Visitez Luang Prabang, et le reste du Laos

3 days in Luang Prabang

Benolaos — 2018-12-01T07:10:13Z

3-day journey in the city classified by UNESCO, with the help of an experienced English speaking guide.

Day 1. City centre tour [../../ ..]

Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 8:30 am, with your driver if you have taken the local minivan or tuktuk option, and with your bikes if you choose this option.

You will start this day with the visit of the National Museum and former Royal Palace when it was time of the the Kingdom of Elephants and White Parasol. You will then move to the neighbouring temple, Vat Mai, one of the most important temples in town.

Then you will join the Centre for Traditional Arts and Ethnology (TAEC) with exceptional annual exhibitions.

If you are interested in secret warfare, we recommend that you visit the newly renovated UXO Centre which proposes to rediscover this period and its consequences.

You will also pass through the Vat Visoun Temple and Watermelon Stupa, before climbing Phousi Hill to admire the stunning views of the city, especially before sunset.

You will go down on the other side of the hill to the night market for a visit of the stands showing local handicraft.

Day 2. Morning Alms and day cruise on the Mekong [../L/ ..]

Before sunrise, your guide will meet you to make you live the morning offerings by participating in the traditional Laotian ritual, whose guide will teach you the principles, the importance of this daily act, and its singularity in the Buddhism world's practice.

Then you will head to the morning market, located in down-town, which centralizes the jungle products reported by the hunters of the region. There is a fate of exoticism, endemic species.

You will then return to your hotel for your breakfast; Then it will be time to leave for the day on the Mekong.

The boat will be charted at the foot of Vat Xieng Thong, the most emblematic Temple of the town, which you will visit before embarking on.

Then you will be enjoying 2 hours cruise on the Mekong with scenic view on the local life, crossing landscapes of primary forest, in more or less narrowed water corridor. You will arrive at the village of Pak Ou around noon, to visit the 2 caves hosting hundreds of representations of the Lord Buddha.

It will be time for lunch, that will be organized in a local gourmet restaurant on the bank of the Mekong, viewing the caves.

Then it will be time to go down to Luang Prabang. On the way, you will probably be interested in visiting craft villages, alcohol to Ban Xang Hai, silk and Saa paper at Ban Xang Khong.

Then we will stop at Ban Xieng Mene to discover this small village in front of Luang Prabang. You will visit a unique temple, enjoying a magnificent view from there of the city of Luang Prabang.

Optional fee: you can also visit the potter village downstream, and possibly try 1 hour to practice pottery with a local craftsman.

Return to Luang Prabang at the end of the afternoon.

Day 3. Ethnic Villages and Kuang Si Waterfalls Park [../../ ..]

After your breakfast, departure for the falls of Kuang Si. On the way, we can stop at Phosy Market, on the outskirts of the city. It is the largest local market.
Not far away, you can also be interested in visiting the Ock Pop Tock Tail Center, which offers a guided tour (and weaving and dyeing workshops).

We will then take the road to the Park (approximately 45 minutes drive). On the way, we can stop in some of the villages of ethnic minorities bordering the road.

We will arrive late around noon.
Option: book a table at the Carpe Diem Restaurant

You will visit the park of little black Bear saved by traffickers, then the waterfall, a particularly beautiful scenic place where pure mountain filtered water comes out with the turquoise colour in a karst environment. Some areas are allowed to swim, you might think about special dress.

Option: visit to the Butterfly Park

You will return to Luang Prabang late afternoon. Before we get back to your hotel, we will stop at Vat Phabatthai temple, on the bank of the Mekong, enjoying an exceptional view of the sunset.

End of program.

Indicative rate for 4 people:

Optional, with air conditioning minivan for 3 days: 648 USD (162 USD / person)

Included in the tariff:

* Minivan private, air conditioning with driver
* English speaking local guide
* Private boat for the day Muang Khua - Nong Khiaw
* Meals according to: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
* All paid entries
* The organization at sunrise of traditional offerings
* All government taxes and service charges
* Handling of luggage
* 2 bottles of drinking water per day
2 cold towels per day

Options available:

Available Options:

Lunch days 1 and 3
Bicycle Day 1
Tuktuk local days 1 to 3
1 hour of elephant backdrop on day 2
visit the potter village on day 2
visit the Butterfly Park on day 3
Guide in Italian, Chinese, Spanish, German, Japanese

Exhibition at TAEC

Benolaos — 2018-10-31T12:27:27Z

TAEC's newest special exhibition, “Voices of the Wind: Traditional Instruments in Laos” is now on display after more than two years of extensive research and documentation in remote regions of northern Laos led by Belgian ethnomusicologist and curator, Dr. Marie-Pierre Lissoir, and the TAEC research team.

A highly interactive and intimate exhibit, display spaces communicate three important contexts of instrumental practices: ritual, instrument-making, and courting. Through village scene re-creation, audio stations, and interactive video and photograph kiosks, visitors will enter a world rarely seen by the general public.

In Laos, music and musical instruments are a part of everyday life. For entertainment, courtship, or rituals, to banish loneliness, teach children, or communicate with the spirits, musical practices touch every member of a community during every part of the year. There is now a struggle and urgency to document these instruments from construction to playing as modernity takes over and replaces intimate settings and songs with amplifiers, microphones, and pre-recorded music. Music is the voice of a community, the voice of a country. A voice that is constantly evolving, like every human activity.

This exhibit also coincides with the recent UNESCO inscription of the music of the mouth organ or “khaen” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is the very first inscription for the country on the ICH list and a positive step forward for safeguarding the transmission of knowledge, skills, and meaning of this emblematic instrument for future generations.

TAEC would like to acknowledge the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation for making this critical research possible, and William Klausner for supporting the creation of the exhibition.

“Voices of the Wind: Traditional Instruments in Laos” will be on display until the Fall 2020.

From the Curator: “Music can be explored in so many ways. There is the role of music in traditional ceremonies and celebrations, but also the crafting of instruments, playing techniques, and the decline of apprenticeship. Laos is particularly fascinating because many instruments are used to communicate, whether to pass a message through the mountains with the powerful sound of a leaf, or to express ones love with the discreet sound of the jaw harp. Speaking about music is speaking about life in Laos, its changes and challenges.”– Dr. Marie-Pierre Lissoir

Hmong instrument maker and musician: “There are so many people making qeej, but if I am the one who is able to help document the process of making it from the beginning to the end, then I hope my knowledge is able to inspire people not to let go of their culture and traditions, not to let go of your ancestors and family spirits. I want to leave this message behind for the future generation.”– Mr. Neng Chue Vang

TAEC's objectives of this exhibition:

Demonstrate the diversity and similarities in musical practices among minority groups in Laos.
Expose unexpected sounds and instruments to visitors in an innovative experiential space. The scenography of the exhibit and its use of different mediums will allow a deeper understanding of music and its techniques.
Stimulate local and foreign visitor interest in Laos' musical traditions and its importance to society through special events and outreach at the Centre.
Highlight, document and safeguard endangered practices and instruments.

Discover the people of Laos at the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. TAEC is the only museum and learning centre in Laos dedicated to cultural diversity. The Centre is engaged in a broad range of museum and community engagement activities, reflecting its commitment to supporting living ethnic minority communities to preserve and promote their cultural heritage while looking towards the future.

Located in Ban Khamyong, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, the museum and shop is open 9am until 6pm, closed Mondays. Admission is 25,000 Lao kip for adults, free for children under 12 and Lao citizens. The TAEC Boutique on the main road in Ban Vat Sene sells fair trade crafts made by ethnic groups. It is open from 9am – 9pm every day.

Contact:
Kristy Best, Director Sales & Marketing
kristy taeclaos.org
www.taeclaos.org
Mobile +856 20 5544 7895

View online : http://www.taeclaos.org

3d / 2n: Night Safari in Nam Nern

Benolaos — 2015-08-27T13:11:00Z

To know beforehand:

Up to 10 people.
Happens in a protected park dedicated to the conservation of species threatened with extinction, including the tiger.
Terms of rudimentary accommodation for 2 nights (1 night in a modest guesthouse, 1 night at the ecolodge inside the reserve).
Exceptional costly ecotourism activity
To learn more about the international award, read this official page: Winners 2013 (en) and 2014 Winners (in).

Day 1. Luang Prabang - Ban Vieng Thong (10h whose 7-hour drive).
En route visit the villages of weavers Lao Loum (the outskirts of Luang Prabang), and Thai Lue outskirts of Nong Khiaw.
Local lunch in Nong Khiaw.
Visit caves where stayed the administrative center of the region during the 12 years of the secret war.
By late afternoon, check into a guesthouse Ban Vieng Thong.

Day 2. Night safari camp preservation and study
In the morning, your guide will take you to the rendezvous point, in a village of Kamou ethnicity. Here begins your safari. After location scouting, you will take a boat up the river to the ecolodge. There, a breakfast awaits you; Then you have some free time to relax or walk the camp before taking the boat up the river again in a perfectly preserved jungle landscape.

Dinner will be on the banks of the river as a barbecue, before silently down the river, with research guides for species with powerful spotlights.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/gJMpcZ0Zb_Y

Laos wildlife ecotourism adventure in Nam Et Phou Louey National Protected Area WCS

The ecotourism products at NEPL NPA have been designed to create a direct link between conservation and tourism so that the money that tourists pay has a positive impact on encouraging local people to protect endangered wildlife.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has been supporting the NEPL Management Unit since 2003, and has assisted with the development of ecotourism products commencing in 2009. During this time significant experience has been gained on how to implement ecotourism in the Laos NPA context, and how to ensure effective operations and meaningful community engagement.

You will return to the Ecolodge to spend the night.

Day 3. End of safari, and options ...:
In the morning, after breakfast in the jungle, you will have time to learn about medicinal plants locally very used and very effective against many ailments. It is time to take stock of these 24 a unique and authentic experience of a lifestyle living in near autarky, in full harmony.
Then you will take the boat down the river to the place where the adventure began.
Then...

Notice: now, the 2-day trek can be extended up to 5 days in the conservation area.

Treks up to 5 days

The Nests trek consist of moderate 2 and 3 day trekking options with an overnight stay in spherical baskets hanging from the trees. Near the campsite a wildlife observation tower has been constructed overlooking the Poung Nyied salt lick and offering opportunities to spot wildlife.

The Cloud Forest Climb involves a more challenging 4 to 5 day trek up to the summit of Phou Louey (Elev.2257m) – the third highest peak in Laos and one of the few cloud forests in the region. This trek through the evergreen forest includes a homestay in a Khmu village at the start of the tour, followed by camping in jungle huts inside the NPA.

Proposal of programs with the 2-day Night Safari Trek

Option 1: 3D / 2N - back to Luang Prabang on Day 3

Day 3: Return to Luang Prabang in the late evening
However, the journey is long and you get tired. It is recommended to add 1 day. as presented below, which presents only qualities:

Option 2: 4D / 3N - return to Luang Prabang by day 4

Day 3 night break in a good hotel in Nong Kiaw
With a night at Nam Ou Riverside, run by a German married to a Thai, comfortable rooms, retreat for Yoga practitioners; with a pool ; or Nong Kiao Ecolodge, with its very inspired bungalows of traditional houses but with all the comfort very neat decoration. often overlooking the breathtaking sunset in Nong Khiaw, a village located 3 hours from Luang Prabang along the Nam Ou.

Day 4: Small boat trip and return to Luang Prabang
the morning by private boat for a walk, or long boat to the most upstream walks to Muang Ngoi, Sopjam. Possibility of the tubbing (large buoys tractors on which we descend part of the Nam Ou River) or kayaking in magnificent landscapes, dense and mysterious.

Return to Luang Prabang in the day, as desired.

To remember :

* On day 4: ability to adjust the schedule to be returned in connection with domestic and international scheduled flights.
* This program can be accompanied by a professional photographer serving as tour leader. French speaking exclusively.

Option 3: 6D / 5N: Hanoi rally

Day 4: Xieng Khouang (and the Plain of Jars) // Day 5: Xieng Khouang morning, Sam Nua night (Sam Neua, historical bastion of liberating communist party with its grottos (Audio -tour remarkable) // Day 6: Sam Neua - Passage of the international border Lao-Viet, then on to Hanoi.

Option 4: 6D / 5N: Vinh rally

Day 4: Sam Neua (historical bastion) // Day 5: Xieng Khuang (and the mystery of the Plain of Jars) // Day 6: Xieng Khuang - Passage of the border Nam Khan to Ky Son and Vinh further.

Option 5: 9N / 8N: rally Danang or Hue

Day 4: Sam Neua // Day 5: Xieng Khuang // Day 6: rustic Night in Pak Kading for the restaurant // Day 7: 4 hours road to Hinboun, 2013 favorite // Day 8: Visit the surrounding area, and 5 hours' drive from Savannakhet // Day 9: Crossing the international border Lao-Viet Ban Dong for continue to Hue or Danang.

View online : Official link to Night Safari

The elephant conservation center

Benolaos — 2014-12-02T05:06:00Z

The Elephant Conservation Center hosts Laos' first hospital dedicated to elephants that are victims of logging accidents or affected by diseases.

Located in Sayabouly (3 hours by road from Luang Prabang) the center is staffed with an international team of elephant vets and offers free veterinary care services, an emergency unit, a breeding center, a mahout vocational center and the most extensive elephant information center in country.

The Elephant Conservation Center is not just another elephant camp. It provides a global approach to the resolution of various problems striking the last elephants of Laos. Through a dedicated team of international conservationists and vets, programmes are implemented on site and beyond. ElefantAsia, an internationally recognised organisation, runs Laos' elephant conservation programme from the facility. A true private-public partnership, the Elephant Conservation Center cooperates with multiple conservation organisations around the world.

You can sponsor an elephant. Here are the animals who need your help : http://www.elephantconservationcenter.com/project/sponsor-an-elephant/

The Center proposes several way of visit :

1day visit, beginning at 8:30 in Sayaboury

Guided visit of the Center with veterinarians
Interacting with elephants
Lunch
Discover the Nursery
Elephant Bath

3 Days / 2 Nights Package

Short boat trip on the Nam Tien lake
Guided visit of the Center with veterinarians
Interacting with elephants
Walks with elephants and explore the forest
Discover the Nursery
Follow the elephants to their night resting place.
Elephant Baths
Sunset cruise on the lake

6 Days / 5 Nights Eco Experience

This package is your gateway to the Elephant World! During the week, you will share the life of a mahout and learn the basics of this centuries-old craft. Activities include support work at the Center and hospital; feeding the elephants; assisting the mahouts in all phases of their working day. An in-depth encounter with the Giants of Laos. It is possible to extend your stay on completion of your first week. You will then become a long-term volunteer (two weeks up to a month).
A special experience that gives you the real contact with the pachyderms, full of strength, full of love and fidelity.

See more details on the official website, see below.

View online : Website

UXO Luang Prabang Center

Benolaos — 2012-12-23T13:49:04Z

The UXO Laos Visitor Center is located behind the Chao Anouvong Monument. This free admittance center features information about unexploded ordnance, for what Lao PDR is the most heavily bombed country, per capita, in history. Numbers talk:

Approximately 25% of villages in Laos are contaminated with Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)
More than 580,000 bombing missions were conducted over Laos
Over 2 million tons of ordnance were dropped on Laos between 1964 and 1973
Cluster sub-munitions or ‘Bombies' (as they are known locally) are the most common form of UXO remaining
More than 270 million bombies were dropped onto Laos
Up to 30% failed to detonate
Approximately 80 million unexploded bombies remained in Laos after the war
All 17 provinces of Laos suffer from UXO contamination
41 out of the 46 poorest districts in Laos have UXO contamination
Over 50,000 people have been killed or injured as a result of UXO accidents in the period 1964-2008
Over 20,000 people have been killed or injured as a result of UXO accidents postâ€ war period, 1974-2008
UXO Lao works in the nine most heavily UXO contaminated provinces in the country.
UXO Lao needs on an average, US$6.5 million, for operations. It employs over 1,000 people.

3d / 2n: Luang Prabang - Muang Ngoi

Benolaos — 2012-08-29T16:52:50Z

From Luang Prabang, visit for 3 days / 2 nights (or more) a really preserved area, well known for its untouched nature, its calm atmosphere, and the authentic villages around.
Beginning your journey with a minivan, you will explorer handicraft villages specialized in silk, cotton and mulberry paper. You will reach Muang Ngoi, where you will spend 2 days, before coming back to Luang Prabang on a private boat for a little exclusive cruise. Recommendation: stay more and do a 2-day trek (or even 3-day trek!) in the natural, preserved area of Muang Ngoi "the old".

Itinerary at a glance

Day 1. Luang Prabang - Nong Khiaw - Muang Noi
Day 2. Discover the area of Muang Ngoi
Day 3. Private cruise to Luang Prabang

Detail of the journey

Day 1. Luang Prabang - Nong Khiaw - Muang Ngoi (.../.../...)

Early morning, your minivan with chauffeur and guide will pick you up at your hotel. Destination, Nong Khiaw, where a boat is waiting for you to go up to rise Muang Ngoi, a small fishermen village, in a beautiful nature.

En route, you will have an introduction to the weaving village in Laos, working silk and cotton : Ban Xiang Khong, Ban Xieng Lek, Ban Nagnane, 3 traditional villages, specialized in handicraft.
Free lunch in Nong Khiaw

After lunch, we will have a 1h30 cruise on one of the most beautiful rivers in Laos, with a majestic karst mountains landscape covered by a dense jungle. Possible stops in villages. recommended stop at the waterfall on the way.

Arrival in Muang Ngoi before the Sunset.

Night in Muang Ngoi

Day 2. Muang Ngoi (B /... /...)

Free Day.
Optional proposals:

1-day trekking: beginning early morning, when the sun is relatively mild, for 1 hour of very easy walk to the first village, Ban Na, the village of rice fields. We then can reach a couple of villages, depending on your wishes : Hmong village, Kamou village...
You will cross rice paddies, go through jungle, in a karst landscape which rise rocky peaks. You will also have the opportunity to visit one of the many caves where the inhabitants where living for ten years during the "secret war".
1-day kayaking (or tubing): we will go by boat further up the river (about 1 hour cruise) for an exploration of two villages: Ban Ban Sopcham and Atsapeui. You will then go down the river with your kayak or tubing on a very quiet river (2 to 4 hours). You will be followed all the way by the boat that carry material, food, etc. Level: easy. Beginners welcomed.
1-day fishing: spend one day with a fisherman, barbecue on one of the sand beach with the catch of the day. Visit of the 2 villages of Atsapeui and Sopcham.
2-day trekking (B/L/D - B/L): the journey is 1 day extended and become a 4D/3N. The trek is a loop from Muang Ngoi, with an overnight in homestay in one ethnic group village (Hmong or Kamou). Back to Muang Ngoi mid-afternoon.

Day 3. Muang Ngoi - Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang (B/ L /...)

After breakfast, a junk will be chartered for about 1 hour cruise, down the Nam Ou River. You will stop at Nong Khiaw, where a minivan will await you to finish the journey by road.

Stop a the mouth when the Nam Ou goes on the Mekong ; there stand the 2 holy caves of Pak Ou, hosting thousands of Buddha images. These representation are left by the believers who come here to pray and seek guidance from spirits.

Back to Luang Prabang, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Options :

2-day trek around Muang Ngoi
On day 3, continue to cruise downstream from Nong Khiaw to Ban Ngeun (2h cruise)

Included in the program:

Private transportation in air-con minivan
Accommodation in twin shared in Guesthouse**
Private boat trip Nong Khiaw - Muang Ngoi
Private boat trip Muang Ngoi - Nong Khiaw
Visit of Pak Ou Caves
English speaking guide all trip
Admission fee to indicated sights
Meals: daily breakfast at hotel
Government tax and service charge
Luggage handling
2 bottles of drinking water per day during the tour
2 cold tower per day during the tour

3d / 2n: Luang Prabang - Plain of Jars

Benolaos — 2012-08-28T07:48:40Z

From Luang Prabang, spend 3 days / 2 nights to explore a region of mystery and history. Through mountains jungle, rally Phonsavanh city by conditioned minivan with driver and guide (English or other language); you will there visit the local sights: the Plain of Jars, the local market full of exotic products, the Mulberry, sericulture unit production, the old capital of Xieng Khuang...

Itinerary at a glance

Day 1. Luang Prabang - Plain of Jars
Day 2. Discover the region and its mysteries
Day 3. Phonesavanh - Luang Prabang

Detail of the journey

Day 1. Luang Prabang - Plain of Jars (... / ... / ...)

Today we will drive to Xieng Khouang, an area once devastated by American bombings between 1964 and 1973. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs.

The drive is very long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. you will discover the 3 ethnic groups on the way, with their special architecture, culture, tradition and language...

On arrival, we visit the first site of the “Plain of Jars”, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. The largest jar reaches a height of 3.25 metres; researchers still question the origin and significance of these jars.

Night in Xieng Khuang

Day 2. Discover the region and its mysteries (B/.../...)

After breakfast we will begin with a visit of the local market, well known to propose local special exotic products.

We will then head out to the old capital of Muang Khoun province and its nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Thai Dam people.

Our excursion continues to the 2nd and 3rd Plain of jars fields, where you can obtain more scenic views. Along the way, we visit more local villages and learn about the local culture and lifestyle. Return to Phonsavanh by late afternoon.

Night in Xieng Khuang

Day 3. Xieng Khuang - Luang Prabang (B/.../...)

After breakfast, we will come back to Luang Prabang. Leaving Phonsavanh, we will visit the craft workshop specialized in Sericulture (Mulberry shop, closed on Sunday) where you can follow all the stages of production, breeding the worms, weaving, spinning, dyeing ...

Then, couple of hours of driving, through the mountainous jungle inhabited by ethnic groups.

Transfer to your hotel in Luang Prabang

Tariffs for a group of 4 persons :

with Standard Room (Twin or double) : 1320 USD (330 USD / pers.)
with Suite Room (Deluxe Double) : 1500 USD (375 USD / pers.)

Included in the tariff:

Private transportation in private air-conditioned
Accommodation at Vansana*** in double occupancy
English speaking guide
Admission fee to indicated sights
Meals : daily breakfast at hotel
Government tax and service charge
Luggage handling
2 bottles of drinking water per day during the tour
2 cold tower per day during the tour

9d / 8n: People of northern Laos

Benolaos — 2012-07-02T17:27:04Z

This 9 day / 8 night journey will show you a part of the real Northern Laos, between the high holy centre and the simple wild life around. We will first have a visit of Luang Prabang, the jewel of the Mekong, the city of a thousand pagodas. We will then explore further north, in a remote area region, one of the cradles of Laos.

Itinerary at a glance:

Day1. Luang Prabang city - Centre visit
Day2. Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfall
Day3. Luang Prabang - Pakbeng
Day4. Pakbeng - Oudomxay
Day5. Oudomxay - Muang Khua - Muang Ngoi
Day6. 1st day trek, overnight in homestay in a village
Day7. 2nd day trek, back to Muang Ngoi
Day8. Muang Ngoi - Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang
Day9. Departure

Detail of the journey

Day 1. Luang Prabang city-centre visit (../../..)

Your guide will be meeting you at 8.30am at your hotel to have a 1st day visit of the centre-town. This town, world heritage since 1995, have a charm of an old and preserved jewel. The numerous pagodas all around and their hundreds of novices give to the area a saffron colour that inspires the eyes and the feelings.

We will start with the National Museum (and former Royal Palace) which displays a lovely collection of artifacts, which reflect the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We will continue with the temple close by the museum, the Wat Mai temple, one of the most important of Luang Prabang.

We then will walk or drive to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to discover the diversity of the Lao culture with more than 100 ethnics in the country.

After that visit, we can learn about the secret war with the UXO Centre (close Saturday & Sunday) dedicated to their work consisting on clearing the Unexploded Ordnances that kills every year in Laos.

Lunch at your own.

We will take the road to the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong.
On the way, we will stop to visit the Wat Visoun and its stupa, the That mak Mo, and later on a stop to visit the unique Wat Phon Phao temple.

Ban Xang Khong is then our next visit. This village is specialised in weaving silk, and the Saa paper production, made by the bark of a local tree.

We will return in term to have time to climb the Phousi Hill to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and admire the sunset that get reflected on the Mekong River. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse a lovely selection of handmade textiles, made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 2. Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls (B/../..)

We will start today with the visit of the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents the typical classical Laotian architecture.

We can continue by the visit of the Phosi Market, the biggest market of Luang Prabang and more generally from Northern-Laos.

Close by the Weaving living Centre of Ock Pop Tok, proposing exhibition, explanations about the silk weaving process including the dyeing, the spinning.

We are then driving around 1 hour toward Kuang Si Waterfall; en route, we can stop in some villages to visit local Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village.

We then drive to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails after having explorer the new Rescue Bear Centre hosting numerous specimen.

You can choose to also visit the Butterfly Park (not included in the tour), or pay a visit to the Elephant on the way to the waterfalls.

You will find many restaurants around, local one, and the new Carpe Diem located in a waterfalls environment.

We return to Luang Prabang by mid-afternoon before sunset, to enjoy this moment in Wat Phabatthai temple.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 3. Luang Prabang - Pakbeng (by boat) (B/L/..)

Today early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. We will have prepared everything for you to participate yourself, introducing first to the tradition, and having all material for your maximum comfort and respect.

Before back to hotel, you will have the opportunity to visit the morning market with all the exotic products coming from the jungle around the ethnic group propose very early in the morning to be back home as soon as possible.

After breakfast, it will be time to go west by cruising 1 day the Mekong River to the village of Pakbeng, a beautiful view point located in a natural curve close to the mouth with the Beng River.

Your private boat will be setup for you. With drinks and appetizers, lunch on board.
After 1 hour cruise, you will stop to visit the 2 sacred caves of Pak Ou hosting hundreds of representation of Lord Buddha.

You will then have around 8 hours cruise upstream, with possible stops on the way to visit ethnic villages situated on the bank of the river.

Arrival in Pakbeng before sunset.

Overnight in Pakbeng

Day 4. Pakbeng - The elephants - Oudomxay (B/../..)

After breakfast, you will cross the Mekong River to discover the elephant camp of Pakbeng which is dedicated to the protection of elephants and offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the life of an animal who historically lived in horde in this area.

We will then be back in the minivan for around 3 hours of drive to connect Oudomxay and the superb Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort located in the jungle where a lot of ethnic groups originally live. The area is now protected, nature is there particularly living, the rare old essences of wood are still easily reachable, and the Resort provide all activities suiting for all kind of adventurers.

Overnight in Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort.

Day 5. Oudomxay - Muang Khua - Muang Ngoi (B/L/..)

We will drive on the morning around 3 hours to reach the village of Muang Khua, located on the bank of the Nam Ou. A boat will be awaiting you to go downstream to the village of Muang Ngoi, through karst formations.

We will have lunch on board

We will arrive before sunset to the village, after having done some stops in villages before

day 6. 1st day trek, overnight in homestay (B/L/D)

We will have a 2 days to meet the people living out of the roads, out of the navigate rivers, in wild part of the countryside, still living as they always have done. If most of the villages have now access to water, they almost don't have electricity but with generators using petrol bought in Muang Ngoi.

For these 2 days, we will cross little plateaus, rice fields, in a karst formations area where caves were protecting the local between the "secret war", when American planes where constantly dropping bombs... Depending on health condition, we will adapt the number of hours of walk (2 - 6 hours per day).

We will have a night in one of the village around (Ban Houey Sen, Ban Na, or Ban Kiou Khan, depending on the selected option)

Overnight in homestay

Day 7. 2nd day trek, back to Muang Ngoi (B/L/..)

We will probably wake up early, when the houses start to prepare the breakfast. We will spend a part of our morning observing the local way of life, before walking back to Muang Ngoi (2 - 5 hours of walk).

Belonging to our plan, we can propose options: visit the waterfalls, or navigate down the Nam Ou from Sopjam to Muang Ngoi in kayak through landscape you already discovered by boat 2 days before.

Arrival in Muang Ngoi before Sunset.

Overnight in Muang Ngoy

Day 8. Muang Ngoi - Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang (B/../..)

After your breakfast, a boat will be chartered for about 1h cruise, down the Nam Ou River to Nong Khiaw. Our chauffeur will be awaiting us to come back to Luang Prabang (3 hour drive).

Before leaving Nong Khiaw, we will pay a visit to the Patok Caves where administration were living for a decade during the secret war. We then start our last ride. After 30 minutes of drive, we will do a detour to visit Ban Na Ngane, a Tai Lu village specialized in the production of famous cotton textiles, natural cultivating, hand spinning, weaving, to finish with indigo natural dyeing.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 9. Departure (B/../..)

Day free.
2 hours before landing, your chauffeur will be meeting you at your hotel to assure your transfer to the airport.

Inclusive to the program:

Private transportation in private air-conditioned
Accommodation in twin shared in Oudomxay and Muang Ngoi
Private boat trip as stated in above sights
English speaking guide
Local guide assistance for the 2 day trek
Admission fee to indicated sights
Meals : daily breakfast at hotel
Government tax and service charge
Luggage handling
2 bottles of drinking water per day during the tour
2 cold tower per day during the tour

6d / 5n: Luang Prabang - Vientiane

Benolaos — 2012-06-27T07:38:19Z

This 6 days / 5 nights journey in northern Laos will show you the main jewels of a naturally preserved area, home to ethnic groups still living at ancestral lifestyle. We will visit Luang Prabang, the Pearl of Asia, before exploring one of the mysteries of southeast Asia, ending in Vientiane, capital of Laos, a city located on the bank of the Mekong River.

Itinerary at a glance:

Day1. Arrival - Luang Prabang
Day2. Luang Prabang - Pak Ou cave - Khouangsi Waterfall
Day3. Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang
Day4. Xieng Khouang - Vientiane
Day5. Vientiane - City Tour
Day6. Vientiane - Departure

Detail of the journey

Day1. Arrival - Luang Prabang

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquillity and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After a short rest, we visit the impressive Stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, Gilded Stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the watch the setting sun as it is reflected on the Mekong River. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse a lovely selection of handmade textiles, made by the local and hill-tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day2. Luang Prabang - Pak Ou cave - Khouangsi Waterfall (B/.../...)

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. You will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpetre among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weaving.

AM: After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of 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 small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, on the way we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village well known for its hand weaving.

PM: We continue our excursion toward Khouangsi Waterfall, en route, we visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for silk handweaving and for traditional Saa Paper making.

At 5:30, we will enjoy the experience of the diner-cruise on the Nava Mekong, a luxury boat cruising during the sunset. You will assist to a traditional dance representation, on board.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day3. Luang Prabang - Xieng Khuang (Road) (B/.../...)

After breakfast we visit the The National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artefacts, which reflect the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Today we leave this charming town and drive to Xieng Khouang, an area once devastated by American bombings between 1964 and 1973. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. In the afternoon there will be time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and its' nearby villages.

Overnight in Xieng Khuang

Day4. Xieng Khouang - Vientiane (flight) (B/.../...)

Following breakfast at Hotel, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site encompassing hundreds of large stone jars scattered throughout the plateau. In the afternoon there will be time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and its' nearby villages which are home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people who possess an interesting local culture and a vibrant history. We then board our short flight (30min) to the charming and fascinating Lao capital Vientiane. On arrival at 16:10, transfer without guide at your hotel we check in to the hotel.

Overnight in Vientiane

Day5. Vientiane - City Tour (B/.../...)

After breakfast, we see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao's national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop en-route to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph.

In the afternoon we transfer out to see the Buddha Park, a scattered enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. A spectacular view of over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day.

Overnight in Vientiane

Day6. Vientiane - Departure (B/.../...)

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our departure flight.

Our tariffs:

On demand.
Depends on the category of hotel
Optional way Xieng Khuang - Vientiane by road
Optional visits, and 1/2 day with handicraft professional.

Example of accommodation in 3 stars Boutique Hotel:

in Luang Prabang, Le Bel Air* (bungalow riverside)
in Xieng Khuang, Vansana* (Deluxe rooms)
in Vientiane, Mandala Boutique Hotel* (Superior rooms)

Inclusive of above program:

English speaking guide
Private transportation in private air-conditioned
Accommodation in twin shared
Pak Ou cruise in private boat
Flight Xiengkhouang (plain of jars) - Vientiane
Admission fee to indicated sights
Meals : daily breakfast at hotel
Luggage handling
2 bottles of drinking water per day during the tour
2 cold tower per day during the tour
Government tax and service charge

Wat Phon Phao

Benolaos — 2012-06-19T00:48:09Z

About 2 miles from Luang Prabang, upstream from the Nam Khan river, you can find the Wat Phon Phau on top of a small hill which is looked after by female monks. Male bonzes are dressed in a yellow robe (sometimes orange or light brown) as Buddha recommended, when he said that they should wear 3 odd pieces of clothing. The women wear a sort of white kimono.

The Buddhist religion differentiates the conditions of men and women. Man is supposedly the last stage of reincarnation, the only real one on the road to Nirvana, in other words the end of the cycle.

Boys are obliged to retire to a monastery for a period of at least 3 months during their youth, a retirement (bouat) of a few days (normally a maximum of 3 weeks) … for women, this is unthinkable, they must learn everything by their own means if they're really interested.

Some monasteries accept women, but mainly only older women, who find in these religious enclosures, a spiritual refuge. At Phon Phao, several women came to escape the turmoil of Luang Prabang and work on everyday chores, including gardening.

The singularity of this temple, starts with its octagonal architecture. Built in the 1950's, this temple is also exceptional by its interior decoration :

paintings representing traditional Buddhist scenes, are stunning,
the second floor with its paintings illustrating the different Buddhist architectures of the countries of S.E. Asia is very interesting
the last floor, all in gold (like the reception hall of the old royal palace) marks the ultimate preciousness of the high level.

My advice : to be seen and to be followed from ban Phanom, the historical weaving village. Some beautiful showpieces, mostly made from a mixture of cotton and yarns of silk.