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Experience the essence of Laos on this short but enlightening trip staying in luxury boutique hotels. Colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards and Buddhist temples impart a unique timelessness to the charming town of Vientiane, situated on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. The former royal capital of Luang Prabang never fails to enchant visitors with its abundance of temples, faded French provincial architecture and its gentle friendly people. On this private tour you will visit the sights of Vientiane and Luang Prabang and get a memorable introduction to this fascinating country seemingly lost in time.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Important Notes
Accommodation
Sabaai-dii! Welcome to Laos.
You are met on arrival at Vientiane airport by your local guide and transferred to your hotel (transfers cannot be arranged on arrival, please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure). A morning arrival is recommended to allow time for sightseeing in the afternoon.
Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjures up exotic images, with an intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Faded colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples impart an atmosphere of timelessness, particularly in the older part of town along the Mekong River.
A private afternoon sightseeing tour includes Wat Si Saket, which contains almost 7000 Buddha images and is the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. Also included is the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy, Wat Haw Phra Kaew, and Pha That Luang (the Great Sacred Stupa), which is the most important national monument in Laos, a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty.
Meals included: none
Overnight: Settha Palace Hotel, Vientiane
The beautiful Settha Palace Hotel in the heart of Vientiane has been restored to its imperial glory with a café, bar and restaurant serving classical French cuisine and seasonally-inspired Laotian dishes showcasing the distinct flavours of local produce. In the beautiful gardens is a lovely pool and poolside bar to relax by. The elegant rooms have ensuite bathrooms, telephone and satellite TV.
You can start the day with an independent visit to Vientiane's vibrant and colourful morning market before you transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Luang Prabang (included). Please note the flight time is subject to change according to availability. Your local guide will advise you of the pick up time from your hotel. On arrival in Luang Prabang you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Once the heart and soul of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang) and designated a World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is endowed with a legacy of historic red-roofed temples and French-Indochinese architecture, not to mention some of the country's most refined cuisine, multi-ethnic population and richest culture. This tiny, cultured city enthrals even the most jaded travellers!
In the late afternoon you visit the Royal Palace Museum, an eclectic blend of French and Lao architecture, where the royal family's quarters remain untouched since the family left in 1975. There is a collection of rare Buddha images of crystal and gold on display here as well as rare articles of royal regalia including the king's own elephant saddle. A large hill called Mount Phousi dominates Luang Prabang's skyline, topped by a glittering golden stupa. You climb the 328 zig-zag steps to the sacred gilled stupa and big drum of Phousi Temple for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and its surrounds at sunset.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight: 3 Nagas, Luang Prabang
The 3 Nagas is comprised of three UNESCO World Heritage listed buildings in the centre of Luang Prabang that has been restored to a design encompassing contemporary features in a heritage setting. Luxurious rooms have stylish bathrooms, and a private terrace or veranda. The hotel has two restaurants featuring Laos fine cuisine in the Les 3 Nagas or more casual asian-western fusion meals at the open-air Mango Tree. 3 Nagas also features a small library and a boutique selling handicrafts made by local craftsmen and artists.
You travel with your local guide about 25 km along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. On the way you have the opportunity to stop at the small village of Ban Xang Hai, which means Jar-Maker village, so named because this used to be the local cottage industry here. Nowadays the jars come from elsewhere and the village residents fill them with lao-lao (the local rice wine).
Pak Ou Caves consist of two sacred limestone caves full of Buddha images of all styles and sizes brought to the caves by devoted villagers. The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is entered from the river by a series of steps and can easily be seen in daylight. The higher cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and requires a torch for viewing. Enjoy your picnic lunch before returning to Luang Prabang stopping at the silk weaving village of Ban Phanom on the way. Back in Luang Prabang we recommend an evening drink on the upstairs verandah of the wonderful colonial style Villa Santi Hotel. A nice way to spoil yourself and round off the evening!
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch
Overnight: 3 Nagas, Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is easily explored by foot and today is free for you to take a closer look at some of the beautiful temples, try one of the many restaurants along the banks of the Mekong River or simply soak up the enchanting atmosphere. In the misty early morning, lines of saffron-robed Buddhist monks walk the narrow streets and laneways to receive alms from the faithful - it's worth making the effort to get up early. Make sure you don't miss Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang's most magnificent temple. You will find the monks in the temples eager to practice their English with you. Or you can pay a visit to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls 32km south of town where you can swim in the cool turquoise pools at the base of the falls or try the walking trails.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight: 3 Nagas, Luang Prabang
Day 5 your time is free until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight (please advise flight departure details at time of booking). Note that hotel check out time is normally 12 noon. Intrepid can book extra nights at your hotel in Luang Prabang if you wish to extend your stay.
Meals: breakfast
After the trip: Your feedback is important to us. We have made many trip changes over the years based on past traveller feedback. So if you want to tell us anything, from how great the service was at a particular hotel or how delicious an included meal was or if you have any improvement suggestions then please go to
www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
We'll even give you 5% off your next Intrepid trip if you fill in feedback within 4 weeks. Thanks!
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.out-adventures.com
The trip includes a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense.
For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below.
If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Roundtrip airport transfers
Private sightseeing tour - Vientiane
Flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Royal Palace Museum - Luang Prabang
Mount Phousi - Luang Prabang
Boat trip - Mekong River
Pak Ou Caves - Mekong River
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations.
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants round your bill up to the nearest US$1. More upmarket restaurants we recommend 5% to 10% of your bill.
Local guides: W recommend US$1-US$2 per day for local guides.
Drivers: We would recommend a higher tip for those more involved with the trip however a base of US$1 per day would be appropriate.
Local transport: For a city tour we suggest US$1 per day.
Please note the following are approximate entrance costs and do not include transport to the sites if required, unless specified below.
Royal Theatre, Luang Prabang - US$2-12
Cooking demonstration, Luang Prabang - US$12
Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang - US$1
Massage, Luang Prabang - US$6
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Please arrive in the morning of Day 1 as sightseeing is included in the afternoon.
Christmas and New Year supplements may apply.
This is an independent itinerary which is operated on behalf of Intrepid by a local operator. This tour is not escorted by an Intrepid leader. All the information given in this itinerary is intended as a guide only. Intrepid Travel or their agent cannot be held responsible for any changes that may occur due to local conditions or circumstances beyond their control. This includes festivals and public holidays that may effect the itinerary. NO REFUND IS AVAILABLE ON ANY UNUSED PART OF THIS ITINERARY.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Luxury boutique hotels (4 nts)
Please keep in mind that accommodation as shown in the itinerary is subject to availability at time of booking. The closest available alternative will be substituted if our first choice hotels are not available. Deductions or supplements may be applied to the trip price as a result.
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $100 for meals not included.
4 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
Compulsory Christmas Eve and New Years Eve dinners may apply.
Plane, air-conditioned car/minibus, riverboat
Intrepid Short Break Adventures are not accompanied by an Intrepid Group Leader.
Local guides may be used on some itineraries.
Settha Palace Hotel
6 Pang Kham Street
Vientiane
Phone: 06 21 217 581
Fax: 06 21 217 583
A morning arrival is recommended to allow time for sightseeing in the afternoon.
An arrival transfer is included on day 1 of this trip. Transfers cannot be arranged on arrival. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you have advised Intrepid of your flight arrival details you will be met at Vientiane's International Wattay Airport. Our local representative will be holding a sign with your name when you exit the airport terminal. If for any reason you cannot locate the person please call the local operator (phone numbers provided on your voucher).
If you plan to arrive earlier, an arrival transfer can be arranged for you at an extra cost. Intrepid cannot provide the complimentary arrival transfer if clients are arriving at different times to the starting date of tour.
If you take a taxi directly from the airport to your hotel expect to pay around US$3-5. For travellers not arriving at Vientiane Airport please make your own way to the joining point hotel and contact the local operator to confirm your arrival.
Normal check in time at the hotel is after 14:00.
The beautiful Settha Palace Hotel in the heart of Vientiane has been restored to its imperial glory with a café, bar and restaurant serving classical French cuisine and seasonally-inspired Laotian dishes showcasing the distinct flavours of local produce. In the beautiful gardens is a lovely pool and poolside bar to relax by. The elegant rooms have ensuite bathrooms, telephone and satellite TV.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
3 Nagas
Sakkalin Road
Luang Prabang
Phone: (856 71) 253 888
Fax: (856 71) 253 999
The 3 Nagas is comprised of three UNESCO World Heritage listed buildings in the centre of Luang Prabang that has been restored to a design encompassing contemporary features in a heritage setting. Luxurious rooms have stylish bathrooms, and a private terrace or veranda. The hotel has two restaurants featuring Laos fine cuisine in the Les 3 Nagas or more casual asian-western fusion meals at the open-air Mango Tree. 3 Nagas also features a small library and a boutique selling handicrafts made by local craftsmen and artists.
A complimentary departure transfer is included on the last day of this trip. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trip.
If you plan to leave later, a departure transfer can be arranged for you at an extra cost. Intrepid cannot provide the complimentary departure transfer if clients are departing at different times to the ending date of tour.
Normal check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
A complimentary departure transfer is included on the last day of this trip. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trip.
If you plan to leave later, a departure transfer can be arranged for you at an extra cost. Intrepid cannot provide the complimentary departure transfer if clients are departing at different times to the ending date of tour.
Normal check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change.
It is important that you check for yourself.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Be sure to check the date you require a visa from and the length of time you will need to cover, especially if you change countries during your trip.
Laos: You can obtain a 30 day tourist visa on arrival at Vientiane and Luang Prabang International Airports, and at the Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai Thailand and Vientiane Laos. All other crossing points require a valid Lao visa already in the passport, which must be obtained from a Lao Embassy abroad. Please ensure that you have 3 passport photos and up to US$60 cash (this may vary too) to fulfil the requirements. There may be delays (sometimes hours) processing visas at land borders.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. In addition, laundry services can be found outside our hotel in all major cities. There may be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non polluting/biodegradable soap.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing and using a water purification method. Some of the options are:
Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, Intrepid voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit (including Antihistamines)
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Local language phrase book (mp3 language downloads available from www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides)
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Tampons are not easy to purchase in Laos
Warm clothes for Nov-Feb (cool season)
Adventure Sandals for boat travel
Note that many basic consumer items such as slide film, insect repellent and sunscreen are not readily available in Laos
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
Generally the most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency in Asia is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat - this can draw from your home account or from a credit card (debit card) at a superior exchange rate. Most ATM's will also give you a cash advance on your credit card but be wary of high fees imposed by banks. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Keep this in a safe place. Please ensure you have advised your bank of your intended travel and withdrawal locations. While traveller's cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high (up to 10%) and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travellers cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.
Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.
Laos: The official currency is the Laos Kip (LAK), but USD is widely accepted. Traveller's cheques can be difficult to change. It is best to take smaller notes in USD with you to exchange. The use of credit cards is very restricted but ATM's are available in larger cities.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience.
If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or
the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore
ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete
the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions before your departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that for legal reasons any leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics.
Please contact us at help@intrepidtravel.com should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. For travellers over 70 years a completed Intrepid Self Assessment Form is required.
Intrepid is very aware of the health issues raised by bird flu and SARS and these have been taken into consideration for all aspects of the trip you are about to take. Intrepid reserve the right to make changes to any itinerary in the very unlikely occurrence that an area should suddenly be deemed to be unsafe because of an outbreak of bird flu, SARS or other disease.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel.
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport,
air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure.
While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional
activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel
any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions
and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at
www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any
feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities differ from those in the western world and not all the accommodation which we use on this trip has fire exits, smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware on the roads and even small streets and alleyways. Vehicles find their ways into impossibly small passages leaving no room for both you and the traffic. Traffic can be very noisy and horns are used to signal turning, overtaking and to announce going through intersections.
With the exception of our Comfort and In Style trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort & In Style trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for OUT Adventures travelers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback
Thanks
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OUT Adventures,
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Toronto, ON
Canada, M4M 3L9
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