Trails and Rivers of Laos
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: KE Land Only package services start with the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. We are met on arrival by our guide and transfer to Chiang Kong on the border with Laos. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 2: We take a ferry across the Mekong to Huay Say in Laos and then drive the scenic mountain road - Route No 3 - to Luang Nam Tha stopping off at Hmong and Kamu minority villages en route.
Day 3: Today, we begin a 3-day trek from the village of Ban Kok Mee. We walk through rubber plantations and multi-ethnic villages and ascend to the summit of Sam Yord Mountain. We stay overnight in a village house in Ban Sam Yord, home to local Hmong people.
Day 4: Following the trails under the forest canopy, our journey continues. We descend into the beautiful valley of Ban Nam Talan, a collection of Kamu and Lanten villages. Surrounded by rice fields, we spend the night in traditional Kamu accommodation and enjoy the local cooking. Approx 6 hours walking.
Day 5: We continue our trek through the forested ridges to Ban Sop Sim. A local "songthaew" jeep will collect us and transport us to Luang Nam Tha, and then on to our overnight halt at Nong Khaew where we stay in a local guesthouse.
Day 6: A full day of walking today, as our exploration of mountains and villages continues. Passing through Ban Huai Lek, Huai Khong and Sop Vanh villages we get a real feel for how the local people live. When we reach the Nam Ou river, we board a small boat and cruise back to Nong Kheaw.
Day 7: Today we take a long-tail boat downstream to the famous Pak Ou Caves, which local people have filled with alters, offerings and thousands of gold Buddha statues. After a picnic lunch we head up-river to Kamu Lodge, a fixed camp ecolodge surrounded by rice paddies on the banks of the Mekong where we can relax and stay overnight.
Day 8: An exploration walk to Ban Phanor Gnai, a small mountain village of Kamu people. After enjoying the mountain views and the seeing Kamu daily life, we return via a waterfall to Kamu Lodge.
Day 9: After breakfast, we take a boat trip down the Mekong to the beautiful UNESCO-protected city of Luang Prabang. A colourful mix of Buddhist temples and colonial French architecture awaits. We visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace), Wat Mai with it's 5 tier roof, Wat Saen, Wat Visum and Wat Xieng Thong. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 10: An early start to watch the local monks collect alms - one of the most iconic sights in South East Asia. After a visit to the local market, the afternoon is free to explore this beautiful city, or take an optional excursion to nearby Kuang Si waterfalls. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Vientiane, the Laotian capital.
Day 11: Today we make a sightseeing tour of Vientiane - visitng Wat Ho Prakeo the former Royal temple, Wat Sisaket, Wat Si Moung and the great golden stupa, That Luang. After a visit to the Arc de Triomphe-style "Victory Gate" and the Buddha Park, the rest of the day is free to explore. Overnight in a city hotel.
Day 12: After breakfast, there is a transfer to Vientiane Airport to catch the flight to Bangkok. KE Land Only package services end on arrival at Bangkok Airport.
