Explore the Mekong River of Lan Sang

The area of north west Laos that was once the Lan Sang Empire is best experienced by a tour along the rivers as the people have done here for thousands of years. Your travel experience will be the richer, as we specialise in cultural experiences. This often involves a stay with a local family to learn more about their culture and daily activities. The local people will as a result, benefit from your travel.

Sample Itinerary - 5+ Days

Day 1 Chiang Khong - Huai Xai.
We start by making our way to Ban Nam Keung, which is about 26 kms from Chiang Khong, here you will discover the traditional lifestyle of the Lu people. The Lu are an ethnic minority who originated from Southern China and many follow the Buddhist path.  The Lu people traditionally live near a river and their houses are built on stilts, to avoid flood damage. The space below the house is used for storing fish, household tools and other equipment. Most houses will be built facing the nearest temple as a sign of respect of Lord Buddha. Overnight in a local family home or a hotel in a nearby town.  L, D.

Day 2 Ban Nam Keung.
Spend the day in and around the village getting to know what life is like for the local people. 

Explore the immediate area by oxcart, on foot or by boat. Overnight in a local family home. B, L, D.

Day 3 Huai Xai - Pak Beng.
After breakfast we continue along the Mekong River on a large traditional Mekong riverboat. This portion of the Mekong is very remote, which sometimes allows glimpses of wildlife in the extensive forests adjoining the river. We stop occasionally at local villages to meet the people. One such stop is at Ban Huai Lam Pen, a Hmong village with about 50 families. Here unique Hmong traditions are preserved; women are in traditional clothes made from black cotton, with red wool boa collars that look like fur, and their trousers are delicately hand embroidered. The men maintain a simple dress style. We continue toward Huai Xai with lunch on board the boat. The lovely scenery will make great photos. On arrival in Pak Beng we check in at the Luang Xay Lodge, and then enjoy a buffet dinner. B, L, D.

Day 4 Pak Beng - Luang Prabang.
Before or after breakfast at the lodge, you can make a visit the Pak Beng morning market to check out the local wares. Then continue the river journey for the second leg downstream to Luang Prabang. Enroute stop to visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed here since the 16th century.

Continuing to Luang Prabang, we stop at a village specialising in the making of rice wine! Have a taste, or perhaps just browse the small market. We continue cruising the river through scenic forest and eventually arrive in Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital of the Lane Xang Empire (pronounced ‘lan sang’) - the Land of a Million Elephants. Transfer to your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day either exploring on your own, or at leisure in the hotel. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in a 3 star hotel. B, L, D.

Day 5 Luang Prabang.
After breakfast explore Luang Prabang with your guide…and you can understand why it deserves the World Heritage title! Visit Wat Visoun, the site of the impressive Thad Makmo stupa. Climb the 350 steps of Phou Si (Holy Hill) to enjoy the commanding views for many miles in every direction.  Then continue to visit Wat Mai. 

Wat Xieng Thong is very stylish with several roofs that sweep low to the ground. The gilt panel on the exterior of the sim (chapel) depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana. 

For lunch your guide will give you the chance to experience the delicious local cuisine at a restaurant. After lunch visit Ban Phanom, a weaving village close to town, and Ban Hat Kong, where paper is made. Time permitting, enjoy the sunset at Wat Siphou Tha Bath. Then return to your hotel. Dinner in local restaurant. B, L, D

Day 6 Depart.
After breakfast visit the National Museum, which was once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Also visit the central market and if time permits, visit a silversmith. Then transfer to the airport for your next destination. B, L

Best period for the area: February and early March

Price Guide per person GB£ / US$: From £380 to £600 / $600 to $950
                                         Email for current price

What is Included
All accommodation in hotels based on twin sharing room in a 3 star hotel (upgrade to 4 or 5 star). Lu village homestay. All land transport & transfers listed on the itinerary. All meals as listed as detailed by the code (B, L, D). All entrance fees. An English Speaking guide throughout the tour.

What is Not Included
The trip starts at Chiang Khong in Thailand and finishes in Luang Prabang in Laos, no transportation is included to get to or from these places (but we can help with this). International airport departure tax and air tickets. Transfer to Chiang Khong. Laos visa fees. Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary.

Visas
A visa can be obtained on arrival ($30 approx).

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. We recommend the BMC policies www.thebmc.co.uk