LAOS FIELD TREK TOUR

On arrival at Vientiane airport, students and teachers will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to the hotel for check in and a briefing about your Laos program.



Our local guide will also conduct a short Laotian language lesson so you can familiarise yourself with some local phrases that you can use throughout your journey.



Accommodation in Vientiane.

Today, students will spend the whole of the day exploring Vientiane. Students will have plenty of time to visit the important sites in Vientiane such as Cope Vientiane, Laos National Museum, Patuxai Victory Monument, and Buddha Park.



In the afternoon, we will explore the many temples in Vientiane. Pha That Luang is the first temple we visit and is Laos’ most important cultural monument and is a symbol of its powerful ancient royal kingdoms.



Next, we will visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image.  A highlight will be watching the spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset, which provides a great photographic opportunity.



Accommodation in Vientiane.

After breakfast, this morning we leave for a 3-hour drive to Vang Vieng.  Our first stop will be at the Hmong village and then the archeological site of Vang Xang which dates back to the Mon-Khmer period of the 8-11th century. After our visit we stop and have lunch at a local restaurant.



In the afternoon, we visit Tham Chang (Freezing Cave), which is considered to be the largest cave in Vang Vieng, and is located in an idyllic setting.The cave's name means “unable to move” because of its freezing cold water and thanks to the fresh air, this is an ideal destination for visitors to cool off in the hot weather. You can take time to relax in the tranquil natural atmosphere outside the cave.



Accommodation in Vang Vieng.

Today, we will drive to Xieng Khoang. The drive should take about 6 hours, but there will be many stops at local villages to stretch our legs, take photos or meet the local people.



This afternoon we visit Asia’s “Stone Henge” – an archaeological site featuring a vast scattering of giant stone jars, most likely used as funeral jars for storing bodies during the Stone Age (500BC - 500AD). Exactly where the stones jars were produced and transported from remains unknown. Around the jar sites teeth, pottery, iron, and bronze objects have been found. Our local guide will explain this historic site to us. As we travel through the countryside students will learn about local agricultural practices, self-sustainability, and the issue of waste management in the areas they visit. 



Accommodation in Xieng Khoang.

This morning we visit the Central Market of Phonsavan and see how local people purchase and sell their local products and soak up the market atmosphere.



We then travel by bus to the ancient capital of Laos, Luang Prabang. This spectacular drive will pass through one of the most spectacular routes in Laos with amazing landscapes of mountains and forests.



We arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon and climb Mount Phousi, which is Luang Prabang’s highest hill and stands at 100 metres above sea level and is a great spot to watch the sunset and offers panoramic views of Luang Prabang.



Accommodation in Luang Prabang.

Wake up early in the early morning, and we will witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Our guide will prepare special food for students to hand over to the monks, however, if students do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance, and observe the ritual in silence. 



After breakfast, we drive to the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Long Lao, where you will have the opportunity to observe the lifestyles of two different minority groups and learn how they work together on a day to day basis.



We then commence our trek on a trail that leads through rice paddies and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Our trekking brings us to the spectacular Kuang Si waterfalls. You will have time to climb to the top of the falls and bring your bathers so you can have a swim in the cool pristine water.  



Accommodation in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we depart for the Elephant Conservation Centre. On arrival we will be given a briefing by our local guide on the projects we will be participating in. 



We will have the opportunity to observe the elephants and learn more about their playful characters and gain a deeper understanding of the habitat and the biodiversity of the protected forests.



Spending time at the Elephant Socialization Area will be a big part of the day and learning more about recreating a semi-natural living environment for the elephants. As you participate in a community service project you will not only learn more about the elephants and their habitat, but will be creating unforgettable memories.



Accommodation in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast we leave for an active day of mountain biking and kayaking. Cycle through the Nam Khan valley and witness the spectacular countryside, diverse villages, and golden temples. We take a break on the banks of the Nam Khan River.



After lunch we will have time to explore and swim at Tad Sae Waterfall, then afterwards we paddle back downstream to Luang Prabang by kayak, on the Nam Khan River.



Accommodation in Luang Prabang.

Today after breakfast, we transfer you to the airport.