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The Journey
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The First Part of 2100Km
Chiang Khong - Luang Prabang - Vientiane
Explore the Mekong River and the Empire of Lan Sang
The area of north west Laos that was once the Lan Sang Empire is best experienced by the rivers as the people have done here for thousands of years. Your experience will be richer,
Chiang Khong - Huai Xai.
We start by making our way to Ban Nam Keung, which is about 26 kms from Chiang Khong, here you will discover the traditional lifestyle of the Lu people. The Lu are an ethnic minority who originated from Southern China and many follow the Buddhist path. The Lu people traditionally live near a river and their houses are built on stilts, to avoid flood damage. The space below the house is used for storing fish, household tools and other equipment. Most houses will be built facing the nearest temple as a sign of respect for the Lord Buddha.
Ban Nam Keung.
Spend half the day in and around the village getting to know what life is like for the local people.
Explore the immediate area by oxcart, on foot or by boat.
Huai Xai - Pak Beng.
We continue along the Mekong River. This portion of the Mekong is very remote, which sometimes allows glimpses of wildlife in the extensive forests adjoining the river. We will stop occasionally at local villages to meet the people. One such stop is at Ban Huai Lam Pen, a Hmong village with about 50 families. Here unique Hmong traditions are preserved; women are in traditional clothes made from black cotton, with red wool boa collars that look like fur, and their trousers are delicately hand embroidered. The men maintain a simple dress style. We continue toward Huai Xai with lunch on board the boat. The lovely scenery will make great photos.
Pak Beng - Luang Prabang.
We make a visit the Pak Beng morning market to check out the local wares. Then continue the river journey for the second leg downstream to Luang Prabang. Enroute stop to visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed here since the 16th century.
Continuing to Luang Prabang, we stop at a village specialising in the making of rice wine! Have a taste, or perhaps just browse the small market. Then we continue cruising the river through scenic forest and eventually arrive in Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital of the Lane Xang Empire (pronounced ‘lan sang’) - the Land of a Million Elephants.
Luang Prabang.
As we explore Luang Prabang you will understand why it deserves the World Heritage title! Visit Wat Visoun, the site of the impressive Thad Makmo stupa. Climb the 350 steps of Phou Si (Holy Hill) to enjoy the commanding views for many miles in every direction. Then continue to visit Wat Mai. Wat Xieng Thong is very stylish with several roofs that sweep low to the ground. The gilt panel on the exterior of the sim (chapel) depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana. And a chance to experience the delicious local cuisine . Afterwards we visit Ban Phanom, a weaving village close to town, and Ban Hat Kong, where paper is made. Evening we enjoy the sunset at Wat Siphou Tha Bath.
Next Day we visit the National Museum, which was once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Also visit the central market and visit a silversmith for some famous Lao silver work.
Luang Prabang - Kuang Si - Tha Deua - Pak Lay - Vientiane
At Kuang Si we embark on a shore excursion leading to the Kuang Si-falls, some of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos. And a visit to an elephant camp, where you can see the big creatures in action. And a visit to a local hill tribe village of the Khmu minority group. At Tha Deua we enjoy the beautiful view and watch local fishermen along the shore. we see the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. And a bit further downstream we will stop at the small riverside community of Pak Lai, known for once possessing many colonial buildings. As we Cruise past a landscape which becomes more and more spectacular with hills covered by tropical vegetation, impressive rock formations along the river banks, and rapid and slow currents on the river. Also pass the NBCA (National Biodiversity Conservation Area) Phou Phanang.The purely natural landscape is only broken by the seldom sights of small villages and herds of cattle. Before we start making our way towards Vientiane and 3 days of exploring both sides of the River, Lao and Thai. Including Thong Khan Kham market, Vat Sisaket, the royal temple at Vat Phra Keo, and the silk weaving village of Nong Bua Thong.
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The Second Part of 2100Km
Vientiane - Nakhon Phanom - Nong Khai - Savannakhet - Pakxse - Champasak - Don Khon -
Cambodia Border Overland past the Khone Falls and Towards Stueng Trang
Nakhon Phanom - Nong Khai
Nakhon Phanom is situated on the bank of the Mae Khong River opposite Muang Ta Kaek of Laos. It is where the Phra That Phanom, the most sacred and ancient religious monument of the Northeast, is located. For the Phra That is venerated by both Thais and Laotians along the Mae Khong. Although it partially collapsed some time ago, it has since been restored to its glory. Nong Khai, and the Naga Fireballs,
Sala Kaew Ku, Nong Khai
Bang Fai Phaya Nark (Naga fireballs)
Bang Fai Phaya Nark (Naga fireballs) is a phenomenon that the mysterious fireballs rise from the Mekong river into the air above water surface. The fireballs are smoke-less, smell-less, and sound-less. They rise 20-30 meters straight up to the air then disappear without falling back to the earth as the normal fireballs do. Their sizes vary from a thumb-size to an egg-size. The amount of the fireballs also vary, starting from around 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 or 9.00 p.m. The locations for spotting the fireball phenomenon in the Mekong River are the area of Phon Phisai, Pak Khad , Sung Kom, Sri Chiang Mai, and Bung Kan districts in Nong Khai province. The fireballs can also be found in other locations such as ponds and streams near Mekong River.
The fireball event is an unexplained phenomenon that generally takes place on the full moon night of the 11th lunar month, which also coincides with the end of the Buddhist Lent. If there are two 8th months in a particular year, the phenomenon will take place on the first waning moon night of the 11th month, which coincides with Lao's Buddhist Lent.
Nong Khai - Savannakhet
Savannakhet
Savannakhet town is situated on the banks of the Mekong river opposite Mukdahan in Thailand. The province bridges the country between Thailand and Vietnam and the town is a very active junction for trade between the two countries. The town itself can be easily explored by foot and has a number of interesting temples, Much of the town's architecture is French Colonial.
Wat Sainyaphum, Savannakhet
Savannakhet - Pakxe - Champasak Don Khon & The Four Thousand Islands - Khone Falls
The province of Champassak is home to one of Asia's great, but least visited temples, Wat Phu. Pakse, the capital is situated at the confluence of the Se river and the Mekong (Pakse means 'mouth of the Se') and is a busy trading town. The province also houses much of the Bolaven Plateau, an area that is home to a number of ethnic minorities. To the south is Si Pan Don (four thousand islands), where the Mekong reaches up to 14km wide during the rainy season and the Khone Phapeng Falls. During this time we will visit parts of the Ho Chi Ming Trail, and see some of the mine clearing operations and schools in the area.
Pakse – Champassak - Vat Phou
Depart from Pakse for Champassak, heading south, zigzagging through mild rapids and sand banks.
Arrive at Champassak in time for a riverside lunch, followed by a guided tour of the mysterious pre-Angkorian 10th century temple of Vat Phou, As dusk falls a relaxing cruise down-river, enjoying the tropical sunset on the deck. We dock for the night alongside a remote Laotian village.
Huei Thamo - Oum Moung Temple - Khong Island
After Breakfast we leave for the village of Huei Thamo, only a few minutes walk away from the spectacular hidden forest temple of Oum Moung. Afterwards we rejoin the boat to continue southwards and lunch on the deck, while we continue our leisurely journey further south to the wild paradise of the “4,000 islands”, visiting Khong Island and the village of Muang Khong, where the traditional way of life has not changed in centuries. And a quiet dinner, under the stars, serenaded by the songs of the buffalo toads.
Ban Veuthong and Xieng Di
Breakfast on the deck, while cruising to the small village of Ban Veuthong, where we reach the mainland and the amazingly scenic splendor of the Khong Pha Peng waterfall, “the Niagara of the East”, close to the Cambodian border. On arrival at the small fishing village of Xieng di, from were we travel on to Khong island, at the very south of this natural water dam, And if we are very lucky, we might glimpse a rare glimpse of the river dolphins.
Buddah footprint shrine
Wat Tham Fai, Pakse.
Four Thousand Islands
Khone Falls
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The Third Part of 2100Km
Cambodia
KHONG ISLAND – VEUNKHAM – STUNG TRENG
We leave behind our boat, And cross the Mekong River by ferry and drive towards the Cambodian border. En route, stop at the magnificent Khone Phapeng Waterfall, the largest cascade along the Mekong River. A fault line caused the cascade, which is 6 km wide at this point, and the astonishing force of the water has cut dramatic gorges through the brittle bedrock. Continue to Veunkham immigration checkpoint. Welcome by our river guide on the Cambodian side and departure by boat to Stung Treng. Arrive in Stung Treng, transfer and check-in at the Barge. Lunch on the Barge and Briefing, meeting with support crew, designate next area on the Journey.Afternoon, explore Stung Treng, located just 50 kms south of Laos, on the banks of the San River, just off the Mekong. It is a very quiet provincial city, showing us the authentic and remote “face” of Cambodia. Visit the small village of Thala Barivat across the Mekong River. Dinner at local restaurant. Night on the Barge.
STUNG TRENG – KRATIE
5 days of exploring the Se San, Sre Pok and Se Khong river communities by Rib, with the possibilities of a trip to the highlands before the drift cruise towards Kratie, a small colonial-style town, we will spend 2 days exploring in Kratie, and we will visit Wat Phom Sambok to see the Buddhist monastery and enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside from the hilltop. We travel by rib to site of the freshwater river dolphins and observe the dolphins until sunset.
KRATIE – KAMPONG CHAM – PHNOM PENH
Kampong Cham. On the way to Kompong Cham stop at Chhlong, a small and peaceful village on the Mekong River bank with both Khmer and Colonial architecture. Explore Kampong Cham to view examples of colonial architecture. we visit Wat Nokhor with its ancient temple and modern style pagoda (12th century). And Local schools,
PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP
3 days exploring Phnom Penh with visit to the Independence Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures – from throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90 kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Visit of the Phsar Thmei, Central Market. Then visit the killing field museum. Before we cruise towards Tonle Sap and Siem Reap.
8 days Exploring SIEM REAP and Battambang Province. We visit Prasat Kravan with its unique brick sculptures and Ta Prohm. One of the area's most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor,looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Visit as well Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon.Visit local schools, and see organizations dealing with mine clearing in Cambodia. Angkor Wat.The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Continue to visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to restoration using the method of "anastylosis". ith water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple.Visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap and time at leisure at the local market befrope heading back towards Phnom Penh, and journey south towards Vietnam Border.
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