Laos Discovery

All content by Intrepid

14 days (ex Hanoi)

Destinations visited: Vietnam, Hanoi, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Laos, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

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Leave Jun 03, 2012 and save 25% $1,069

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Description

Get ready for a fast-paced adventure through the best of Vietnam, Laos and northern Thailand. This is a region packed to the brim with rich cultures, fiery cuisines, unique customs and breathtaking countryside - and on this adventure you'll be sampling all of them. Whether you're slurping up a steaming bowl of Vietnamese pho at a street stall in Vinh, shopping for the best of Laos' handicrafts in Vientiane, ambling through caves in Luang Prabang or gliding down the Mekong in a riverboat, you'll get a wonderful insight into Indochina during this incredible adventure.

Highlights

Explore the architectural wonder of Hanoi.
Settle in to the pace of chilled out Vientiane.
Admire the spectacular scenery in Vang Vieng.
Unearth hidden treasures in Luang Prabang .
Take a riverboat along the Mekong .
Discover the charm of Chiang Mai.

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi

Shaded boulevards, public parks and blocks of ochre buildings are telling remainders of a French-colonial past, but Hanoi also hums with the buzz of a modern city. Jump straight into the fray by exploring the tangle of city streets on foot.

Day 2 Vinh

Spend a night in the border town of Vinh, checking out the market for fresh Vietnamese dinner options.

Days 3-4 Vientiane

Slow down to the pace of Laos' capital, sleepy Vientiane, where the colourful market stays open all day and dusty riverside paths are packed with friendly children, dogs and chickens. A great way to round off a day of sightseeing is by dining at one of the stilt restaurants set up high above the Mekong.

Days 5-7 Vang Vieng

Be wowed by the gorgeous setting of Vang Vieng, which is surrounded by stunning limestone karst mountains. Relax in a chilled out cafe or dive into the river to escape the heat.

Days 8-10 Luang Prabang

The jewel in Laos' crown, Luang Prabang, is bursting at the seams with temples and French colonial architecture. Climb to the top of Phu Si at sunset for magical views over the town or hop onto a jumbo to visit the gorgeous Kuang Si Falls.

Day 11 Mekong River

Float gently down the Mekong on a riverboat, travelling with local passengers and docking at tiny Pak Beng for the night.

Day 12 Chiang Khong

Cruise further down the Mekong and cross the Thai border. Overnight in Chiang Khong, which is an important market town for the surrounding region.

Days 13-14 Chiang Mai

Home to over 300 temples and a massive night market, Thailand's northern gem, Chiang Ma, is packed full of things to see and do. Indulge in a traditional Thai massage, take a lesson at a cooking school or perhaps learn the secrets of kickboxing.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Guesthouse (7 nts), Hotel (6 nts)

Transport

Boat, Songthaew, Bus, Tuk-Tuk, Private minibus

Budget

Allow USD $280 for meals not included.

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