family Explorer Adventure in the Last Haven of Asia DAY 01 Arrive Vientiane or Luang Prabang

Fly to Vientiane or Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 02 Vientiane / Luang Prabang

For those who flew into Vientiane, a short flight brings you to Luang Prabang.

Drive through the scenic Laotian countryside to Kuangsi Waterfall then cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools before journeying back to Luang Prabang.

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Spend the morning on a rice farm and experience the life of a farmer and get your hands dirty! Plough the fields with a buffalo, plant rice seedling or learn to harvest them!

DAY 04 Luang Prabang

Laos was once referred to as ‘The Land of a Million Elephants’ and today is your chance to get up close with these gentle giants. Take up the role of a mahout for a day where you get to ride, train and bath the elephants before ending with a dip in the Tad Sae Waterfall.

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DAY 03 Luang Prabang

Enjoy your evening at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony, believed to bring harmony and prosperity!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

LAOS

Stroll through the city, visiting Wat Visoun, Royal Palace Museum and discover the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong Temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop. Do not miss out on the night market tonight!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

Ascend Mt Phousy for a panoramic view of the city. Stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre for an insight into the ethnic mix and cultures of Laos.

For the more active family, trade in your mahout experience and ride your elephant and trek through dense virgin forest before floating down the river on a bamboo raft.

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 05 Depart Luang Prabang

At dawn, join the locals in the morning ritual of offering alms to the monks then make a quick visit to the local morning market.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

(Breakfast included)

6 DAYS Laos Soft Adventure Drive through the scenic Laotian countryside to Kuangsi Waterfall then cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools before journeying back to Luang Prabang.

DAY 01 Arrive Vientiane

Fly to Vientiane and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 02 Vientiane / Luang Prabang

DAY 03 Luang Prabang

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Rise early for a visit to the local market of Thongkhankham.

Tour Vientiane starting from the oldest Wat Sisaket to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. On your way to visit That Luang Stupa, pass through the imposing Patuxay Monument. Enjoy lunch by the Mekong River before flying to Luang Prabang.

(Breakfast, lunch included)

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At dawn, join in the locals in offering alms to the monks before making a quick visit to the local morning market.

Stroll through the city, visiting Wat Vsoun, the Royal Palace Museum and discover the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong Temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop.

Ascend Mt Phousy then stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre for an insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. Do not miss out on the night market tonight! (Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 04 Luang Prabang

Spend the morning on a rice farm and experience the life of a farmer. Plough the fields with a buffalo, plant rice seedling or learn to harvest them!

Enjoy your evening at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony, believed to bring harmony and prosperity! (Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 05 Luang Prabang / Eco-Camp Lodge

Follow in the footsteps of French explorer Dr P Neiss and discover Huay Sae Valley by elephant, on foot and bamboo raft!

Ride 1.5 hours through verdant teak forests and dense jungle before enjoying lunch by the waterfall. Continue on foot for about 1.5 hours along the marvelous Huay Sae mountain stream and complete your journey with a bamboo raft ride down the Nam Khan River.

Check into your resort and spend the evening relaxing. For dinner, choose between a delicious BBQ dinner or traditional Laotian dinner. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

DAY 06 Eco-Camp Lodge / Depart Luang Prabang

Rise early and join the elephants in their daily bath down at the river. Following breakfast, transfer back to Luang Prabang and drop off at the airport. (Breakfast included) Note: The activities may vary depending on the eco-camp lodge you choose to overnight in.

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LAOS

Spend Another day in Luang Prabang

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The languid atmosphere of Luang Prabang slows down your footsteps and finally, you can relax! Spend another day in Luang Prabang to catch up on your well-deserved break. Chill out and do nothing, or choose to participate in one of these activities.

Culinary Cooking Lesson – A Taste of Laos

Explore the basis of Laos cuisine on a guided walk of Luang Prabang’s food market. Roll up your sleeves and learn to prepare local favourites including tips, tricks and culinary customs.

Textile Weaving

All ladies in the traditional Laotian society are expected to know weaving. Learn how textiles are made and meet the weavers. Discover the secrets of Lao textile and get to weave and dye your own scarf.

Zip Line Adventure

Fly between the treetops with this exhilarating zip line adventure near Luang Prabang then touch down at the base of Tad Sae for a swim. Extend your visit with an elephant ride and picnic lunch.

Luang Prabang Explorer by Bike

Explore intimate aspects of the countryside by off-road bicycle. Cycle along green rice paddies and stop for tasty local treats at villages specialising in local pottery crafts.

Recommended for cyclist above 12 years old.

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6 DAYS Northern Laos Mekong Journey Travel Back in Time

DAY 01 Arrive Golden Triangle

Fly to Chiang Rai and transfer for about 1.5 hours to your hotel situated on the Golden Triangle overlooking Laos and Myanmar.

You may wish to join in our recommended extensions.

DAY 02 Golden Triangle / Pak Beng

Note: For those with time constraints, it is possible to skip Kamu Lodge and cruise directly to Luang Prabang, stopping over at Pak Ou Cave for a visit.

DAY 04 Kamu Lodge / Pak Ou Cave / Luang Prabang

After breakfast, journey to the mouth of the Nam Ou River and explore the famous Pak Ou Cave.

Our Recommended Extensions Elephants, Nature and Hilltribes in the Golden Triangle Spend another day in Golden Triangle and be an elephant mahout for a day! Discover the Golden Triangle’s infamous past and explore the villages of the Hmong and Lisu tribes.

Choose to extend in Anantara Golden Triangle or the Lanjia Lodge, a community-based lodge situated within a peaceful village of Hmong and Lahu hilltribe, offering dramatic vistas. www.asian-oasis.com For the ultimate luxury in a jungle setting, retreat to the Four Seasons tented camp built on elevated ground, ultra-private with generous decks, outdoor rain shower and not forgetting a stunning view. www.fourseasons.com

The Gibbon Experience

Venture deep into the Bokeo Nature Reserve in search of the elusive gibbons and spend two nights in a canopy tree-house. Recommended for the adventurous who can rough it out.

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After breakfast, cruise to Ban Baw to observe the making of traditional rice alcohol. Visit a Kamu village and participate in activities such as archery, rice planting and harvesting, traditional fishing and gold panning.

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

At dawn, join the locals in offering alms to the monks before making a quick visit to the local morning market. After breakfast, visit the Wat Visoun and the Royal Palace Museum.

Drive through the scenic countryside to Kuangsi Waterfall and cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools before returning to Luang Prabang (for the active, cycle to the falls instead).

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DAY 03 Pak Beng / Kamu Lodge

DAY 05 Luang Prabang

LAOS

After breakfast, cross the border to Laos (Houei Sai) and board the Luang Say Boat. Cruise down the Mekong River passing through remote mountainous stretches. Stop at Ban Houy Phalam, a Kamu village before arriving at Pakbeng and overnight in Luang Say Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

Arrive in Luang Prabang in the early afternoon and discover the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong temple. Ascend Mt Phousy then stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre for an insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. Do not miss out on the night market tonight!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

Enjoy your evening at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 06 Depart Luang Prabang

Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport.

(Breakfast included)

6 DAYS Laos with the Mysterious Plain of Jars leading to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat up to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop.

DAY 01 Arrive Vientiane

Fly to Vientiane and transfer to your hotel.

Tour Vientiane starting from the oldest Wat Sisaket to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. On your way to visit That Luang Stupa, pass through the imposing Patuxay Monument.

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Rise early this morning for a visit to the local market of Thongkhankham. Thereafter, visit Carol Cassidy’s workshop for an educational tour of Laotian textile.

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Lunch by the Mekong River before flying to Xieng Khouang, gateway to the Plain of Jars. Tour the city and visit the Mine Action Group (MAG) Centre to learn about the efforts made to clear the land mines and other unexploded ordnance in the area.

(Breakfast, lunch. dinner included)

DAY 03 Xieng Khouang

Journey to the picturesque Jar Site 2 and learn about the various theories behind the jar’s origins and an insight to the history of the American bombing in the area. Drive about 6 hours through the countryside to Luang Prabang.

(Breakfast, lunch included)

Ascend Mt Phousy then stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre for an insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. Do not miss out on the night market tonight!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 05 Luang Prabang

At dawn, join the locals in offering alms to the monks before making a quick visit to the local morning market. After breakfast, visit the Wat Visoun and the Royal Palace Museum.

Drive through the scenic countryside to Kuangsi Waterfall and cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools (for the active, cycle to the falls instead) before journeying back to Luang Prabang.

Enjoy your evening free at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 06 Depart Luang Prabang

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

(Breakfast included)

DAY 04 Xieng Khouang / Luang Prabang

Stroll through the city and discover the charming back alleys

Option to fly to Luang Prabang:

For those who are not a fan of long distance driving, opt for the premium way of moving around the country by chartering a modern and comfortable helicopter operated by experienced and professional aircrew.

8 DAYS Laos with southern Mekong cruise Hidden Wonders of Lang Xang DAY 01 Arrive Luang Prabang

Fly to Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel. Visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre and ascend Mt Phousy. Do not miss out on the night market tonight!

DAY 02 Luang Prabang

Enjoy your late afternoon at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 04 Luang Prabang / Vientaine

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport to Vientiane.

Tour Vientiane starting from the oldest Wat Sisaket to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. On your way to That Luang Stupa, pass through the imposing Patuxay monument.

(Breakfast included)

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At dawn, join the locals in offering alms to the monks before making a quick visit to the local morning market. Drive to Kuangsi Waterfall and cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools. (For the active, choose to cycle to the falls instead.)

This afternoon, visit Vat Phou Ruins – a majestic pre-Angkorian temple complex. Enjoy a sunset dinner onboard.

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

DAY 06 Champassak / Hueithamo / Khong Island

Set sail for the village of Huei Thamo located near to the mysterious hidden forest temple of Oum Muong. Cruise downstream and visit Ban Deua Tia, a small Laotian village where the traditional way of life has not changed much in centuries.

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

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DAY 03 Luang Prabang

Fly to Pakse. Transfer to a long tail riverboat for your 2.5 hour journey to Champassak. Board the Vat Phou Cruise, your floating hotel for two nights.

LAOS

Visit Wat Visoun, the Royal Palace Museum and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop.

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 05 Vientiane / Pakse / Champassak

DAY 07 Don Phone / Pha Pheng Waterfall / Pakse

Explore the village of Ban Veuthong, where you board a small boat to meander through 4,000 islands to Khone Island. Have lunch at the mainland before visiting the Pha Pheng waterfall, located close to the Cambodian border. The cruise ends near Pakse and you would be transferred to your hotel.

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 08 Depart Pakse

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

(Breakfast included)

EXTEND AND IMMERSE IN THE BEAUTY OF SOUTHERN LAOS: La Folie

A 24-room boutique hotel located on Dong Daeng Island, an hour’s journey south of Pakse is ideal for a night’s stay before your Vat Phou Cruise. Join activities such as bird watching and cruising in search of the Irrawaddy dolphins. www.lafolie-laos.com

Kingfisher Eco-Lodge

A continuation after your Vat Phou Cruise, arrive at a family run property consisting of 6 stilt bamboo bungalows. Dishes are prepared using organic ingredients and the resort offers many activities such as biking, bird watching and mahout experience. www.kingfisherecolodge.com

7 DAYS Laos with Vang Vieng Wild Beauty of Laos DAY 01 Arrive Vientiane

Fly to Vientiane and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 02 Vientiane / Vang Vieng

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Rise early this morning for a visit to the local market of Thongkhankham. Tour Vientiane starting from the oldest Wat Sisaket to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo and That Luang Stupa.

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Drive about 3 hours to the adventure playground of Vang Vieng, nestled alongside the Nam Song River which winds its way through a dramatic limestone mountain range.

The rest of the day is at leisure and is best spent cycling through the idyllic town or floating down the river on a tube.

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

DAY 03 Vang Vieng

Begin your activity filled day by cycling to the local market for fresh produce and handicrafts. Visit the natives of the Hmong Village before continuing to the limestone caves for a swim in the clear waters or just float through the caves on a tube.

Enjoy a BBQ lunch on the banks of the river and continue your adventure kayaking down the river through winding rapids until you reach the river bar for a cool drink. Kayak the last stretch and arrive at the pullout point and transfer back to the hotel.

(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

DAY 04 Vang Vieng / Luang Prabang

Start early this morning for the long but scenic drive to Luang Prabang. En route, stop at villages along the way to stretch your legs.

Arrive Luang Prabang in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Do not miss out on the night market tonight!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 05 Luang Prabang

Stroll through the city and discover the charming back alleys leading to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong temple. Catch a traditional long-tailed boat to the famous Pak Ou Cave. Tour the artisan village of Ban Nongxai and a silversmith workshop.

Ascend Mt Phousy then stop by the Arts and Ethnology Centre.

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 06 Luang Prabang

At dawn, join the locals in offering alms to the monks before making a quick visit to the local morning market. After breakfast, visit the Wat Visoun and the Royal Palace Museum and begin your drive to Kuangsi Waterfall. Cool off in its multi-tiered turquoise pools before journeying back to Luang Prabang. (For the active, choose to cycle to the falls instead.)

Enjoy your evening at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange for a traditional Baci ceremony!

(Breakfast, lunch included)

DAY 07 Depart Luang Prabang

Enjoy your morning free at leisure before transferring to the airport.

(Breakfast included)

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Feel a life-rewarding experience with Mekong Cruises’ exclusive pleasures in Laos Mekong Cruises have been capturing the imagination of passionate travelers as long back as the 1990s, providing the most breathtaking and alluring cruises along the expansive and picturesque Mekong River.

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LAOS

The Luang Say Lodge & Cruises

Gem of the Northern Mekong Departing from Houei Sai, downstream to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, Laos, or vice versa, the cruises offer guests the once-in-alifetime opportunity to observe the dramatic and fascinating scenery of the Mekong River. Watch the local Laotians going about their daily routines along the banks of the river while enjoying friendly and hospitable services on board our 34-meter Mekong River barge.

To break up the cruise, an overnight stay in the Luang Say Lodge, with the traditional Laotian inspired architecture of the 20 spacious bungalows, nestled along the river banks of Pakbeng Town enhances the experience to epic proportions.

For more information on the Laung Say Lodge & Cruises please visit www.luangsay.com

The Luang Say Residence

The Vat Phou Cruises

The new Luang Say Residence is located within close proximity to Luang Prabang’s historic city center, evoking visions of its illustrious past with French Colonial architecture at every turn. When approaching Luang Say Residence for the first time, your immediate impression is that of grandeur and stepping back in time into the home of an elite French Ambassador or diplomat.

Nature lovers will be in their element with our exotic 3 day and 2 night cruises on the Vat Phou, which boards at Pakse, Laos.

Once you have boarded the cruises, you will have the unique opportunity to see the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vat Phou ruins and the vigorous way of life by river.

A Taste of Grandeur

The spacious Luang Say 24 well - equipped Suites have majestic four-poster beds and classic temple - inspired screens that aid tremendous airflow and circulation. Take a pew on the divan in the bay windows with a spot of afternoon tea, or alternatively you can listen to the dulcet tones of the tranquility surrounding from the comfort of your very own balcony.

Gem of the Southern Mekong

The Vat Phou Cruises’ floating hotel is fully equipped with everything one could possibly need in regards to comfort, safety and pleasure. Enjoy the 12 air-conditioned cabins with ensuite bathrooms, open and shaded air decks, a restaurant and a bar.

For more information on the Vat Phou Cruises please visit www.vatphou.com

For more information on the Luang Say Residence please visit www.luangsayresidence.com

For reservation inquiries, please call Laos Hotline: Tel. +856 (0) 20 56 44 90 18 or visit www.mekong-cruises.com

Redifining Travel

Singapore #04-20/21, Tanglin Shopping Centre 19 Tanglin Road Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg www.countryholidays.com.sg Country Holidays @ American Club 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573 Tel: (65) 6735 1033 Fax: (65) 6735 8500 traveldesk@amclub.org.sg

Hong Kong 20/F, Oriental Crystal Commercial Building 46 Lyndhurst Terrace, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2525 9199 Fax: (852) 2525 5199 enquiries@countryholidays.com.hk www.countryholidays.com.hk

Shanghai 258 Tong-ren Road, Jiu An Plaza Silver Block, 5th Floor, Room 5A, Shanghai 200040, China Tel: (86-21) 3222 0616 Fax: (86-21) 6247 4166 enquiries@countryholidays.com.cn www.countryholidays.com.cn Beijing Unit 1003, Tower 3 Beijing International Center No. 38 Dong San Huan Bei Road Chaoyang District, Beijing 100026, China Tel: (86-10) 5869 178/82 Fax: (86-10) 5869 1769 beijing@countryholidays.com.cn www.countryholidays.com.cn

Photo credits: William Chua international award winning photographer and avid traveler of Country Holidays. www.williamchua.com