Lanjia Lodge Hill Tribe Experience and Mekong Cruise to Luang Prabang

Day One: Chiang Rai – Lanjia Lodge

After checking into the Lanjia Lodge, your host will give you an overview of the lodge, the Hmong and the Lahu hill-tribe communities in the area, as well as  the Golden Triangle and the giant catfish (locally known as Pla Buek) – the world’s biggest fresh water fish, found in the Mekong River. You will learn about activities that affect the Mekong River and about the people whose lives depend on the river.

Later, your guide will take you on a walking tour through the Hmong and Lahu villages. Among other places, you will visit the home of the Hmong shaman, who will share with you fascinating concepts of the religious life of the Hmong and what role the shaman plays in all aspects of life here.

Lunch will be served on the charming terrace overlooking the Mekong River and Laos beyond.

In the afternoon, you will learn how to dye cloth using local batik methods or you may be shown how to make and set animal traps. Later at the Herbal Plant Nursery Project supported by the royal family, you will plant a tree along with your own placard.  This project was initiated to celebrate  His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday on 5 December, 2011.

In the evening you will enjoy a delicious Thai dinner at the Lanjia Lodge. Villagers, both Hmong and Lahu, will demonstrate local dances and music during the evening.  Stay overnight at Lanjia Lodge.

Day Two: Huay Say – Pakbeng

After breakfast, you will transfer to Chiang Khong immigration checkpoint. Following Thai immigration procedures, you will take a local boat across the Mekong River to Huay Say Luang, Laos where you will first complete Lao immigration procedures, and then  board the boat to start your cruise down the Mekong River.

Enjoy lunch on board. Along the way to the town of Pakbeng, you will stop at Ban Houy Phalam, a Kamu village, to observe firsthand rural life along the Mekong. You will arrive at Pakbeng around sunset where you will check into a lodge for an overnight stay.  Dinner is served at the lodge.

Day Three: Pakbeng – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang

After breakfast, you board the boat and continue cruising to Luang Prabang. Today, your first stop is Ban Baw, a small village known for making traditional rice whisky.

After lunch, the boat will stop again at Pak Ou to visit ‘Tham Ting’ cave, where thousands of Buddha statues are found. The boat arrives in Luang Prabang before sunset.

Lanjia Lodge is about a 90 minute drive from Chiang Rai Airport and a 4 1/2 hour drive from Chiang Mai.

Please contact us at info@asian-oasis.com for more details about the transfer.