GAP Adventures Roam Laos

1	Jan 6/10	Arrive Hanoi
2	Jan 7/10	Lac Sao
3	Jan 8/10	Vientiane
4	Jan 9/10	Vang Vieng
5	Jan 10/10	Vang Vieng
6	Jan 11/10	Luang Prabang
7	Jan 12/10	Luang Prabang
8	Jan 13/10	Pakbeng
9	Jan 14/10	Chiang Khong
10	Jan 15/10	Chiang Mai - Train
11	Jan 16/10	Bangkok
12	Jan 17/10	Depart Bangkok

Day 1
Hanoi

Arrive in bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) or Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum. The Mausoleum houses the remains of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of the unified Vietnam (the mausoleum and museum is closed in October-December). Or take a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter – a maze of street, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. There are no planned activities for today but please check at the hotel for the time of your welcome meeting - usually at 6pm.

Day 2
Lac Sao

Today is a long travel day (approx 12hrs). We travel through spectacular mountains before crossing into Lao.
Lac Sao is a sleepy border town with a great local market. The pace of life is dramatically different from Vietnam. We’ll arrive in the evening with a chance to walk through the market before enjoying a cold Beer Laos.

Day 3
Vientiane

A 4-5 hour drive takes us to the capital city.
There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by songthaew. Visit Laos' most important national monument, Phat That Luang, or meander down the dusty riverside tracks to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. A visit to Vientiane's vibrant, colorful morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is worth it to find plenty of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong at one of the many stilt restaurants along the riverbank.

Day 4
Vang Vieng

A 4 hour drive north takes us to beautiful Vang Vieng. This quiet town is set along the Nam Song River amidst rice fields and limestone karsts. Explore some of the caves by bicycle, or float down the river in a tire tube stopping off for a cold drink and zip line ride at one of the numerous bamboo bars. In the evening, soak in the beauty of Vang Vieng as the sun sets over the river, rice fields, and limestone karsts.
Day 5
Vang Vieng

Day 6
Luang Prabang

Today we take the bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang (approx 7 hours)
Luang Prabang has a magical feel about it. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, it is studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture. A visit the Royal Palace Museum, which has remained untouched since the royal family departed in 1975, is sure to impress.

Day 7
Luang Prabang

We will also have an option to hop on a songthaew to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations.

For a small additional cost there is also the option, for those who feel active and want to stretch their legs, to take a 3 to 4-hour walk through the countryside to the falls (in wet season it may be too slippery).

Day 8
Pakbeng

We board our boat for the 2-day journey up the mighty Mekong River to Chiang Khong. The journey is relaxed, as we experience the slow pace of village life and the breathtaking scenery along the river. We dock at the small town of Pak Beng to spend the night (approx 8 hours). The standard of accommodation in this trading port is basic but comfortable

Day 9
Chiang Khong

The following morning we re-board our boat and cruise leisurely up the river before arriving at the Laos/Thai border and crossing in to Chiang Khong in the late afternoon (approx 7 hours).

Please note that the river boat is of a basic standard. Your leader will help arrange the purchase of food and drinks for the boat journeys. It can also be quite cold from November to February so make sure you have some warm gear packed!

Day 10
Chiang Mai/overnight train

Leaving Chiang Khong in early in the morning we drive to Chiang Mai (approx 5 hours). You'll have the afternoon to explore. In the evening, we board our fan cooled overnight train for Bangkok (approx 12 hours).

Day 11
Bangkok

We'll arrive early in the morning to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. The day is free to explore the many sights of Bangkok. The Grand Palace, Wat Po, National Museum, and Jim Thompson's House are just a few suggestions. A trip along the Chao Praya river and through the canals (or Klongs) gives you a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. In the evening we'll say good bye as we enjoy a Thai meal, some of the world's best food!

Day 12
Depart Bangkok