custom journeys planner

laos custom journeys

Laos was closed off to visitors for 20 years in the 1960s and 70s, and remains an explorers wonderland and one of the best-kept secrets in Asia. Its quiet ambiance and relaxed pace, its striking natural beauty, the genuine warmth of its people, and the richness of the culture tend to surprise and enchant even the most experienced traveler. Laos remains a tradition-bound agrarian society, with the life-giving waters of the Mekong River providing sustenance to this landlocked nation. Buddhism is the foundational element in Lao societyhaving survived decades of prevailing Communist ideology, the purging of reactionary class elements in the 1970s and 80s, and the recent introduction of free market principles and foreign investment. After 300 years of nearly continuous warfare with powerful Saffron-robed monks, guardians of sacred Buddhist ideals | Marilyn Staff / ATJ foreign nations (the last being the U.S.) Laos is enjoying relative peace, unfortunately purchased through a political dictatorship that silences opponents. It is a testament to the resiliency of the Lao people that despite their sufferings, they remain so genuinely friendly, and welcome visitors with open arms. Dont delay a trip to Laos. It is a chance to explore a country long isolated from modernizing influences, and an opportunity to see the Southeast Asia of old.

How to plan
The prospect of building a custom journey from scratch around your interests is a thrilling one, but where to begin? Weve distilled a massive amount of information into this organized format to get you started. Use our Essential Laos section as a starting point, then delve into the other sections as your interests dictate. Call your Travel Specialist and express to them your vision of the perfect trip. They can then customize the trip of a lifetime based on your interests, budget and timeframe. Stellar references from past travelers are available to make you certain youve made the right choice by going with Asia Transpacific Journeys.

custom journeys at a Glance Trip Length Customize Dates Customize Land Cost Averages $325 per person per day/double occupancy. Costs can be higher or lower depending on travel style and included services. Thoughtful choices and itinerary planning can accommodate most budgets. Includes personalized travel planning,
private local guides & drivers, internal airfare, your choice of activities, accommodations, meals as desired, entry fees, airport transfers and a customized Travel Guide, specific to your journey. We also provide Emergency Evacuation & Emergency Medical travel insurance.

experience counts
Weve been traveling in Laos since it cracked its door ajar two decades ago. We were the first American tour operator to run trips to Laos, and our expertise is called on by numerous institutions in designing custom trips to Laos, including the American Museum of Natural History, the World Affairs Council, Yale University, and many more. Our local guides in Laos are the pride of Asia Transpacific Journeys. Youll be ushered into a deep understanding of Laotian culture through one-on-one discussions of its people, art, history and wildlife.

Updated June 2009 ATJ

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talk to a travel specialist 800.642.2742

essential laos
This constellation of destinations most fully captures Laos essence, and we recommend them first and foremost.

Luang Prabang
With its calm, quaint feel, meandering streets, glittering temples, smiling locals and lush surrounding hills, Luang Prabang is one of Asias most alluring locales. Its small scale and intimate feel make it a perfect place to wander from temples to handicraft shops, from the banks of the Mekong to a charming fountain-side caf. French colonial, art-deco and northern Lanna Thai structures comprise an exquisite and wellpreserved architectural legacy: the town itself has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Outstanding temple architecture abounds, and stumbling upon a small shrine tucked away in an alley is one of the joys of this town. The most imposing temples are Wat Wisounalat, Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, and Wat Xieng Thong, an exquisite 400-year-old royal monastery complex. Be sure to visit the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. The Lao royal family lived here until 1975. Its collection includes lovely murals in shimmering mosaics and in oilof Lao life, and gifts from heads of state, including a moon rock from Richard Nixon, given in 1972 (ironically just as U.S. bombing of Laos reached its peak). Rise before dawn for a chance to witness a moving spectacle that embodies the essence of Old Southeast Asia: as long lines of barefoot monks

g River

walk silently along the streets on their morning alms rounds, watch as locals offer alms. This represents a symbiosis in which rice sustains the monks bodies, while the monks prayers nourish the spirit of those giving the rice. After a day of exploring, ascend the steps up Phu Si Hill to view the sunset over the Mekong. After dinner, wander through the bustling Night Market.

CHINA

VIETNAM MYANMAR (BURMA)

Luang Nam Tha

LAOS
Luang Prabang
Plain of Jars Gulf of Tonkin

Me kon

Vientiane

Me ko
ng

Tha Khaek Savannakhet

River

THAILAND

Around Luang Prabang

Pak Ou Caves This mystical pilgrimage site is an easy day trip from Luang Prabang. Travel up the Mekong River by motorboat to access the caves. Through the centuries, kings, merchants and farmers have come here to worship, leaving behind more than 3,000 statues of the Buddha in homage. A spiritual vibe emanates from this nature-made shrine. Numerous small villages may be accessed by boat en route to or from the caves. Stop at a tranquil hamlet inhabited by the traditional Khamu people. Visit the village of Ban Phanom, famous for its silk textiles and handmade mulberry paper. A highlight of any trip to Laos is partaking in a traditional baci ceremony, in which villagers gently tie sacred strings of friendship and good fortune around the wrists of visitors. Tat Kuang Si Falls (Kuang Si Falls) Another delightful day trip from Luang Prabang is a visit to Kuang Si Falls. A boat and 4WD pass through lovely countryside and rural villages , before bringing you to the waterfalls,. Enjoy lunch and a refreshing swim at the base of the falls if the mood hits.
Pakse Champasak
Bolaven Plateau

Khong Island
CAMBODIA

Of special interest are Wat Si Saket with its thousands of Buddha images, and Haw Pha Kaew, which is a museum of Lao antiquities. But the pice de rsistance is the gleaming gold Pha That Luang, at once a greatly revered Buddhist shrine and the national symbol of Laos. The morning market offers fine hand-loomed textiles and crafts as well as a colorful array of junk. Serious shoppers should visit Carol Cassidys silk gallery. Stroll through the temple grounds by the Mekong, down the narrow streets lined with crumbling colonial buildings and have a sunset drink at one of the little bars overlooking the great river.

extenDeD journeys
Have more time, second trip here, or looking for something specific? Here are some additional highlights.

ThE NORTh hill Tribe Exploration

Wedged between Burma and Yunnan, this remote region of Laos is notable for its abundance of ethnic minority peoples and its rugged natural beauty. Among the colorful and unspoiled tribes are Hmong, Akha, Yao, Khamu, Lao Huay, Shan, Black Thai and Thai Lu. These unique pockets of humanity may well be some of the last holdouts against the tide of cultural homogenization in Asia. As modern means of transportation, satellite television and the

Vientiane
With its gentle pace, sunny inhabitants, gleaming temples, whirring tuk-tuks (motorcycle rickshaws) and the charms of the winding Mekong, Vientiane is a delightful city to explore. Eastern and western cultures converge to form an interesting architectural legacy that bears witness to Chinese, Thai, French and Soviet-era influences.

Pha That Luang temple in the capital Vientiane Stacey Schultz / ATJ

ASIA TRANSPACIFIC JOURNEYS | 2995 Center Green Court, Boulder, CO 80301 | travel@asiatranspacific.com | 800.642.2742 | www. AsiaTranspacific.com

simple bungalows.

Plain of Jars
A stark and beautiful place scarred by terrible bombing from the U.S.-led war, there are stone jars heresome weighing over a tonthat have mystified archaeologists for years. Though theres still no conclusive evidence as to their origin or purpose, recent research points to their being used as Locals are friendly and welcoming | Marilynn Staff / ATJ burial urns. This area has world-wide-web converge to form an irrepresslong been the center of a ible wave of global culture that washes over thriving Hmong culture and its possible to hike our world, contacting these tribes represents to a fascinating mountaintop village. what is surely a fading opportunity to witness a way of life that has existed in these mounThE SOUTh tains for millennia. Using the little town of Muang Sing as a base, make day-trips (by 4WD and on foot) into seldom-visited villages. Or base yourself out of Luang Nam Tha, to stay at a lovely eco-lodge

Champasak to Khong Island through lovely scenery into Si Phan Don The Four Thousand Islands. Close to the Cambodian border are the mighty Khong Phapheng Falls and a peaceful stretch of river where Irrawaddy dolphins may be seen.

Bolaven Plateau
This fertile plateau has a pleasant climate and numerous plantations growing coffee, rubber, bananas and cardamom. Its possible to hike (or travel by elephant) to nearby ethnic villages inhabited by primitive Mon-Khmer people such as the Alak, Suay, Bru and Katu, some of whom still tattoo their faces. Stay in a bungalow perched above a pretty waterfall and swim in the pools below.

special activities

Treks
The mountainous region between China and Burma is home to colorful tribal people and fine scenery. One great option is the Luang Nam Tha trek, consisting of three days and two nights exploring Khamu, Laen Taen and Akha tribal villages. Nights are spent in a village guesthouse and a forest camp. Tribes are extremely traditional, and the local food is deliciously prepared. These treks can be arranged on a private or join-in basis. For other options see the Hill Tribe Exploration section of this planner.

Savannakhet & Tha Khaek

Known to locals as Savan, this bustling riverfront town handles much of the burgeoning trade between Thailand and Vietnam.

journey beyonD tHe orDinarytm Ask your Travel Specialist about including one or more of these special features in your itinerary, to really set your trip apart from cookie-cutter tourism. Explore remote Khmer ruins and look for the fresh-water Irrawaddy dolphin in Champasak Trek through the northern hilltribe areas with our friend, an American who has lived in Laos for 16 years Pamper weary muscles with a superb massage at a gorgeous spa retreat Extend your trip: in Vientiane, you are a stones throw away from Cambodias fabulous ruins at Angkor

run by friends of ours. By day access surrounding tribal villages, and return in the evening to enjoy authentic gourmet cuisine in the open-air restaurant while watching life by the river.

ThE CENTRAL REgION Vang Vieng

This sleepy town a few hours from Vientiane is a delightful place for day hikes or a lazy afternoon on the river in a pirogue (canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk). The area is notable for its dramatic karst topography and many deep caves. There is a small resort here with

Nearby That Ing Hang is one of the most revered shrines in southern Laos. Tha Khaek was a French garrison town early in the century and then a gambling center before the Revolution of 1975. It still has a great deal of colonial charm with pretty views of the river and striking limestone formations.

Champasak & Khong Island

A historic province, which was once an independent Lao kingdom, is home to the impressive 1,000-year-old Khmer ruins of Wat Phu Champasak. The site, on a hilltop overlooking the Mekong, is spectacular. Spend a dreamy afternoon traveling by boat from Wat Phu

Kuang Si Falls, near Luang Prabang | Chris Dunham / ATJ

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talk to a travel specialist 800.642.2742

River Cruises
The mighty Mekong can be explored in luxurious local style aboard the Vat Phou. The three-day cruise begins in Pakse and visits beautiful islands, waterfalls and Khmer ruins. A synopsis of the itinerary follows: Day 1 - Pakse to Wat Phu Champasak. Set off in the morning south in a longtail boat. Lunch onboard, then dock at Champasak for a tour of the Wat Phu Champasak temple. Enjoy a beautiful river sunset, before dinner onboard. Day 2 - Um Muang to Khong Island. Tour through a scenic riverside village to Um Muang Temple in the forest. Enjoy an afternoon cruising in the Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands). region. Towards evening, explore remote Ban Duata village, before a wonderful dinner onboard. Day 3 - 4,000 Islands to Pakse. Set off by longtail boat to explore Si Phan Don and its French colonial relics. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant. Disembark and transfer to Pakse. Or in northern Laos, it is possible to take a two-day journey through remote mountainous stretches of the Mekong between the northern Thai border at Huay Xai and the city of Luang Prabang. This trip utilizes a beautiful river barge, and overnights at the Luang Say Resort.

weatHer
The ideal time to visit Laos is from November until February when daytime highs are in the mid-80s. It will be cool at night, and even cold in mountainous areas like Luang Prabang and the Plain of Jars. March through June is hot and dry, and not a great time to visit. From July to October, the monsoon rains come and the land is green and lush.

sample itinerary
Following is a sample itinerary. Keep in mind these are merely suggestions, sketches of a few possibilities. We can create a custom program for you based on your available time, interests, budget, and preferred pace. Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Fly to Luang Prabang. City tour. Overnight Luang Prabang. Mekong River trip to Pak Ou Caves. Overnight Luang Prabang. Visit minority & craft villages. Overnight Luang Prabang. Fly to Plain of Jars. Explore archaeological sites. Overnight Plain of Jars. Hike to mountaintop Hmong Village. Overnight Plain of Jars. Fly to Vientiane. City tour. Overnight Vientiane. Explore Vientiane & vicinity. Overnight Vientiane. Fly to Pakse. Khmer ruins of Wat Phu Champasak & boat trip down Mekong River. Overnight deluxe river barge. Waterfalls, scenic islands & freshwater dolphins. Overnight deluxe river barge. Disembark. Drive to Pakse & Bolaven Plateau. Day hike. Overnight Tat Fan. Elephant trek to minority village. Overnight Tat Fan. Drive to Pakse & Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. Fly to Bangkok.

Festivals
That Luang Festival held in Vientiane in November is the countrys greatest festival. Witness monks receiving offerings and a candlelight procession. Music fills the air and fireworks light the night sky.

Wat Xieng Thong glints in the sun, Luang Prabang | Marilynn Staff / ATJ

suGGesteD accommoDations
In Laos the options range from spartan to spectacular. Youll live like the locals while on a multi-day trek in Laos highlands: stay with a family in their modest yet clean and comfortable village home. Back in town, indulge in the refinements of a restored royal mansion, once the villa of Prince Souvannaphouma. Rooms showcase exquisite Lao art La Residence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang and rosewood furnishings. Following are several of our favorites:

La Residence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang

Traditional Lao architecture is complimented by classical design and artistic elements at this gorgeous tranquil retreat. Lush gardens abound, rich with bougainvillea, palms and frangipani, which fringe the horizon-edge swimming pool.

Maison Souvannaphoum, Luang Prabang

The former residence of Prince Souvannaphouma, this luxurious hotel offers intimate accommodations and dcor with a touch of the contemporary. A Cond Nast Traveler USA Hot List 2005 hotel, it features a celebrated spa.

Settha Palace hotel, Vientiane

This turn-of-the-century, historic landmark in the heart of Vientiane has been sensitively restored to its former charm. The French colonial architecture, period furniture and landscaped gardens are complemented by modern facilities.

3 Nagas, Luang Prabang

4
This charming boutique hotel sits in the heart of the historic downtown. The spacious guest rooms all include a stylish sofa and private veranda, and are decorated in traditional Lao style, using exotic woods, silk and traditional weavings.

Call a Travel Specialist to discuss these, and other options.

ASIA TRANSPACIFIC JOURNEYS | 2995 Center Green Court, Boulder, CO 80301 | travel@asiatranspacific.com | 800.642.2742 | www. AsiaTranspacific.com