The south of Laos is one of Asia's quietest undiscovered backwaters, but has much to offer the adventurous traveller. The town of Savannakhet is the gateway to the south and is of interest mainly for its cosmopolitan population and attractive downtown area, where many French colonial villas remain intact and in use.
The opening of the second major bridge linking Laos and Thailand this year has opened the region for exploration with interesting cross border overland itineraries.
One of the most important archaeological sites in the region outside the Angkor complex is Wat Phu which was built by one of the most prolific khmer kings, Surayavarman II, who began work on Angkor Wat itself.
The crumbling ruins of Wat Phu, a few kilometres south west of the town of Champasak, are the classic image of the lost jungle city
Laos has been recognised as Asia's most promising new ecotourism destination and continues to develop a reputation as a fashionable place to holiday for those in the know, and the rich and famous. Expect to see more quality accommodation options as more boutique hotels, spas and ecolodges open in Laos
Itinerary
Saturday October 20 2007
Johannesburg - Bangkok
13:35 Depart OR Tambo Intl Airport on Thai Airways Flight: TG 704
Sunday October 21
05:35 Arrive Bangkok Intl Airport
Bangkok - Luang Prabang
12:40 Depart Bangkok Intl Airport on Bangkok Airways on Flight: PG 945
14:40 Arrive Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a favourite with every visitor.
The gentle people, relaxed atmosphere and combination of stunning temples and handsome French architecture are guaranteed to seduce.
Luang prabang nestles in the folds of the forested mountains of Northern Laos, at the confluence of Mekong River and its tributary, the Khan. The entire city was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995 and a little time wandering the quiet streets is ample time to see why it was deemed worthy of preservation.
The city was named for a revered Buddha image which was brought from Angkor, and today Buddhism is the lifeblood of the town. Hundreds of monks live and study in the many ancient temples of the city, and each morning before dawn they take to the streets carrying their wooden bowls to collect alms.
The sight of monks padding silently through the streets of the town, and the reverence shown to them by the lay people defines the soul and the pace of life in Luang Prabang.
Transfer to Hotel Pansea with orientation tour of the spiritual capital. Stop in the evening at the hill tribe market before dinner.
Monday October 22
Luang Prabang (B,L,D). Discover the city by trishaw with guide, continue to the mystery streets of Luang Prabang. Lunch
Afternoon city tour to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Continue to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs. During Pimai, the lao new year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple. Then the Wat Sene with its beautiful golden façade. Finish the morning with the visit to the most photographed temple: Wat Xieng Thong. Dinner
Tuesday October 23
Luang Prabang - Pak Ou - Kamu Lodge (B,L,D) After breakfast, embark for a boat trip on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves.
In Pak Ou, thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues are crammed into the two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff.
They range in size from a few centimetres to the size of a human. Continue upriver for one hour to reach the Kamu Lodge. Welcome drink and lunch at the Kamu Lodge.
Kamu Lodge features 20 private canvas tents, each one is protected from the elements by a thatch roof. This allows the grounds of the lodge to blend harmoniously with surrounding nature. The tents are decorated with bamboo and wooden furniture. They each feature private attached bathroom and toilet with solar powered hot water and electricity.
Afternoon - participate in the activities offered at the lodge: Rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields, in the Mekong. Jungle walks to search for medicinal plants, Trekking through the forest to waterfalls (two hour hike and boat ride), Traditional fishing techniques, local village visit, archery contest. Alternative: Relax in this unique setting. Dinner.
Wednesday October 24
Kamu Lodge - Luang Prabang - Vientiane (B,L,D) Leisure
Pm - head back to Luang Prabang by boat. Lunch at restaurant. Leisure until transfer to the airport for evening flight back Vientiane.
Arrival, transfer to Green Park Hotel. Dinner
Thursday October 25
Vientiane (B,L,D) Full day dedicated to the visit to the capital city, Vientiane. Vat Sisaket: the only temple left intact after the Siamese invasion in 1828.
One of the most beautiful temples of the capital,with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue with Vat Phra Keo, used as a religious museum where are displayed Lao and Khmer works of art and visit the Patuxai monument, also called Anousavari from its roof enjoy a panoramic sight over the city.
Finish with the That Luang, the holiest place in Laos and the Vat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane.
Then stop at the Talat Sao, the morning market, to look for some souvenirs (silk, silver jewellery) Lunch and dinner.
Friday October 26
Vientiane - Pakse - Bolavens - Pakse (B,L,D) After breakfast, transfer to the airport for early (06:30 AM) flight to Pakse. Arrival transfer to the Champassak Palace
Visit tea and coffee plantations of the Bolavens Plateau and the Tad Lo waterfalls. Possibly stop in minorities villages. Return to Pakse.
Lunch and dinner.
Saturday October 27
Khone - Khone Papheng - Pakse (B,L,D)
After breakfast, take a local boat to the peaceful island of Done Khone.
Walk to the Lippi waterfalls. Continue to the southernmost part of Laos and the imposing Khone Papheng waterfalls, near the Cambodian border. Continue to Wat Phou, a pre-angkorian Khmer temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Return to Pakse. Lunch and dinner.
Sunday October 28
Day at leisure in Vientiane
Vientiane - Bangkok
Monday October 29
Transfer to airport
21:50 Depart Vientiane Airport on Thai Airways, Flight: TG 693
22:55 Arrive Bangkok Intl Airport
Tuesday October 30
Bangkok - Johannesburg
00:15 Depart Bangkok Intl Airport on Thai Airways, Flight: TG 703
06:05 Arrive O R Tambo Intl Airport.
COST PER PERSON: R15 844 (Single supplement R2 272)
Includes:
- Economy class airfare: Thai Airways - Routing: Johannesburg - Bangkok - Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Bangkok - Johannesburg
- Domestic flights: Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Pakse - Vientiane on Lao Airlines
- Accommodation in half-twin/dbl room at selected superior hotels with private facilities
- Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner), all meals included
- Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles with driver
- English speaking local guide,
- Daily breakfast
- Boat trip to Kamu Lodge, all admission fees, Kamu Lodge
Single supplement: R2 272
Excludes:
Airport taxes R1 479 (subject to change)
Visa arrangements for Laos (a visa is compulsory) Visa fee for Laos - depend on nationality +/- $25 in cash + one photograph. Valid for 15 days. Issued on arrival
Subject to currency fluctuation and airfare increases.
Contact: Ana Fasulakis - Travkor Tel: 011 883 7803 Fax: 011 883 6754 email: [email protected]