Meandering the Mekong
Destination
Laos
Duration
9 Days
Activity Level
Gentle
Comfort Level
Superior
Board a local river launch for a comfortably-paced, two-day guided trip down the Mekong with frequent stops for villages, nature, temples, and whatever you fancy. This is a great way to see and photograph life and nature along this famous river. Explore the sites of scenic Luang Prabang, Veng Vieng, and Vientiane. Your guide speaks fluent English and knows the local people you will meet. There are opportunities for casual exploration of temples, markets, and villages.
Really, it was a perfect trip! The guides were amazing, the hotels were great and the river trip was fascinating. We met great people, ate great food, and had so much fun!
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Chiang Rai, Thailand
Arrive Chiang Rai from either Chiang Mai or Bangkok (flight not included). On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Depending on your arrival time, spend some time exploring around the town.
Consider adding on a few days in Chiang Mai or Bangkok before starting your Laos adventure. Your Adventure Specialist can help arrange it.
Meals
None
Lodging
Le Patta Chiang Rai Resort and Hotel or similar
Day 2 Thailand to Laos Border Crossing & Mekong River Cruise
You will depart from your hotel very early this morning and transfer to Chiang Khong (approx. 2 hr drive) at the Thailand/Laos border. Cross the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River, and meet your guide at Huay Xai, the immigration checkpoint for Laos. You’ll board a traditional boat and be welcomed with a cup of coffee or tea. Travel down the Mekong for about four hours, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way to Pakbeng. If you’re lucky, you may see the residents of the Mekong River going on about their daily business. Pakbeng is a meeting point for local hill tribes including Hmong, Lue and Khamu. After checking in to your lodge you’ll have the chance to discover the area on foot or just sit back and enjoy sunset over the Mekong River.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge or similar
Day 3 Pakbeng / Pak Ou Cave / Luang Prabang
Today you will be cruising through beautiful and often changing landscapes toward Luang Prabang. The Mekong River lies at the bottom of a steep sided valley, with tropical forests invading its banks. From time to time a village and its inhabitants will appear. Lunch is served on board. Along the way, you will also stop to visit the sacred caves of Pak Ou, which shelter hundreds of statuettes of Buddha and are truly a sight to behold. Looking out, the caves also offer a splendid view of the Mekong. Your day of Mekong River cruising will end when you arrive at Luang Prabang the old royal capital and a UNESCO-classified world heritage site. Upon arrival at Luang Phrabang Pier, you will meet your driver and local guide and travel by car to your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Villa Maly or similar
Day 4 Luang Prabang
In the morning, you will meet with a UNESCO expert, Mr. Francis Engelmann to discover Luang Prabang. He will introduce you to the various types of architectural heritage of Luang Prabang, both religious and civil. Listen carefully, as his deep insights will enable you to enjoy your visit from a different angle. The walk is aimed more towards the lesser-known parts of the old town including charming lanes, showing the more traditional atmosphere of the heritage town. In the afternoon, go on a Luang Phrabang city tour. The city is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia, with its perfect location at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers at the foot of an age-old mountain range. Your discovery of Luang Prabang will take you to its most emblematic and culturally-rich sites. The Royal Palace, which nowadays houses the National Museum, has a huge collection of precious items which formerly belong to the royal family, and a large array of statuettes discovered in the temples of the region. Here, you can lay eyes on the Phrabang Buddha, considered the most sacred artifact of Laos, and which has given its name to the city. The Vat Xieng Thong & Temple of the Royal City – is a complex of sacred shrines and temples, displaying some of the finest Lao traditional art and the most beautiful site of Luang Prabang. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure or consider attending a show. (at an additional cost)
Optional: Attend a Baci Ceremony. You will be invited to attend a Baci (Sou Khouan) ceremony, one of the most popular traditions in Laos which accompanies any important life event: weddings, funerals, births, illnesses, trips, etc. The ceremony usually takes place amongst a handful of people, with one or two recipients, the officiate, and a few assistants. During the ceremony you attend, the officiating person will recall your souls (according to Lao belief, each human being has 32 souls) to attract beneficial influences toward you, and then they’ll tie a cotton string around your wrist symbolizing the wishes they will have formulated in your favor. Have dinner at the local house after the ceremony.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Villa Maly or similar
Day 5 Luang Prabang
In the early morning, you will travel with your guide to the temple to see the Tak Bath ceremony. During the ceremony, devoted residents of Luang Prabang kneel on the sidewalk, bearing food in their hands, which they offer to the monks as they walk by clad in their saffron-orange robes. Be drawn into this culturally significant moment, as it takes place in a peaceful and respectful manner, with no words exchanged between the monks and the inhabitants making the offerings. After this humbling experience, your guide will take you to a local market, a very animated place to be in the morning, to say the least. After the market tour, you’ll be taken to a welcoming local restaurant beside the Mekong River to try a soup designed to quell your hunger and give you energy for the day. If you’re not up to soup in the morning, you can also just enjoy a coffee while watching the daily routine of the residents. After this, you can return to your hotel for your full breakfast.
After breakfast, head to Tamarin Restaurant for a Join-in cooking class. To begin, you will meet at Tamarind Restaurant on the banks of the Nam Khan River. From there, the chef will guide you to the local market by tuk-tuk. The market provides an amazing opportunity to discover a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, meats, and fish. When the shopping is done, you will travel to the cooking venue away from the city. There, you will be shown how to prepare traditional dishes and how to combine the different flavors of different regions. Everybody will create a dish! At lunchtime sit and enjoy the culinary masterpieces that have just been prepared.
In the afternoon, you will take a drive to the Kuang Sy waterfalls, one of the highlights of Luang Prabang. These cascading falls are made up of limestone formations and numerous turquoise-colored pools, and have become a must-see destination for those visiting northern Laos. The lower level of the falls has been turned into a public park and is where you will take a break and enjoy the shade and the refreshingly cool atmosphere of the falls. Further up the path, you’ll find numerous natural limestone pools which have been formed by the process of water erosion. Enjoy your surroundings and spend some time swimming and relaxing.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Villa Maly or similar
Day 6 Luang Prabang / Vang Vieng
Enjoy the final morning in Luang Prabang at your leisure. After checking out of your hotel, you will travel to the train station for the train to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival in Vang Vieng, your guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Refresh, and then take a relaxing boat trip down the Nam Song River which lies in the middle of a beautiful landscape of karst rocks. The gentle current carries you through lush, breathtaking landscapes. As you drift along, immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. The perfect escape to unwind and connect with the beauty of Laos!
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Riverside Boutique Resort or similar
Day 7 Vang Vieng
This morning, you will travel north of Vang Vieng to the small Hmong village of Ban Phathao, which will be the departure point of your hike. During the walk, you will pass through green rice fields with a stunning backdrop of limestone mountains and you’ll walk on beautiful paths under the shade of high trees while meeting the locals going about their daily activities. Eventually, you will reach the first cave known as Tham Loup (deep cave), and then Tham Hoi (the smallest cave). There, take a few minutes to take in the beautiful scenery before continuing to walk through the small village towards the river. Then you will visit the sacred Elephant cave and temple before crossing the bridge to meet your transfer back to the town. Return to your hotel after lunch and balance the day at your leisure.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Riverside Boutique Resort or similar
Day 8 Vang Vieng / Vientiane
This morning, you will travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Vientiane has been marked by French colonization yet retains a strong Asian identity. Today, explore the city’s main sites which are dotted with French influence standing alongside old monasteries and other Asian-style buildings. Vat Sisaket temple, which, in spite of the Siamese influence, shows a unique style of architecture. It is the biggest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane. Vat PhraKeo temple was built in 1565 to shelter the famous Emerald Buddha and then rebuilt the same as the original in 1942. Located in a lovely garden, it shelters magnificently carved wooden panels and graceful colonnades under its typically Northern Siamese and Lao style sloping roof. Pha That Louang is a cloister surrounding a large stupa which was saved during the ransacking of the town by the Siamese, but damaged by the Ho looters in 1873 before being renovated by the French in 1930. It became the symbol of the nation, corresponding both to the Buddhist religion and the Lao sovereignty. Visit the Patuxay or Arch of Triumph and at the top, you will enjoy nice views of Vientiane. Finally, visit Talat Sao market, where you will find much that is made as well as imported into Laos.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
La Seine Hotel or similar
Day 9 Depart Vientiane
Depending on your departure flight, the guide and driver will meet you at the hotel, and transfer you to Vientiane airport for your onward flight. Consider extending your Southeast Asia experience to visit the ancient temples of Angkor Wat or Vietnam!
If you have a late departure flight, consider an optional tour.
Option 1: Weaving and Dyeing activity with a vocational weaving center:
The Houey Hong Vocational Training Center is a weaving association for women with two main objectives: firstly, to provide training for various skill levels in weaving, dyeing, and tailoring for women from rural areas who are disadvantaged, poor, and/or who have a disability and secondly, to revive and support Laos’ traditional handicrafts. During the visit, you will receive explanations about its development and how the local people are involved in the daily work there. Then, you will learn how to tie and dye your own scarf using natural dyes. You will also have the chance to learn how to weave using a traditional Lao loom.
Option 2: A day Walk through an orchid forest:
You will spend a wonderful day today in the Phou Khao Khouay National Park, exploring the breathtaking scenery and magnificent waterfalls. The walk is a unique opportunity to learn more about orchids and discover them in their true natural environment; as the National Park is home to over 50% of the wild orchid species of Laos. During the hike, your local and professional guides will help you to learn more about the plants and animals and how to identify them. A packed lunch specially prepared for you will be served at around noon. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Dates & Price
Dates
Custom & private on your dates. Contact an Adventure Specialist to create your dream trip! Schedule a call or tell us more about your dream trip!
Best Time of Year to Visit
Board a local river launch for a comfortably-paced, two-day guided trip down the Mekong with frequent stops for villages, nature, temples, and whatever you fancy. This is a great way to see and photograph life and nature along this famous river. Explore the sites of scenic Luang Prabang, Veng Vieng, and Vientiane. Your guide speaks fluent English and knows the local people you will meet. There are opportunities for casual exploration of temples, markets, and villages.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
Land Cost (Group size 2-3)
$3,300
Land Cost (Group size 4-6)
$2,900
Single Supplement
+ $1000
Rates Per Person -
Need to Know
We are happy to have you participate in a Journeys International program!
Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. They contain information that will be important to your planning and guide how we will handle any circumstances that may change in the midst of planning or while a program is underway. If after reading our materials and talking with our staff you decide to participate in a Journeys International program, please send us your deposit along with your completed Reservation Form and Explorer Information Forms. Important: Your booking is only complete once we receive your deposit, completed Reservation Form, and completed Explorer Information Form, and once we have confirmed that space is available.
Pricing and Payment
We will confirm your reservations once we receive a non-refundable booking deposit, a Reservation Form signed by each person responsible for payment, and an Explorer Information Form signed by each participating adult or the guardian for each participating child, and if space is available. Custom programs during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to confirmation. The deposit contributes to non-recoverable costs of holding space and servicing your booking through the stages of preparation, execution, and follow-up and cannot be refunded if you choose to cancel.
We charge an additional planning fee of $250 per program for preparing customized proposals. This fee may be credited to your total cost upon booking, but it is non-refundable if you choose not to finalize your reservation.
Prices are stated in U.S. Dollars, based on double room occupancy, unless otherwise noted. We will send an invoice for your total estimated cost when we send your reservation confirmation. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to your program start date regardless of whether any arrangements are still pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and/or other circumstances attendant to the challenges of adventure.
Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your program participation and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure, then your reservation may be canceled subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available are not available toward bookings made through third-party travel agencies, advisors, or planners.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Paying by credit card offers you certain consumer protections, including the ability to initiate a chargeback if you believe we have committed consumer fraud. You may not use credit card chargeback as an alternative to compliance with your agreement with these terms and conditions.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some programs and flights fill several months in advance. We can confirm your space once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation and Explorer Information Forms. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a program’s start date, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your program materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days in advance of your program’s start, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Program Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your custom program, and we aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, we charge a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested less than one week before your program’s start, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a program has begun, the change fee is $200.
Journeys International reserves the right to change or reprice any program due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control. Journeys International cannot guarantee conformity with the provided program plan at any point in time. Among other things, if necessary Journeys International may change the scheduled dates of a program; omit or alter sections of the plan; substitute lodgings, leaders, or conveyances; or change meals, activities, or waypoints; all without notice and without allowance for refunds and with participants bearing the responsibility for increased costs, if any. Should this become necessary, Journeys International will not be liable for extra costs that participants may incur as a result of changes, including but not limited to flight change fees, additional meal costs, or additional accommodations. We strongly recommend that participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, adequate to cover such costs.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before your program begins, please notify Journeys International in writing by emailing info@journeysinternational.com or writing to your adventure specialist directly. You may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some programs require additional non-refundable payments beyond this schedule, as noted in the program description. In the case of cancellation, such amounts are withheld in addition to the amounts listed here.
Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation Penalty |
---|---|
61 or more | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable |
31-60 | Non-refundable booking deposit and planning fee, if applicable, plus 50% of total land costs above amount of initial deposit |
0-30 | 100% of total land costs |
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, lodging, and ticketed tours and activities is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and is not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption and that may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra expenses should a circumstance force you to cancel or interrupt your participation.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the program start date as indicated on the program description, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel according to the local time observed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the participant. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, program days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
If Journeys International cancels or postpones a program before the program starts for reasons completely within its discretion, such as but not limited to insufficient group size, all money for services described in the program description will be refunded in the form of credit towards a future program with Journeys in the same location originally planned, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, or the client may submit a written request for a refund to the original form of payment. If a program’s cancellation is necessary due to acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, credits and refunds will be issued according to the standard cancellation schedule, less unrecoverable fees and penalties already paid to airlines, accommodations, or other service providers, without regard to whether client or company initiates cancellation or postponement. Once a program begins, there are no refunds for unused goods or services.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements for Journeys International programs. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International and/or the airfare consolidator may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group programs, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as program dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur additional fees to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we may help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times. If you arrange your own flights, we can book ground transfers to meet you on arrival in your destination if you wish, and you agree to pay additional costs, as applicable.
Transfers Between Programs
You may transfer between some programs upon written request. More than 60 days before your program start date, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or ground service providers. 60 days or fewer before the program start date, full cancellation penalties from the original program apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a program, you may transfer the full amount of your payments to another program without penalty, subject to availability.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated total costs include the costs of all guides, leaders, facilities, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, costs of described activities, food as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the activities described in the itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in program descriptions; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a program must be modified due to medical emergency, acts of insurrection, strikes, weather, road conditions, acts of God or government, or any other force majeure or cause beyond the company’s control, then the participant may incur additional costs that are not included in the program price. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Protection Plans, or travel insurance, to cover these risks.
Travel Insurance
Journeys International strongly recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan, or travel insurance, sufficient to protect your investment in travel, personal assets and health during your program. Doing so will mitigate a significant amount of financial risk and decrease your need to worry about things beyond your control. We do not require you to purchase such travel insurance; however, we know many travelers who have benefited from purchasing travel insurance because the insurance carrier assumed risks that would otherwise have been the risk of the traveler. Travel Protection Plans often cover things like theft, baggage loss, trip interruption or cancellation, emergency evacuation, emergency medical treatment, flight delay or cancellation, airline or service provider bankruptcy, jury duty, personal or family sickness leading to cancellation, U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings about terrorism issued for the destination, and other risks as described in the insurance policy. In particular, consider the availability of higher-cost “Cancel for Any Reason” and/or “Interrupt for Any Reason” policies that may allow policy-holders to recoup a significant portion of trip costs under a much wider range of circumstances than standard policies may allow; we have seen travelers benefit from this selection when public health crises, personal turmoil, and civil unrest arose in their destinations. Please note that while we at Journeys will do our best to help you to have a pleasant and successful experience, Journeys International assumes no liability for many of the types of losses described above. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance and you suffer a loss, then you will be responsible for the associated costs.
For your convenience, we will provide a recommendation for an insurance carrier that offers competitive rates and has proven reliable, fair, and prompt in responding to claims, but we can offer no guarantee that our recommended carrier will meet your needs and you are welcome to contact any insurance carrier that you prefer. It is important to obtain insurance immediately upon signing up for your program in order for problems arising from pre-existing conditions to be covered.
All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy that covers you while in your travel destination for the duration of your trip. For some individuals or for some destinations, it may be advisable to purchase a supplemental policy. Contact your provider for coverage details.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many programs are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. In some cases, it may become necessary to increase prices depending on the size of the group. We do everything we can to make a program operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups vary from program to program. When pricing for a group program is based on the number of participants, staff and guests of Journeys International (such as topic experts, journalists, photographers, leaders-in-training, or others) are not included in the numbers counted to determine the price. Final decision to cancel a program due to insufficient signups is made at least 60 days prior to departure.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations, if desired. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases, we may have to book and confirm equivalent-standard accommodations. In rare cases it may become necessary to make same-day or out-of-class substitutions.
If you are joining alone for a group program but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo participants. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. For some programs it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Assumption of Risk
Throughout any program of Journeys International, certain risks and dangers may arise. These include, but are not limited to, travel by train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat or other means of conveyance; the hazards of traveling in rough or mountainous terrain; high altitude; undeveloped areas; the forces of nature; civil unrest; terrorism; labor interruption; close proximity to fellow program participants; exposure to illness or virus; and accident or illness in remote areas without means of rapid evacuations or availability of medical supplies and facilities. The unique nature of adventure programs entails inherent risks that may be involved in unique program activities and travel away from home and, in fact, the specific nature of these activities is often a reason for participation. Even if a trip or program is rated “easy” these dangers and risks are present. Journeys International and its agents and operators will have no liability regarding emotional distress, equipment, access to, or adequacy of medical care, evacuation plans, or emergency supplies that may be provided. When you sign the Explorer Information Form, you agree to participate in these activities with full knowledge of the dangers and risks involved and agree to assume all risks, including trauma, sickness, injury, and death.
While Journeys International intends that your experience be safe and comfortable, Journeys does not have legal or operational control or ownership of facilities, staff, services, or transportation providers and acts only as agent for the owners of such facilities, staff, services, and transportation. Journeys International is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act by any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any third party not under its control.
In consideration of the right to participate in Journeys International programs and the service arranged for you by Journeys International and its agents and representatives, you unconditionally and fully assume all risks of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, and/or theft, however caused, including those mentioned above, as a result of participation, and release Journeys International, its agents, and its representatives from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, demands that you may have, including for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, and other claims.
Fitness to Join
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s programs. It is your responsibility to select/design a trip appropriate to your own abilities and interests. You are responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake your trip, and for consulting with your physician for medical advice regarding travel. On some Journeys International programs, participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all programs, especially those involving hiking or trekking. Most programs require some walking. By signing the Explorer Information Form, participants certify that they are fit for rigorous activity and do not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking. We assume no responsibility for medical care, and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health for some programs.
Journeys International’s or the individual group leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a program. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation to anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a program or certain activities. Once a reservation has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their participation. Proof of such coverage may be required.
Personal Conduct
You are responsible for acting in a manner considerate and respectful of fellow group members and local culture in areas visited.
You are responsible for reading all health-related information provided in advance of the program, adhering to all guidance given by guides and site staff, and conforming to the established standards of personal hygiene to minimize risk of disease. This may include a requirement to wear a face mask when in proximity to other people, whether indoors or outdoors, or other measures intended to limit the spread of disease; failure to do so when requested may result in your dismissal from the program.
Certain activities included in your program may require specific safety precautions. You are responsible for listening to instructions, adhering to guidance, and following the protocols provided for safety throughout the program. If you are unsure about safety precautions, you are responsible for seeking advice. If guides or staff perceive your behavior as risky, uncooperative, or otherwise unsafe, they may remove you from an activity for the safety of yourself and others.
Smoking or vaping are not permitted in buses, cars, below decks on boats, in tented camps, in designated non-smoking areas, or during guided tours and activities. Participants agree not to consume cannabis for the duration of the program and understand that possession or use of cannabis may be illegal and subject to severe punishment in some destinations. Participants agree to follow all local laws in the jurisdiction(s) where the program takes place and acknowledge that Journeys International cannot be responsible for ensuring participants’ compliance nor for any costs or consequences of non-compliance.
Sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort by Journeys program participants is not tolerated. You may not make jokes or sexually suggestive comments or gestures regarding the bodies or bodily activities of fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program. You may not touch fellow participants, program staff, site staff, or any people you encounter during your program unless invited. You may not solicit sexual services during the dates of your participation in a Journeys program.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations. Tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ program participants. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Participants who choose to make this donation may also be eligible to claim a tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Recording
Journeys International may take photographic, audiographic, and videographic recordings during your program, and may use your image and voice for promotional and commercial use without compensation.
Planning & Preparation Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit, we will send you a planning packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. About 3 weeks before your program begins, we will send you a final notes packet including last-minute reminders and contact information for your program. You are responsible for reading all information provided, and for bringing all clothing and equipment noted on the packing list. If you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you in case any details change in the days immediately prior to your program’s start.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Duration 9 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 2 - 12
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Superior
Charming Lao lodges in beautiful settings to Superior boutique style hotels
Activity Level
Gentle
Extensions
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.