Lao Mekong Explorer – Up River
LUANG PRABANG >PAK OU CAVES> PAKBENG
Saturday and Wednesday
LUANG PRABANG
– 7h00 –
Luang Say boat leaves Auberge Calao pier at 07h00am (please be at pier not later than 6.45 am) for a cruise up the Mekong to Pakbeng and the Luang Say Lodge. A continental breakfast is served while the boat is cruising to Pak Ou Village
CAVES OF THOUSAND BUDDHAS
– 08h30 –
Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, near Pak Ou village, the cruise stops to visit the Tam Thing cave. Translating as Rock Cave, it is famous for hosting over 2,500 Buddhas of all size and being a place of pilgrimage for the locals.
LUNCH
– 12h30 –
Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a selection of starters and main course from Laos’ cuisine. A different choice of fish and meat dishes than on the first day is prepared for a greater culinary experience.
TRADITIONAL LAOS VILLAGE
– 13h30 –
A few hours into the day after enjoying the sight of sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes stops to visit the hill tribe village of Baw where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.
PAKBENG
– 17h00 –
The river cruise arrives at Luang Say Lodge near Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and appreciate the surrounding nature. A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
Lao Mekong Explorer – Up River
LUANG PRABANG >PAK OU CAVES> PAKBENG
LUANG SAY LODGE
– 06h30 –
Mornings are special times at Luang Say Lodge with stunning sights of the neighboring peaceful mountains, usually in the mist while a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace.
SECOND DAY OF THE JOURNEY
– 08h00 –
Depart the Lodge at 8am for a drive that begins by crossing a newly built bridge over the mighty Mekong River. Continue driving enjoying the authentic scenery of daily life of villages in the northern Laos countryside.
MUANG NGEUN
– 09h00 –
The first stop is made at the traditional Tai Lu village of Muang Ngeun. Most of the village is comprised of traditional wooden architecture. Visit the exquisite temple of Wat Si Boun Yeun and marvel at its rustic wooden roof. Dating back to 1736 the temple and stupa were originally built in honor of a talented and respected craftsman of the time, Khou Ba Khamsaen, and its name Si Boun Yeun means “long Life”. The temples current Buddha dates back to 1816 and the murals that cover the exterior walls bring to life Buddhist lessons and tales carried through generations.
Continue the journey overland passing through Hongsa and the remote countryside of northern Laos experiencing the traditional way of life for villages in the region.
HONGSA
– 10h30 –
Arrive in Hongsa once known for having the largest population of elephants in the country. It has now been transformed into one of the biggest power plants in Laos providing energy mainly to Thailand. Unfortunately the Laotian people benefit from less than 15% of this production. This has made it a highly sensitive project though it does offer work and housing otherwise not available to the local people in the area.
Stop for a fresh air and toilet break at PTT. Continue the journey overland passing through lush primary forest and experiencing the countryside of northern Laos. The traditional way of life for many villages in this region continues to remain unchanged. Follow the gentle Huay Dek Creek along the edge of the Nam Phui NPA (extension) and take in the scenery that is dense virgin forest on one side and on the other breathtaking mountainous landscape. The Nam Phui NPA itself is home to many indigenous and also endangered species. The main ethnic settlements found along this route are the Phai and the Hmong.
SAYABOURY
– 13h00 –
Sayaboury is home to the largest population of wild elephants in Laos. The town itself is also a popular stop for tourists and locals taking overland routes through northern Laos. For lunch enjoy the flavors of fresh home cooked Laotian food at a local restaurant overlooking the Nam Heung River.
SAYABOURY DEPARTURE
– 14h00 –
Depart Sayaboury and continue your journey. The road between Sayaboury and Luang Prabang is an easy one and it passes through many small and sleepy towns along the way.
KACHAM
– 15h15 –
Stop for a refreshing break at the untouched Kacham Waterfull. Just like a secret garden the Kacham Waterfall is a well-kept secret. Located not far from Luang Prabang the peaceful waterfall is also a popular picnic and BBQ spot for locals in the know.
LUANG PRABANG
– 16h30 –
Arrive back to the spiritual capital of Laos at about 16:30 in the afternoon. This should be just enough time to freshen up before heading out for the evening.