Unusual Laos
Positioned on the banks of the Mekong, Luang Prabang is definitely the most charming city in this wild country, which is slowly awakening from the period of decline due to decades of war and revolution. Thanks to the frame offered by the mountain behind her and to her colonial architecture, with fluted roofs and temples, the city reserves genuine and deep suggestions.
The main attractions of the place are its ancient temples (of the 66 built before French colonization of the survivors are 32) with the golden spire of the stupa.
Following the bend of the Mekong River, we arrive at the Museum of the Royal Palace, the seat also has an elegant monastery, Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple), built in 1560. The effect created by the sloping roof of the sanctuary, almost touching the ground, it is amazing, as are the precious gold reliefs on doors and walls, columns and richly decorated ceilings, the reclining Buddha, small chapels and numerous stupas .
Continuing towards the hill Phusi are discovered temple ruins or still in use, such as Sean Wat and Wat Visunalat, the oldest in the city. A staircase leads to the top of the hill, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view over the city, in the light of sunset.
Near the city stand out then other delightful places, like the famous caves of Pak Ou, some of which are located at the bottom of a cliff of limestone, host of the Buddha statues of all sizes and styles, while some thirty miles south city, surrounded by forest, is the large waterfall several leaps of Kuang Yes, absolutely spectacular. Visitors can bathe in its low natural pools
Day 1 CONNECTING FLIGHT TO BANGKOK
Flight connection from Europe or other country to Bangkok
Day 2 LUANG PRABANG
Arriving in Bangkok in the morning and continued with Bangkok Airways flight to Luang Prabang. Arrival and accommodation at the Hotel Grand. Capital from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century of Lan Xang, the "Kingdom of a million elephants', Luang Prabang is situated in a convenient location, surrounded by mountains and contained between the Mekong and Khan River. The hills, the peninsula that insinuates itself between the two rivers, the imposing temples, the multi-ethnic population creates a striking and harmonious whole. In the afternoon start of the visit of the city and its temples: Wat May, Vixoun Wat, Wat Xieng Thong and the hill of Wat Phu is littered with the most recent. Return to hotel and dinner.
Day 3 LUANG PRABANG
Breakfast. Morning spent exploring the Royal Palace with its Museum. Afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Luang Prabang - Kamu Lodge
Breakfast. In the morning boat trip on the Mekong River with a stop to the famous caves of Pak Ou, some of which are located at the bottom of a cliff of limestone, are home to them thousands of Buddha statues of all sizes and styles, left over the centuries by the faithful. Continuing up the river, around noon we reach Kamu Lodge. After a refreshing welcome drink, accommodation and allocation of tents (all very spacious and with modern facilities). Midday meal outdoors in a unique environment, surrounded by immense rice fields, where you will have the opportunity to taste typical food from Laos, all homemade.
After lunch, you can relax in your porch or in person to participate in some Kamu traditional activities such as:
• Collection of the surrounding rice paddies
• Gold panning: sieve the sand of the Mekong River in search of gold (who finds something if he can keep for themselves!)
• Walk into the jungle to discover the different species of medicinal plants
• Trekking through the forest to reach the waterfalls
• Fishing using traditional techniques (you can then eat for dinner so the fish caught)
• Visit the surrounding villages
• Participation in traditional archery competitions
Traditional dinner in the style of the tribes Kamu, a further opportunity to learn about their world. There will be celebrations and daily rituals now remote and often forgotten.
Overnight in tents at the Khamu Lodge.
DAY 5 KHAMU LODGE - NONG KHIAW
Breakfast at the Lodge. Embarking on a traditional boat for a cruise on the Mekong River to its junction with the Nam Ou River. The latter is the longest river in northern Laos, through a succession of fantastic scenery. Lunch on board. In the afternoon so the navigation along the Nam Ou, the opportunity to meet with villagers lining the river and watch them in carrying out their daily activities, such as fishing and gathering seaweed river. Arrival at Nong Khiaw and visit this small village, dinner and accommodation at Nong Kiao Riverside Guesthouse. Overnight.
DAY 6 NONG KHIAW - Muang Ngoi Kao
Early morning after breakfast, embark on a traditional boat for a journey of about 1 hours towards Muang Ngoi Kao and short walk, surrounded by an impressive landscape and accompanied by a professional guide, to reach and visit the cave of Tham Kang, who during the Indochina war (1960-1972) served as a refuge for the villagers.
It then goes on the road to Ban Houay Bo (villages Khamu and Tai Deng), where lunch will be served at a house in the village. Continuation to Ban Na Village, Deng Tai ethnic group. Having witnessed the work and daily life of its residents returning to Muang Ngoi Kao, and then moved by boat to Nong Khiaw.
Dinner and accommodation at the guesthouse Nong Kiao Riverside.
DAY 7 KNONG KHIAW - Muang La
After breakfast departure by car assigned Oudomxai, through a wonderful mountain scenery. Very typical of the villages of Hmong and Khmu. Upon arrival, the stairs That Phouxay, where you can admire the incredible views of the city and surrounding areas. Lunch.
Transfer to Muang La and free time to enjoy the comfort and beauty of its of the Resort. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing massage or a bath in a tub of hot water coming directly from the springs.
Dinner and overnight at Muang La Resort.
DAY 8 MUANG LA
Breakfast at the hotel. Hike (2-3 hours) to immerse yourself in rural life in the nearby village of Pak and walks in the surrounding areas, featuring panoramic views over the River Nam Pak and the beautiful rice fields and salt mines. We can thus see how the locals manage to exploit the surrounding natural resources to survive. Arrival at the site of Muang La, dominated by the temple of "Chiao Pha Kham Sing", which houses within it a sacred Buddha. Now this temple is a sacred place of pilgrimage for the many appearances of the Buddha, witnessed over the centuries by its custodians. Lunch. Continue in 4x4 vehicles along a nice road along the Nam Phak river to reach Ikhos two villages, one of the most remote communities in Laos, between Yunnan and Tibet. The houses in these mountain villages are all built of wood and bamboo, the clothes are dyed with unique colors, derived from plant extracts and the local beliefs in the spirit world led the people to live their religion every day and in any place specially dedicated worship. Dinner and overnight at Muang La Resort.
Day 9 MUANG LA - Luang Prabang
Breakfast at the Resort. Back in Luang Prabang and accommodation at the Hotel Grand. Dinner.
Day 10 - Luang Prabang - Bangkok
Breakfast. In the afternoon transfer to airport and flight to Bangkok.
Day 11 BANGKOK – EUROPE (OR OTHER COUNTRIES)
Quotation in Euro (min. 2 partecipants) from € 2.430/pax in double room
