Compare South East Asia Uncovered by Intrepid Travel vs Vietnam and Laos: Ethnic Villages and Untraveled Roads by Myths and Mountains

Day 1 Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok, is famous for its tuk-tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious local food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, if you arrive earlier, why not venture out into this enigmatic city. Bangkok has so much to offer those with time to explore, so perhaps arrive a day or so early to uncover the Chinatown area, visit the magnificent (but very crowded) Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, indulge in a Thai massage or see the backstreets of Bangkok by bike on an Urban Adventure. Find out more at urbanadventures.com. After the meeting tonight, gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some into world famous street food for our first optional dinner.

Day 2 Bangkok - Overnight train

Begin the day with a 1-hour river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’ (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Pay a visit to Wat Pho, one of the Bangkok temples, with a 46-metre long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, three metres long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are equally fascinating, filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls, and shrines. This evening you’ll head north to Chiang Mai on an overnight train journey, accommodated in a sleeper carriage (approximately 13 hours). The carriages are air-conditioned, with bunk beds; clean sheets, blanket and pillow are provided. Your baggage travels in the carriage with you. There is a food and drink service available on board. Sometimes the air conditioning can make the carriage quite cold so you may want to bring a warm layer of clothing.

Day 3 Chiang Mai

The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for its lively cafe scene and extremely welcoming locals, this place captivates many travellers. First, embark on a scenic, winding drive up a mountain (around 45 minutes) to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes, Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a most memorable experience. After making our way back down from the temple, check in to the hotel and plan the rest of your time here. In the evening you can choose to wander through the enormous, colourful Night Bazaar or perhaps relax at a fine restaurant along the riverfront. Make sure to sample some delicious traditional northern Thai food – the signature dish is kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.

Day 4 Chiang Mai

Today is free for you to explore and there are plenty of optional activities available. Perhaps join a local cooking class today and discover the secrets of real Thai cuisine, you'll learn the key ingredients, how to use them, and what to use in their place if you can’t get them at home. As well as taking your own comprehensive recipe book with you after the class, you'll feast on the fruits of your labour for lunch. Get active with a bicycle tour to discover the city and surrounding countryside from a different perspective, or be spirited away on an early morning Chiang Mai tour that puts you at the epicentre of Buddhist rituals. Learn to meditate, offer alms to monks, and make an offering at a temple. Also popular is the lovely Elephant Sanctuary at Chang Chill.

Day 5 Chiang Khong

Take a journey through rural countryside to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong (approximately 5.5 hours). On the way visit privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple – a must visit in Chiang Rai. This contemporary temple is constantly being updated, and its strange design features references to Buddhist mythology, human sin and pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman. Formerly known as 'Juon', peaceful riverside Chiang Khong remains an important market town for the surrounding hill tribes and for trade with Laos. Stretch your legs with a stroll around town, and if you find yourself with time, then Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang are both well worth a visit while you’re here. Tonight, why not enjoy a final Thai drink and dinner, while Laos beckons from across the mighty Mekong.

Day 6 Mekong River - Pak Beng

After crossing into Laos and for the duration of our time in the country we will be joined by additional Laos guides – a government requirement. Board a slow boat for the 2-day journey down the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The journey is relaxed, so you can experience the slow pace of village life and the breathtaking scenery along the river up close. The river boat is basic in nature, with a toilet, covered roof, and open sides to take in the fresh air. There are seats in the front of the boat and a small open area in the back where you can have a nap on the mat, play cards, read or have lunch. Dock at the small town of Pak Beng (after about 6 hours) to spend the night. Hmong and tribal Thai people are frequently seen on the main streets, where vendors sell local textiles and handicrafts.

Day 7 Mekong River - Luang Prabang

Reboard the boat and cruise to the Pak Ou Caves. An important religious site overlooking the river at the junction of the Mekong and Ou Rivers, the revered Pak Ou Caves consist of two sacred limestone caverns filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes, brought by devoted villagers over the centuries. The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is entered from the river by a series of steps and can easily be seen in daylight. The higher cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and requires a torch for viewing. Continue on to the former royal capital of Luang Prabang (approximately 7 hours total journey time). This atmospheric World Heritage-listed city is a favourite of many travellers. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, the city is claimed to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’ by UNESCO. The city and its people retain a refined, yet relaxed, air and it’s a wonderful place to wander the streets into boutiques, cafes and small shops. Stay in a hotel tonight and if you are feeling energetic, climb Mt Phousi for some sunset views – the large hill that dominates Luang Prabang's skyline, topped by a glittering golden stupa. You can climb the 328 zigzag steps up to the sacred gilded stupa and big drum of the Phu Si Temple for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and its surrounds.

Day 8 Luang Prabang

Once the heart and soul of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang) and designated a World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is endowed with a legacy of historic red-roofed temples and French-Indochinese architecture, not to mention some of the country's most refined cuisine, a multi-ethnic population and rich culture. Rise with the sun this morning and witness a traditional alms giving ceremony. View the procession of saffron-robed monks on their daily outing collecting food offered by devotees, a practice that dates back centuries. The offerings must be collected early, as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. By giving food to a monk, it is believed you ‘het bon’ (make merit) which will be carried over into the next life. Your leader will guide you through the do’s and don’ts and help you to take part in this alms giving tradition. Return back to your hotel for breakfast and a free morning. In the afternoon, head south of town and stop for a sweet (socially responsible) treat at Laos Buffalo Dairy, an enterprise that works with the surrounding villagers by renting their buffalo, in order to produce delicious products including yoghurt, cheese and ice cream. The Dairy ensures a regular income for locals while ensuring the buffalo and their calves are well looked after. Why not contribute to this local business by purchasing an ice cream! Continue on to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, a picturesque, multi-level cascade that offers fantastically blue pools that are perfect for a mid-afternoon dip. Back in Luang Prabang this evening you’ll have free time to make further discoveries, including visiting the popular night market.

Day 9 Luang Prabang

This morning, experience a wonderful local elephant project in nearby Mandalao that will give you a new perspective and profound understanding of these magnificent beasts. Discover the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle as you walk side by side with recently rescued elephants on stroll through their natural habitat – a perfect way for these happy creatures to enjoy their freedom after decades of hard labour in logging camps. Begin by leaving Luang Prabang for the village of Xieng Lom (approximately 30 minutes) before taking a quick boat ride across the Nam Khan River where you’ll be introduced to your new gigantic companions. Feed them some special treats (a sure way to win their friendship) followed by a gentle, therapeutic walk, that offers you the opportunity to absorb their calming energy as you wander along a small dirt path through the surrounding flora and fauna, past traditional farms and the Huay Nok stream – where you may be able to spot elephants splashing around in the water as they cool off from the hot Lao sun! As you prepare to start your walk back to Mandalao, say goodbye to your new friends. Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 10 Vang Vieng

Take a high-speed train today to Vang Vieng (approximately 1 hour). Situated on the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is surrounded by towering limestone karsts and is a great place to enjoy being out in and surrounded by nature. After checking in to the hotel, use tonight to plan out your next few days with your group and leader.

Day 11 Vang Vieng

There’s plenty to do in and around Vang Vieng, known as an adventure town thanks to its unique and varied surrounding country. The area is renowned for its caves, many of which are easily accessible from the town. Perhaps the most famous is the cave of Tham Chang, a beautiful cavern fed by a natural spring making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Hire bicycles to explore further afield, hike the trails to nearby lookout points, join a day trip to go kayaking on the river, or you can visit an organic mulberry farm just outside town and enjoy a meal there.

Day 12 Vientiane

Continue by private minibus to the country's capital, Vientiane (approximately 3.5 hours). Possibly Asia's most laidback capital, even here everything seems to be conducted at a relaxed pace. Vientiane has a wealth of cultural delights to discover on foot, or for the less energetic, by jumbo (tuk-tuk). Faded colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples create an atmosphere of timelessness, particularly in the older part of town along the Mekong River. Pay a visit to Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and home to almost 7000 Buddha images. Visit COPE vistors centre, an organisation dedicated to assistance those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country. This is an excellent cause and a chance to educate yourself about Laos' devastating war history as well as buy a snack or drink from their Karma Cafe. This evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner tonight.

Day 13 Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at the hotel and is followed by a group dinner at KOTO restaurant. This organisation is dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do. Consider booking the Hanoi Street Food Experience at 9 am (see urbanadventures.com/en for details). You'll get to sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine like a true local, stroll through the hidden alleyways and bustling markets and take in a spectacular view of Hoan Kiem lake from a secret café. Or maybe take it at your own pace and wander the Old Quarter to admire the city’s French-colonial architecture.

Day 14 Halong Bay

Travel by private minibus to World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, which is dotted with sandy coves, grottoes and 1600 limestone islands formed over millennia by wind and water erosion. Board a private boat and cruise the bay, exploring Surprise Cave and perhaps even enjoying a swim from Ti Top Island Beach during the warmer months. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery. To end the day, spend an evening aboard the boat beneath the night sky. What better way to get to know your fellow travellers than an old school sleepover in an unforgettable location?

Day 15 Hanoi – Overnight train

Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay, and before you leave the memorable scenery behind, it’s time for one last stop. The Green Life Centre is committed to turning Halong Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skillfully turning them into beautiful handicrafts. Meet the team behind this important cause and learn how to transform rubbish into a useful and reusable bag. After your visit, return by bus to Hanoi. Arrive late this afternoon and enjoy free time until tonight’s train voyage. Be sure to grab a bowl of pho while you’re in town and slurp down this local specialty made from broth, noodles and meat. Maybe chill by Hoan Kiem Lake until you board an overnight train to Hue this evening.

Day 16 Hue

Arrive in Hue this morning and transfer to the hotel. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of the country’s royal past. Enjoy free time in the morning to rest or explore. If you choose the latter (and who can blame you) the bustling Dong Ba Market is a great place to sample some of the specialties that once graced the Nguyen emperors' tables like banh khoai (royal rice cake). Reunite with the group to visit the war-damaged ruins of the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling city-within-a-city which contains the remains of temples, state houses and the emperor’s palace.

Day 17 Hue

See Hue like a local – from the back of a motorbike! Straddle the saddle and whiz around town with a local guide, taking in historic and contemporary sights along the way. Stop at Thanh Toan to see the 18th-century covered bridge and villagers shopping at their local market. Visit the 17th-century active Buddhist monastery of Thien Mu Pagoda and see the car that belonged to Thich Quang Duc, the monk who self-immolated in 1963 in protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. For lunch, savour a vegetarian feast in a nunnery. Finish at the lakeside royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc before heading back to town.

Day 18 Hoi An

This morning travel by bus through coastal rice paddies and the spectacular Hai Van Pass. After a photo stop on the way, arrive into Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An was a major international trading port during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of the beautifully-preserved town retain the feel of centuries past. It's also a shopping mecca, famous for its plethora of tailors. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town to visit a handful of the city's major attractions. You’ll also be given a sightseeing pass so you can further explore select attractions at your leisure.

Day 19 Hoi An

Today is a free day to explore Hoi An. Maybe browse the cobbled streets and art galleries or hire a bike and cycle through rice paddies out to Cua Dai Beach. Maybe browse for paintings, ceramics and colourful cloth lanterns in the town’s markets and preserved Chinese shophouses. If you’re craving a new look, you could pay a visit to one of the hundreds of tailors and get something special made. Hoi An is also known for its delicious regional food, so be sure to enjoy a meal at a riverside restaurant or perhaps partake in a cooking class.

Day 20 Ho Chi Minh City

Today take a short, early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing, take a sightseeing tour around the city by bus. Pass the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House, then stop in at the War Remnants Museum to discover some of the sobering stories of the 20-year-long Vietnam/American War.

Day 21 Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City

This morning head out on a day trip to explore the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat to Ben Tre to visit the coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, paddle in sampans (small rowing boats) past coconut trees along the Mekong Delta. Take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages and learn about rural life and the industry created around coconut products like brooms and coconut fibre mats. Eat lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the Delta, sampling regional specialties such as the famous elephant ear fish. Cruise the major waterways to Ben Tre boat pier, then return by bus to Ho Chi Minh City. This evening, perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers and leader.

Day 22 Ho Chi Minh City

There are no activities included and you’re free to depart your accommodation at any time as long as you comply with check out time. If you would like to spend some more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, Cyclo Ride and Welcome Dinner

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel De L opera or Sofitel Legend Metropolis Hanoi

Arriving in Hanoi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by your guide, who will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Hanoi, located at the confluence of the red and Duong rivers, has come a long way from the stilt houses of the stone and bronze age dwellers of four and five thousand years ago. Myths link Hanoi s origins to the center of the earth, visions of soaring dragons, and fears of invasions or fierce winds from the north. Between Chinese power struggles, peasant rebellions, invasions from warring Mongol hordes, the French occupation, and American bombing attacks, the city has undergone and continues to undergo tremendous growth and change. Today s Hanoi, the city inside a bend of the red river, is a blend of thousand year old temples, tube houses, neo Parisian buildings, and new, modern hotels and office buildings.

In the evening, you will have a welcome dinner with your new friends in Vietnam.

Day 2: Tour Hanoi. Cheo Show

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel De L opera or Sofitel Legend metro pole Hanoi

Today you will begin to tour Hanoi, accompanied by your guide. Your path will take you past the granite and concrete mausoleum where ho chi minh lies in state and the government buildings to the museum of fine arts. Here you will have as your guide one of the country s most famous artists. In front of the museum is the temple of literature, called le pagoda des Cordeaux by the French, because of the huge flocks of crows gathering in the mango trees near the entrance. Built in 1070, the complex consists of five courtyards dedicated to Confucius and the pursuit of Confucian thought and behaviour. It is here that Vietnam s first university was founded. Leaving the museum, you will walk around hoan kiem lake in the middle of the city passing the one pillar pagoda, built in 1049 by emperor ly thanh tong to celebrate the birth of his only son, and ho chi Minh s house, given him by the people of the country in thanks for his leadership.

Perhaps the most interesting area you will visit is the old quarter. Here many tiny streets join to sell a huge diversity of products. In the old days, each street bore the name of the product sold shoe street, noodle street, and the like.

Today, the streets sometimes sell a variety of items, but often the names are accurate. The old quarter also houses some of the most interesting art galleries. You spend some time visiting several of the most respected galleries. Early in the evening, you can enjoy the famous Hanoi water puppet show.

Day 3: Drive Mai Chau Valley

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mai Chau Eco lodge

Early in the morning you will drive from Hanoi on highway 6 to the town of hoa binh, where you will visit the huge hydroelectric plant built in collaboration with the Russians. The plant not only provides electricity as far south as ho chi minh city, but the song da (red river) reservoir that forms part of the project is the largest in Vietnam. The project has also been extremely helpful in forestalling the floods that regularly threatened the region.

Continuing on, you will drive to mai chau. Because of its proximity to Hanoi, here in mai chau, you may see several groups of tourists. The government has assisted certain sites in developing tourist facilities, and mai chau is one of them. Nevertheless, like the other villages you have seen, the area is spectacular, and there are many opportunities to wander off on your own. If you were trekking in the spring, the mai chau valley would be covered with pink and purple peach blossoms and pac pien flowers. Also in abundance are the snow white bauhinias or ban, symbols of purity.

The muong tribes of the area are one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam, and about 300,000 muong live in this province. They have no written language, and the children are taught orally. Their economy is based on farming and fish breeding, but they also grow rice, guava, oranges, tangerines and sapodilla plums. Like the Thai, whose homes you also visited, their houses are built on stilts with rounded roofs. Although you, as guests, will enter through the front door, the women always use the back entrance. Often during the day, the women can be found weaving beautiful fabrics, satchels and sashes that are used for ceremonies or given as gifts for special occasions.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional dance show with ruou can, the local wine.

Tonight you will sleep in the mai chau eco lodge.

Day 4: Drive to Lao Border and Cross. Drive to Sam Neua

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sam Neua Hotel

Leaving Ban Sai around 8AM, you have about a 4 hour drive to the border along the Ma River. You will stop at one of the many Muong Villages you will pass on the way and take some photos of the giant waterwheels used for irrigation.

Your next stop is the Na Meo Border, where you will say goodbye to your Vietnamese guide. Note that you can now obtain your Laos visa upon arrival. After completing immigration and customs formalities, you will meet your Lao guide and drive to Sam Neua.

Sam Neua itself sits in a small picturesque valley laced with rice fields and bordered by the dark green of the mountains. The town, composed of white concrete houses with red roofs, is known for the beauty and originality of the locally woven fabrics, sought after by women all over Laos.

Day 5: Visit Vieng Xai and Villages

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sam Neua Hotel

After breakfast, you travel to the pathet lao revolutionary headquarters at vieng xai. Set in karst limestone hills that are riddled with caves, this is where the senior communist leadership spent their time directing the war in the 1960s and early 1970s. Long off limits to tourists, they are now an adventurous destination for those with a keen interest in the secret war in Laos.

The caves are stunningly set amid towering cliffs and must have been unassailable by land or air. Visit the most important caves here including tham souphanouvong, which originally housed the mred princem, and tham than kaysone, which was used by the first communist president kaysone phomvihane.

Lunch is at restaurant by the lake. In the afternoon, you can take some easy walks to local Hmong villages and learn about the local way of life in this remote part of northeast laos. You will also visit tat nam neua, a striking 260 foot high waterfall.

Day 6: Drive Nong Khiaw Via Suan Hin and Villages

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Nong Kiau Riverside

After breakfast, you leave sam neua and travel south towards nong khiaw on the steep, winding road to nam noen, passing many Lao Hmong and khamu villages along the way. Nearby is the stone forest of suan hin, a mysterious collection of megaliths, which may be connected with the plain of jars. You explore the Stonehenge of Laos, with lots of freestanding pillars about six feet in height. There are also many large circular disks, which locals say were once table tops for a sky spirit called Jahn Hahn, scattered about the area.

After lunch, you continue through some wild and untamed regions of the country on a stunning national highway 1 to nong khiaw. This road is one of the most spectacular in Laos, snaking through the mountains and passing many traditional blue Hmong villages along the way. You stop in one of the villages to learn something about the traditional way of life.

Day 7: drive luang prabang via pak ou caves

Meals: breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: hotel kidara or mekong riverview

This morning you continue your leisurely trip, driving on to luang prabang and enjoying the lush green forests and landscape. Along the way you stop by the nam ou river and take a ferry boar across to visit the mysterious caves of pak ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims.

Continuing your trip, you arrive at the UNESCO world heritage city of luang prabang. This former royal capital with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop retains a unique charm rarely found in modern Asia. By evening, you will arrive at your hotel.

If you are up for it, you can walk the 328 steps up to the top of Mr. Phousi and enjoy wonderful views across the town.

Day 8: Explore Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Kidara or Mekong Riverside

Today you can begin to explore Luang Prabang, the old sovereign capital of Laos, and one of the gems of Indochina.  If you rise early enough, you can watch the saffron robed monks walking the streets with their begging bowls to get their daily ration of rice from the townspeople and give alms to the monks. In Laos, many young men opt to become monks at some period in their lives, often to get a good education. The monks are supposed to walk straight, without looking at those who feed them, and will not eat after midday.

About 1000 feet above sea level at the confluence of the upper Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang was described in Harry Franck s book, East of Siam, as in many ways, what idealists picture the cities of utopia to be. The name refers to the holy Pra Bang, the most sacred Laotian Buddha image given to Fa Ngoum, the first monarch of Lane Xang, or the Land of a Million Elephants, in the 14th century. The town is small and peaceful and has various quarters, which specialize in traditional crafts silver carving, silk weaving, and sausage making. The pagoda spires and gold trim on the wats and temples sparkle in the morning light, as orange robed monks wander the narrow streets with their begging bowls, seeking rice from the local inhabitants. The various names of the city reflect its history. Originally, legend has it that two resident hermits, who called it Xieng Thong, or Copper Tree City, selected the site. Later, its name was changed to Chawa, a Laotian version of Java. Luang Prabang was the capital of the Lane Xang Empire from the 14th to the 16th centuries, before King Setthathirat moved his headquarters to Vientiane in 1563. Although its importance was diminished, Luang Prabang was an important royal center until the communist takeover of 1975 and the demise of the monarchy.

Then, A good place to start your city tour is the Royal Palace Museum, constructed in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong. He died in 1959, and his son, Sisavang Vatthana was exiled to Northern Laos with his wife, dying in a cave after the 1975 Laotian Revolution. The Palace was later converted into the museum it is today. Built by the French for the Lao King, the palace is Khymer in style, mounted on a four tiered platform and cruciform in plan.

Leaving the palace, you can follow the river to Wat Xieng Thong – one of Luang Prabang s most important temples – then circle around past Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, with its gilded terrace, and Wat Paa Hu, a very old temple with extraordinary murals. Heading back toward the center of town, it is an easy walk to Wat Wisunalat, one of the oldest temples in the city with its nearby Watermelon Stupa – That Makmo.

Your next stop is Ok Pop Tok, co founded by Veomanee and Joanne in April 2000. Veomanee s mother is from Laosm primary silk weaving region, Sam Nua, and the family was renowned for its weaving.  Veo learned to weave at an early age and became proficient in weaving as well as silk dying with natural dyes. At 16, Veo left high school to work in the hospitality industry and, while conversing with foreigners; she picked up her excellent English. Veo and Joanne met in 1999 at an evening school in Luang Prabang where Joanne was teaching. Veo then taught Joanne to weave in her village, Ban Xieng Leck. In April 2000 Veo and Joanne approached Deng, Goy and Noy with the idea of weaving specifically for a gallery, and, after the production of around 60 pieces, the gallery opened in.

In the afternoon, you tour the excellent Arts and Ethnology Center, with the TAEC Director. The center exhibits unique clothing, household objects, religious artefacts and handicrafts from various ethnic groups in Laos. Here you can get a sense of the different religions, lifestyles, beliefs and traditions of the people.

If you are up for it, you can walk the 328 steps up to the top of Mr. Phousi and enjoy wonderful views across the town.

You end the day driving about 20 minutes to the home of a local family. Here, you will begin your visit with a traditional Baci Ceremony. Ancient Lao legend dictates that a human is composed of 32 organs watched over by the Kwan or spirits. When all the Kwan are safe inside the body, there is no illness or disequilibrium. One of the goals of a Baci ceremony is to summon any Kwan that may be roaming outside to return to the body to maintain health and balance.

During the ceremony a white silk or cotton thread, symbolic of peace, harmony good fortune, good health and human warmth and community, is tied around the right wrist of the individual or individuals who are being blessed. But, there is another charming legend about the white thread and marriage that forms another part of the Lao mythology. To quote:

There is also a legend that links the cotton threadms significance to a successful and happy married life. In Laos, where a traditional way of life is of trust on beliefs and superstitions, a marriage ceremony has a special link to an ancient legend and to the thread tying ceremony of the Baci celebration. According to their legend, marriages are predetermined in heaven by what is termed as nene or oLove Karmao (destiny). In the heavenly garden, each individual has a tree with branches cuddling to the soul of his or her life partner. Eventually such pre-destined intertwined trees move to earth as human beings with their wrists tied together by a cotton thread. In the process of their coming to the earth, the cotton thread binding them is severed by wind of scissors and they are born on earth as separate individuals. Once born on the earth, they search for their soul mates and when they find them they marry, and by performing the Baci ceremony they are rejoined by tying the symbolic cotton thread. If the cotton thread so tied remains intact for three days then the marriage is considered fortunate and lucky for the couple.

From Marriage and the Baci Ceremony, muangla.com

After the Baci Ceremony, you can enjoy a Lao dinner.

Day 9: Brother Mouse, Khouangcsi Falls, Villages and Market

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Kidara or Mekong Riverside

You begin your day with a visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Center. The center exhibits unique clothing, household objects, religious artefacts and handicrafts from various ethnic groups in Laos. Here you can take part in a workshop and learn how to do Hmong embroidery, Katu backstrap weaving, or Khmu basketry, and take home their special creation. The workshops are taught by local Hmong, Katu and Khmu artists, with a TAEC guide to translate and provide background on the crafts and people. Lunch will be in the TAEC Café.

In the afternoon, you head to the Khouang-Si Waterfalls, a spectacularly beautiful area on a tributary of the Mekong. Here blue-green waters tumble over cliffs into turquoise pools surrounded by lush jungle vegetation and large red poinsettias. Multi-colored butterflies fly in and out among the flowers and children bathe in the water. You can enjoy the falls and take a dip in the water to cool off.

In the evening, you can wander the local night market.

Day 10: Drive Phonesavan

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Vasana Xiengkhoung Hotel

You start early this morning, around 8am for the drive to Xiengkhuang, famous for the Plain of Jars . The road follows a twisty mountain route, and you make the first stop at Houi Hei, offering great views of the surrounding mountains.

Continuing on, you come to Ban Kiu Kam Pone, a Khmu village, and can wander around, before driving on to Phou Khoun for lunch.

After lunch, you continue on to Xiengkhuang province, reaching the highest altitude of the day 4900 feet above sea level, just after Phou Khoun and then stop at Ban Son Boom, a Hmong village.

Our final visits of the day are a reminder that this region played a major parts during the Vietnam War a hidden Buddha Cave, that served as an army hospital during the war, and a stop to visit an old Russian tank.

Day 11: Visit Plain Of Jars and Villages

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Vasana Xiengkhoung Hotel

In the morning, you begin by visiting the local markets in and around Phonesavan. Then you head to the Hmong Village of Ban Tajok, where everything from herbs to animal troughs have been made from shell casings,helmets and other objects left over from the Vietnam War.

Next you explore the Plain of Jars. One of archaeology s unsolved mysteries, 300 or so carved stone jars are scattered over a 625-square mile undulating plateau. The stone from which the jars were carved is not native to the area, and has provoked much discussion about its origins. One legend relates that the jars held
Lao-Lao, the local brew for a victory party celebrated by King KoonChuong and his South China troops. More likely is the theory that they are 2000-year-old funeral urns. You can walk between the different Jar sites, enjoying not only the archaeological remains, but also the views of the countryside.

The Plain of Jars also bears scars from the Vietnam era. Home to many of Vang Pao s Hmong tribe s people and a very strategic royalist bastion, the Plain was the doorway to the capital of Laos. Despite massive bombing by the U.S. and its allies and major battles involving royalist and Hmong forces, the Plain fell to the Pathet Lao. All in all, well over half a million tons of bombs had been dropped on the Plain of Jars by the end of the war. Today, bomb craters dot the terrain, fences constructed of bombshells surround local houses, and children are taught to fear unexploded mines, grenades, and bombs that still lie in fields and forests.

During the rest of the day, you have an opportunity to visit the area. The focus will be on the different ethnic villages – H mong and Thai Dam settlements.

Day 12: Fly Vientiane and Tour

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Settha Palace

This morning you continue to see some more of the Plain of Jars, visiting sites 2 and 3. Local legend tells that King Khun Chuang had them constructed in order to store wine for the celebration of his conquest of the province in the 6th century.

Before returning to Phonesavan, you stop at Ban Na Pia (War Spoon Village)

Mid-afternoon, you transfer to the airport for the flight to Vientiane on QV 402 (1600/1630). The name, Vientiane means either Sandalwood City or Moon City. A quiet town of less than half a million people, Vientiane is located on a bend of the Mekong, in the middle of a very fertile alluvial plain.

Day 13: Am in Vientiane. Pm Drive Khounkham Via Pakkading

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sainamhai Hotel

In the morning, you see a bit of Vientiane, beginning That Luang, the stupa that is the heart of the city and stop at Patuxai, a large monument, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Here there is a stairway you can climb to get a good view of the city.

Your path leads to Wat Sisaket, built in 1818 by King Chao Anou and the oldest temple in Vientiane; Wat Simuang, containing the town s guardian spirit; and Wat Phra Keo, the former temple of the Lao monarchy, former home of the Emerald Buddha and now a museum focusing on the daily life of the Lao Buddhists down the years.

Next, you head south along route 13 to the central Lao province of Khammoune. En route, you stop at Prabaht Ponsan, a stupa dating back to the 15th Century and home to the Buddha s footprint, discovered in 1933, and now an important religious site in Laos.

You have time to explore the interesting Ban Ton Na Mae Hmong Market, before heading onwards into the mountains and to take a break at a viewpoint near Khounkham, offering a breath taking view over the surrounding area.

The last stop of the day is Ban Thabuk, the bomb boat village , where they use old bomb casings from the Vietnam War as boats. Eventually, you arrive at Khounkham, where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 14: Visit Kong Lor Cave and Villages

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Inthira Thakhek Hotel

After breakfast, you drive to Kong Lor village, situated amidst ricefields and the limestone karst mountains. Here you board a small local boat that will take you into the famous Kong Lor Cave. The cave itself is over 4 ½ miles long, and includes a spectacular cavern over 328 feet high, as well as a breath taking stalagmite gallery that can be explored on foot.

On the other side of the cave, you take a short walk past some tobacco drying huts to Ban Pon Ngam, a remote village, where you have a picnic lunch.

After lunch, you head on to Thakhek for the night.

Day 15: Cave and Kayak Around Thakhek and Return to Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Settha Palace

Leaving the rafting office at 7:00 am you drive for around 45 minutes along a paved road before turning onto a dirt track. Twenty minutes later, you come to the starting point for your adventure at the village of Ban That Khonkeo, an ethnic Lao Loum village. Here you have time to explore the village and meet some of the locals.

Before setting off down the river, you receive a safety briefing and a short introduction to kayaking. Putting in, you kayak downriver for around one and a half hours before stopping to visit a nearby cave. After exploring the cave, you return to the riverbank, enjoy a picnic lunch and take some time to relax and swim in the crystal clears\ stream.

After our lunch, you board your kayak once more and continue down the river. A bit farther on, you encounter several sections of rapids, which vary in intensity depending on the river level, but always provide some great fun! After tackling the rapids you continue on through a calmer section of water through some stunning rock formations, one of which looks just like the head of an eagle! Eventually you arrive at Nam Pakan Bridge, the ending point of your trip. So here everyone packs everything up and boards the awaiting transport back to Tha Khaek.

Once you get to Thakhek, you meet your car and drive back to Vientiane, perhaps napping along the way.

Day 16: Tour Vientiane and Visit Galleries

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Settha Palace

For your last day, you can spend a bit more time touring the city and visit some of the wonderful textile galleries.

You begin at the morning Talat Sao market. Next you visit some of the Textile Galleries. Some of the more interesting ones include the private textile gallery of Mme. Taykeo. Here the art of traditional Lao weaving is being revived, natural dyes are made, and Madame Taykeo is teaching young girls the ancient weaving techniques. To understand the complex pattern designs is a way of learning about the mythology of the Lao people.

There is also a textile museum, being set up by an equally special independent Lao woman, and Antique Lao Textiles, run by Mrs. Chanthone Thatanakham. Mme Sandra Yuck, whose shop you may have seen in Luang Prabang, also has another Caruso Lao Shop in Vientiane.

More well known is Carol Cassidy s textile shop. Where Mme. Taykeo s workshop (a place you will see later in Vientiane) will focus on more traditional designs, use vegetable dyes, and really offer the visitor the chance to see the whole weaving process, Carol Cassidy s place, although more well known in the western world, is more of a store aimed at the tourist trade.

You end the day with an introduction to Lao cuisine and a trip to Ban Thaphalansay Village, where the experienced Head Chef, Chandra, will welcome you into her home and begin your cooking class. Over the next few hours you ll learn how to create three local dishes using traditional ingredients and techniques. No need for note-taking - you ll be given your own recipe book to take home, so you can recreate your favorites and remember your time spent in Laos for years to come.

Afterwards, relax and enjoy the feast you ve created together. Local desserts will also be on offer, although the savory dishes tend to be most popular to prepare. Tea, coffee and local herbal non-alcoholic cocktails are also included with the meal.

Say farewell to Chandra and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. You might want to take a stroll along the banks of the Mekong River through Chao Anou Park and the Night Market, observing locals and taking in the views. If you are an adventurous foodie, you can sample a wide range of local snacks along the way. Cap off the night enjoying a bottle of the Beerlao, a tasty local beer brewed from the best local rice and high-quality malt. If you wish, we will be happy to provide a guide and vehicle

Day 17: Depart for Home

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your fight out.