Houai Xai to Vientiane Excursion – 10 Days
Itinerary Brief:
Day 1: Houai Xai - Pakbeng Cruise
Day 2: Pakbeng - Luang Prabang Cruise
Day 3: Luang Prabang City Tour
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Khuang Si Waterfall
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang Province (Phonsavanh)
Day 6: Phonsavanh - Plain of Jars - Vang Vieng
Day 7: Vang Vieng - Tham Jang Cave
Day 8: Vang Vieng - Vientiane
Day 9: Vientiane City Tour
Day 10: Vientiane Departure
Summary:
Your cruise down the Mekong River begins in the morning as you depart the Houai Xay pier for your first destination of Pakbeng. You glide past spectacular countryside vistas, and observe rural life along the riverbank, and stop at ethnic riverside villages. A buffet lunch is served on board as you continue your cruise down the river. You arrive in Pakbeng before sunset, and transfer to a deluxe lodge.
The next day, we look around Pakbeng, then board the cruise boat for the second part of the cruise to Luang Prabang. There is a stop to explore a Hmong village, then back on board, and 
you enjoy a buffet lunch. You visit the mysterious Pak Ou Cave, and then continue the cruise to arrive in Luang Prabang before sunset.
You take a tour of the ancient city of Luang Prabang, and climb to the top of Mount Phousi for a fantastic view and a beautiful sunset. You see the early morning procession of saffron robed monks receiving offerings of food. Drive to Kuang Si Waterfall in the green, cool forest, then visit Wat Siphouthabath to see the footprints of the Buddha.
Leaving Luang Prabang, you see the beautiful rural countryside on the way to the old capital of Xieng Khouang. Explore the mysterious Plain of Jars, and marvel at the quiet rivers, towering 
limestone cliffs and many caves at Vang Vieng. Take a trip on the Nam Song River, and explore Tham Jang Cave before heading to the capital of Laos, Vientiane. In Vientiane you take a tour of the city, see the sights, and visit a weaving village. Then it will be time for your adventure in Laos to come to an end.
Trip Grade:
Easy - Suitable for travelers with an average level of fitness and mobility.
This itinerary is based on first-class service and deluxe accommodation. At Travel Loops we design luxury tours to suit your schedule and travel requirements. Just send an E-mail and let us arrange a premium tour for you.
Houai Xai to Vientiane Excursion – 10 Days.jpg)
Itinerary Detail:
Day 1 : Houai Xai - Pakbeng Cruise
In the morning after breakfast, the cruise boat leaves from the Houai Xay pier at 8:30am for your cruise down the Mekong River to Pakbeng. A stop is made along the way to visit ethnic villages, and observe rural life along the Mekong River. A buffet lunch is served on board. Before sunset, you arrive in Pakbeng where you disembark and check in to the Pakbeng Lodge. 
Overnight in Pakbeng lodge. Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 2: Pakbeng - Luang Prabang Cruise
After breakfast we walk to the Pakbeng Market, where ethnic groups from villages in the surrounding countryside come to buy and sell their goods. Then, a little later in the morning, you board the cruise boat for the second part of the cruise. While cruising, there is a short stop to explore a Hmong village, and then a buffet lunch is served on board. The cruise continues to Pak-Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, and we visit "The Cave of a Thousand Buddhas". Then we 
resume our cruise to Luang Prabang, and we make a brief stop to observe the traditional process of making local rice alcohol. Arrival in Luang Prabang is before sunset, and transfer to your luxury hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 3: Luang Prabang City Tour
The tour starts after breakfast with a visit to the National Museum, the former Royal Palace, to learn about the history of Laos. We also visit two of Luang Prabang’s most famous temples: Wat Visoun, the 
city’s oldest temple, and Wat Xienthong, an excellent example of classical temple architecture.
After lunch we take a short drive to the weaving village of Ban Xangkhong, and then to Ban XiangLek, a paper making village. In the afternoon, we climb the steps to the stupa at the top of Mount Phousi, and get a fantastic panoramic view of the city and the river below. We also see an incredible sunset from there. At night we explore Night Market Street, and browse local handicraft products.
Overnight in Luang Prabang hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included..jpg)
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Khuang Si Waterfall
If you get up early enough, you can see the daily morning procession of monks along Sisavangvong Road with residents lining the street waiting to make offerings of food. After breakfast, we drive to Kuang Si Waterfall in the forest of a National Conservation Area. Along the way, there are stops at the small villages of Ban Na Oune, a Hmong village, and Ban Tha Pane, a Khmu minority village. Then in the late afternoon, we visit Wat Siphouthabath to see the footprints of the Buddha.
Overnight in Luang Prabang hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang Province (Phonsavanh)
After an early breakfast, we leave Luang Prabang and drive to Xieng Khouang. This province and the ancient capital were devastated by heavy American bombing between 1964 and 1973. There are very few other travelers on the road, and you get to see the rural backcountry of Laos. The drive is very long, but we make stops when we want to stretch our legs, and take photos of the beautiful countryside. When we arrive, we explore the old capital of Xieng Khouang, now called Muang Khun. If time permits we will also explore nearby villages. 
Overnight in Phonsavanh hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 6: Phonsavanh - Plain of Jars - Vang Vieng
In the morning we set out to explore the mysterious Plain of Jars. This is a remarkable archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars lie scattered over the plateau. It is estimated that the huge jars are some 2,000 years old, but it is still a mystery as to what they were actually used for. We also have time today to explore nearby Hmong hill tribe villages and learn about their culture and history.
Then we are off on a drive to Vang Vieng. This was once a small and tranquil village but it is.jpg)
rapidly developing into a tourist town. However, the scenery around Vang Vieng is beautiful, with quiet rivers, limestone cliffs and many caves. Depending on the road conditions and the traffic, we should arrive in Vang Vieng by mid or late afternoon.
Overnight in Vang Vieng hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 7: Vang Vieng - Tham Jang Cave
The area around Vang Vieng is famous for it’s beautiful valleys and limestone cliffs with many caves and caverns. After breakfast, we take a short boat trip on the Nam Song River to explore the most famous of these caves, the Tham Jang Cave. 
Around 200 years ago, this cave was used by local people as a bunker against Chinese invaders. After visiting the cave, we take a walk to the Tai Deang and Souay hill tribe villages. The people are very friendly and we talk to them and they show us how they live.
Overnight in Vang Vieng hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 8: Vang Vieng - Vientiane
After breakfast, we start the day with a walk around the bustling central market. Then we cross 
the river to the village of Ban Huai Ngai where we explore the local lifestyle of the village. We are then on our way to the capital of Laos, Vientiane. When we arrive, you check into your luxury hotel.
Overnight in Vientiane hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 9 : Vientiane City Tour
Today we take a tour of the capital. First we visit the oldest temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of miniature statues of Buddha. Then across the road is the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo that 
previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha. We then head to the Patuxay Monument or “Victory Gate” for the obligatory photograph taking. Next is the famous and revered Buddhist monument, the That Luang Stupa. We will also have time to visit the Talat Sao Market, Vientiane’s main market where you can shop for a variety of Lao handicrafts and souvenirs.
Overnight in Vientiane hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 10: Vientiane Departure
After breakfast, you will have free time until your departure transfer. You can visit the Morning Market for some last minute shopping, or if you have more time, you can visit the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong. When it is time for your departure, you will be transferred to your departure point.
Breakfast included.
This is a suggested premium itinerary. At Travel Loops we specialize in custom tours designed to fit your needs and requirements. Please let us know the type of individual, customized tour you would like, and we can arrange it for you.
Houai Xai to Vientiane Excursion – 10 Days
Trip Price Includes:
- English speaking guide (Other languages available on request)
- Private transfer and transport in safe, clean, well maintained vehicles
- Breakfast in hotel, and other meals as noted in the itinerary in first-class restaurant
- All entrance fees & permits during guided tours
- Accommodation in 4 or 5 star hotel or resort w/ 2 person room share. Tax included.
- Cruise Houai Xai – Pakbeng - Luang Prabang
Not Included in Trip Price:
- Airfare and taxes not included in tour
- Food and drink not noted in the itinerary
- Visa fees (all visas must be obtained before the tour)
- Entrance fees and permits not part of itinerary
- Personal travel insurance (Compulsory for all travelers) 
- Personal expenses (ex. telephone, laundry charges, souvenirs, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
* Please Note: Hotel accommodation is subject to change due to availability or other conditions. However, in the event that hotel accommodation is changed, the same level of accommodation will be maintained.
Please contact us for the current cost for this tour. We will price the tour according to your particular tour details and your travel period (Low & High season).
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