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LAOS OVERLAND

Day 1 London Heathrow to Bangkok
Depart London Heathrow on the Thai Airways flight non-stop to Bangkok.

Day 2 Arrive Bangkok
Bangkok to Chiang Rai – by air
Chiang Rai to Sop Ruak – 74kms
Arrive into Bangkok and connect onto your onward flight to Chiang Rai – a city located in the north–east of Thailand. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to Sop Ruak and the Anantara Golden Triangle Hotel, with its stunning views over Laos and Burma, where you will stay for the next two nights. (N)

Day 3 Sop Ruak
Day at leisure to relax and acclimatise after your journey. (B)

Day 4 Sop Ruak to Houeisay – 72kms
Houeisay to Luang Namtha – 215kms
Early this morning leave your hotel and cross the border into Laos. Continue north–east to Luang Namtha – a town home to a variety of tribal groups where many still speak their own languages and wear traditional dress. Stay at the Boat Landing Guesthouse for the next two nights. (B)

Day 5 Luang Namtha
Today undertake a full day cycle tour of the Luang Namtha Valley which is home to the Tai Dam, Tai Lue, Hmong and Lanten ethnic groups. There will also be an opportunity to witness the production of bamboo paper, local silk weavers, the Luang Namtha Museum as well as various stupas and monasteries. (B)

Day 6 Luang Namtha to Muang La – 170kms
After breakfast, leave Luang Namtha and drive through beautiful countryside to the remote village of Muang La. In the afternoon take a gentle stroll to witness rural village life and the panoramic views over the Nam Pak River, rice terraces and local salt mines. Stay for two nights at the Muang La Resort. (B)

Day 7 Muang La
Today enjoy a visit to the isolated village of Ikhos. One of the most remote villages in Laos, it is believed that the inhabitants of Ikhos are descendants from communities in Tibet and the Chinese province of Yunnan. With a unique way of life and cultural heritage the visit to Ikhos is an unforgettable experience. (B)

Day 8 Muang La to Luang Prabang – 230kms
This morning leave Muang La and continue by car to the ancient royal capital of Luang Prabang. On your arrival continue to the La Residence Phou Vao Resort where you will stay for the next two nights. With its historic temples this UNESCO world heritage town is a wonderful place in which to explore and relax. (B)

Day 9 Luang Prabang
Today explore Luang Prabang with your guide. This sleepy riverside town is the religious centre of Laos and contains many important temples as well as a Royal Palace, French colonial houses and colourful markets. Also take a pleasant trip upriver to see the mysterious Pak Ou Caves which are home to thousands of ancient Buddha statues. (B)

Day 10 Luang Prabang to Phonsavan – 252kms
After breakfast leave Luang Prabang heading east to Phonsavan and the nearby Plain of Jars. Stay for two nights at the Auberge de la Plaine des Jarres. (B)

Day 11 Phonsavan
Spend the day visiting the Plain of Jars – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and area scattered with unusually large stone jars. The original purpose of this mysterious site is no longer known. (B)

Day 12 Phonsavan to Vientiane – by air
This morning leave Phonsavan and transfer to the airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Vientiane. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Settha Palace Hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. The modern capital of Laos, Vientiane is situated on the banks of the Mekong River. (B)

Day 13 Vientiane
Today explore Vientiane with your guide. Places of interest include That Luang, a 3rd Century Stupa, as well as the magnificent temples of Wat Phra Keo and Wat Sisaket built during the reign of King Anou. (B)

Day 14 Vientiane to Konglor Caves – 277kms
After breakfast leave Vientiane and drive to the gateway of the Konglor Caves. After lunch, continue to Ban Napouar to join the local boat to Sala Hinboun where you will stay for two nights at the simple Sala Kong Lor.

Day 15 Konglor Caves
After breakfast, start your boat excursion through the limestone caves and underground rivers of Konglor – an amazing 7.5 km long limestone tunnel formed by the Hinboun River. This cave system is still used by local villagers as an access route to the region beyond and stops will be made during your journey to observe the many stalactites and other limestone formations.

Day 16 Konglor Caves to Savannakhet – 273kms
This morning leave your hotel and by road to Savannakhet. Located on the Mekong River, Savannakhet is known for its tree-lined streets, French colonial buildings and St Teresa Catholic Church. Stay overnight in Savannakhet at the Daosavanh Resort and Spa.

Day 17 Savannakhet to Tad Lo – 241kms
This morning leave Savannakhet and drive along scenic country roads to the Bolaven Plateau – passing Laven, Kau and Alak tribal villages – to Tad Lo and the Tad Lo Resort which will be your base for the next two nights.

Day 18 Tad Lo
Today explore the region surrounding Tad Lo. Ride an elephant for a visit to Katu and Alak villages and also spend time at the beautiful Tad Lo Falls, set in lush tropical forests, and where there are deep pools ideal for swimming.

Day 19 Tad Lo to Dong Daeng Island – 86 kms
This morning leave Tad Lo and drive south to Dong Daeng Island where you will stay for three nights at La Folie Lodge. In the afternoon cross the Mekong River and visit the mysterious 10th century temple of Vat Phou.

Day 20 Dong Daeng Island
Full day excursion by car to visit the Four Thousand Islands. Here the river splits and weaves amongst the land forms creating a network of waterways and a traditional way of life that has remain unchanged for centuries.

Day 21 Dong Daeng Island
At leisure to relax and enjoy La Folie Lodge.

Day 22 Dong Daeng Island to Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok – by air
Depart Bangkok
This morning leave Dong Daeng Island and continue by car across the Thai border to Ubon Ratchathani Airport. Once at the airport catch your onward flight to London Heathrow via Bangkok.

Day 23 Arrive London Heathrow
Arrive into London Heathrow.

STAYING ON

Delay your return home and unwind on the world renowned beaches of Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui. There are direct flights to each of these from Bangkok.

Heritage is close at hand with direct flights from Bangkok and Pakse to Siem Reap, home of the world renowned and magnificent 12th Century Angkor Wat temple complex.

Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.

A Guide to Price – LAOS OVERLAND

Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £4,270. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.

Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner

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