Down the Mekong 5 Days
Huay Xai, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang and Vientiane
A great tour !! This ‘Down the Mekong’ tour enters Laos in the north, and takes you down the Mekong into Luang Prabang, which is a truly magical experience.
Day1. Huay Xai – Pakbeng
Note:
High season: From 01 October 2008 to 30 Apr 2009 Departures every Monday, Thursday and Friday for Cruise Down.
Low season: From 01 May 2009 to 30 September 2009 Departures every Monday and Friday for Cruise Down.
The Luang Say Cruise boat leaves Houei Say pier at 09:00 hrs for a cruise down the Mekong to Pakbeng. En route one stop is made to observe rural life along the Mekong and visit minority ethnic groups; then, a buffet lunch on board. Arrive Pakbeng before sunset and check-in at LuangSay Lodge. You can then enjoy dinner on the terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
Overnight in Pakbeng (L,D)
Day2. Pakbeng – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang
Full breakfast at lodge, (Optional: walk to Pakbeng market, where people from the surrounding minority villages exchange their goods). At 08:30 board the boat for the second leg of the cruise. A short stop to discover a Hmong village before having a buffet lunch on board. Continue to Pak-Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, and then visit Pak Ou Caves “Cave of a thousand Buddha’s”. On the way to Luang Prabang a brief stop is made to observe the traditional process of manufacturing local rice alcohol. Arrive at Luang Prabang before sunset.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day3. Luang Prabang – half day city tour – Kuang Si Waterfall
Your half day city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We also have time to visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.
In the afternoon we will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village. This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang by early evening.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)
Day4. Luang Prabang – Vientiane – half day city tour
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival you will be checked into your hotel and following lunch Your half day city tour enables us to see the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest, Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit Laos national icon, That Luang Stupa, and we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
Overnight in Vientiane (B)
Day5. Vientiane – departure
Depending on your flight, you may have time at leisure before you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departing flight. (B)
Hotels used – Subject to availability:
| Hotels quoted in above package based on ROH ( 1-9 persons) | ||||
| Hotel location | Standard | First Class | Superior | Deluxe |
| Luang Prabang | Manoluck | Villa Maydou | Maison Souvannphoum | La Residence |
| Vientiane | Inter City | Beau Rivage | Green Park | Settha Palace |
| Pakbeng | Luang Say Lodge | Luang Say Lodge | Luang Say Lodge | Luang Say Lodge |
| Hotels quoted in above package based on ROH (GIT 10 pax up) | ||||
| Hotel location | Standard | First Class | Superior | Deluxe |
| Luang Prabang | Manoluck | Villa Santi Resort | The Grand | La Residence |
| Vientiane | Inter City | Novotel | Lao Plaza | Settha Palace |
| Pakbeng | Phetxokxay | Pakbeng Lodge | Pakbeng Lodge | Pakbeng Lodge |
TOUR COST – All Tours are subject to an Acceptance Payment/Deposit of £150 per person.
Cost per person on twin share basis as per itinerary
On application for the current Tour Cost if after 30 September 2009
|
HIGH Season |
All prices are valid 1 October 2008 – 30 April 2009
Plus an Acceptance Payment/Deposit of £150 per person |
Surcharge | ||||||
| Categories | 1 | 2 | 3-5 | 6-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20 up | Single |
| Standard | 949 | 675 | 641 | 588 | 393 | 348 | 333 | 143 |
| First Class | 1,068 | 738 | 703 | 651 | 479 | 434 | 419 | 199 |
| Superior | 1,239 | 820 | 786 | 733 | 499 | 454 | 440 | 287 |
| Deluxe | 1,549 | 979 | 945 | 892 | 728 | 683 | 668 | 439 |
|
LOW Season |
All prices are valid 1 May 2009 – 30 September 2009
Plus an Acceptance Payment/Deposit of £150 per person |
Surcharge | ||||||
| Categories | 1 | 2 | 3-5 | 6-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20 up | Single |
| Standard | 816 | 563 | 528 | 476 | 384 | 339 | 324 | 122 |
| First Class | 904 | 607 | 572 | 520 | 468 | 423 | 409 | 166 |
| Superior | 974 | 645 | 610 | 558 | 473 | 428 | 414 | 199 |
| Deluxe | 1,275 | 799 | 764 | 712 | 654 | 609 | 594 | 345 |
All Tours are subject to an Acceptance Payment/Deposit of £150.
| Inclusive of above prices: |
|
| Exclusive of above prices: |
|
Hotel peak season surcharges and other conditions
Supplement Peak Season for Garden Wing room at Maison Souvannaphoum:
From 24 December 2008 – 01 January 2009: USD35 per room per night
Supplement Peak Season for Garden Room at La Residence:
From 01-30 Nov, 08 & 23 Dec, 08-29 Feb, 09: USD97 net per room per night
From 01 Jul-31 Aug 09: USD 126 net per room per night
Supplement at La Residence:
Compulsory dinner on 24 December 2008: USD 105 net per person
Compulsory dinner for child under 12, 24 December 2008: USD65 net per person
Compulsory dinner on 31 December 2008: USD125 net per person
Compulsory dinner for child under 12, 31 December 2008: USD75 net per person
Surcharges for Foreign Speaking Guides (per group)
- French speaking guide
- German speaking guide
- Russian speaking guide
- Spanish speaking guide
- Japanese speaking guide
Additional Remarks:
* Itinerary is subject to change depending on the confirmed flights, road conditions, and room availability.
* Specific foreign speaking guides are subject to availability.
* Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increases and USD currency fluctuations
Payment.
1.On acceptance – £150 per person Acceptance Payment (non refundable) by cheque payable to “S W & M Miller”
Your Contract for all tour arrangements is directly with VienChampa tours, Laos to whom payment for the tour is made.
2. Eight weeks prior to arrival in Laos or Thailand, or on Acceptance – 50% payable in US $, by Credit Card or International Bank Transfer, direct to VienChampa tours, Laos.
3. On arrival in Laos orThailand – 50% payable, in US $, by Credit Card or Cash.
Please Note; A credit card charge will be applicable
Cancellation Charges
35 days prior to arrival a cancellation fee of US$200 per person will be applicable.
30 days notice of cancellation a fee of 25% of the total amount will be applicable.
25 days notice of cancellation a fee of 50% of the total amount will be applicable
Less than 25 days notice incurs the full amount.
Acceptance Payment non refundable
Remarks:
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- Minor program changes are sometimes necessary, depending on road conditions and room availability.
- Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increases.
