Vientiane is the capital city of Laos but retains a small feel and is unlike other Asian capital cities. It is charming and there is evidence of the French in the architecture and café scene. It is small enough to navigate during a day but also offers some interesting excursions should your length of stay allow.
Transfer from Vientiane to Ban Hatkhai, where a long-tail boat takes the group up the Nam Mang, before continuing along the Houay Xai, one of its many tributaries. A 3-4 hour trek passes under an evergreen canopy, while gaining height. A picnic lunch is served on the way. The magnificent pair of waterfalls Falls Tad Xay and Pha Xay, particularly beautiful during and after the rainy season, are reached in the afternoon. Tad Xay has a pool recommended for bathing. From here, pick-up takes the group to Ban Hatkhai, where the night is spent in a home-stay.
Day 2: Buffalo Park – Vientiane ( B, L )
After an early breakfast, a pick-up takes the group to the Tad Leuk Waterfall. The Tad Leuk is a local tourist attraction amidst mixed deciduous forest. A permanent exhibit at the Visitors' Center gives some good information on the flora and fauna of the NPA. The Tad Leuk Nature Trail points out some interesting botanic details. In the afternoon, the trek follows the Nam Leuk upstream to the Tad Sang waterfall, another idyllic place for bathing and relaxation. A songthaew or van awaits the group for the return to Vientiane.
01 Sep 2008 - 31 August 2009 ( The Price Per Person (US$) )