Inside Laos - 17 days

2012 - Your Journey starts Chiang Rai, ends Pakse

DAY 1 - CHIANG RAI
On arrival in Chiang Rai, transfer to your hotel and meet your small group of fellow adventurers and tour leader for a welcome drink and to prepare for your Mekong boat journey.
Hotel: Laluna Resort

DAYS 2-3 - PAKBENG & KAMU ECOLODGE
Rise early and cross the border into Laos to board a private wooden barge for your journey down the tranquil Mekong, past pristine landscapes and stunning scenery. Stay overnight in the quiet trading outpost of Pakbeng, and then continue to the comfortable Kamu Ecolodge. Absorb the culture here, with the chance to meet the locals and try your hand at traditional activities such as rice planting and fishing.
Hotels: Phetsokxai, Kamu Ecolodge

DAYS 4-6 - LUANG PRABANG
Continue floating down the peaceful Mekong, visiting the beautiful Pak Ou Caves along the way, until you reach spectacular Luang Prabang. Spend your days amongst the historic monuments, colourful markets, peaceful temples and friendly people of this World Heritage listed town. Delve into the culture as you enter ornate monasteries, visit the absorbing Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, and meet local monks. Test your culinary skills in a fun Lao cooking class and view the gorgeous Kuang Si Falls. The incredible spectacle of the ancient ritual of monks collecting alms at dawn is a vision you will not forget. Soak up the town’s relaxed atmosphere with a game of petanque.
Hotel: Sala Prabang (Lodge)

DAYS 7-10 - PLAIN OF JARS & VANG VIENG
A drive through the remote mountains of Northern Laos brings you to the Plain of Jars, a mysterious archaeological site steeped in legend. A picturesque drive ends in idyllic Vang Vieng, home to stunning limestone karst scenery. Embark on a kayaking trip and discover a nearby cave, returning as the sun sets over the tranquil river.
Hotels: Auberge Plain Des Jarres, Thavonsouk Resort

DAYS 11-12 - VIENTIANE
Continue to Asia’s most laid-back capital, Vientiane. Discover the city’s iconic sights, such as Wat Pha That Luang and the Patuxai Monument, and be sure to peruse the vibrant array of fabrics in the Morning Market. At the interactive COPE visitors centre gain a valuable insight into the problems UXOs, unexploded bombs, have caused in this peaceful land and what this fantastic organisation is doing to help.
Hotel: Le Leela Hotel

DAYS 13-17 - BOLAVEN PLATEAU & 4000 ISLANDS
Fly to Pakse in Southern Laos then head for the cool temperatures of the Bolaven Plateau. Here, explore verdant coffee plantations, ancient temple ruins and the beautiful Tad Fane Waterfalls. Journey to the 4,000 Islands and get to know the friendly residents, visit eerie Wat Phou Temple and keep an eye out for the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin from your island base in the middle of the Mekong. On your last day, enjoy free time until your departure transfer.
Hotels: Tad Lo Lodge, Sala Done Khone, Pakse