Travel by air, road, river and narrow footpath through the incredible neighboring countries of Laos and Vietnam. This trip will provide you with amazing opportunities to get off the beaten track and into the mountains and villages of diverse Hill Tribe communities. Perfect for those yearning to explore lands few have seen, the trip offers the chance to float down the Mekong in a wooden boat and get your boots muddy while trekking through lush jungle

Laos – A Country Time Left Behind
You will begin your travels on the northern border of Thailand and Laos in the town of Chiang Khong on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. After visiting a local temple and giving alms for good travel you will climb into a wooden boat that, over the next two days, will carryyou down river to LuangPrabang. Along the way you will witness life on the river –you may glimpse an elephant bathing in the warm afternoon sun, watch a family preparing the evening’s meal, or see a fisherman bringing in the day’s catch. The boat trip will also give you the opportunity to get acquainted with the surreal landscape of towering limestone mountains and emerald green jungles through which you will be traveling for the rest of the trip.

LuangPrabang – A World Heritage Town on the Banks of the Mekong
Arriving in LuangPrabang, you will stretch your boat-weary muscles while strolling through the charming streets of this French colonial town. LuangPrabang boasts some of the most classic French architecture in Laos and is home to dozens of temples that are the living quarters and learning centers of the orange-robed monks whoyou’ll see everywhere in this city.  While here you will visit the home villages of some of our local friends and explorea few of the country’s most majestic caves and waterfalls. The charm of LuangPrabang and its residents is an excellent introduction to Laos, and it will be hard to leave behind as you head out into the mountains.

Onward to the Hill Tribes
After departing LuangPrabang with a belly full of delicious baguettes and rich coffee,you will head north to Pongsali, which is the gateway to the mist-shrouded mountains and villages of northeastern Laos. From hereyou will depart on a three-day trek through the mountains and valleys, stopping along the way to meet and learn about a few of the Hill Tribe communities that make their homes in this beautiful land. You will bathe in rivers and eat local foods grown in the small farms of these villages.  A journey through this area will surely result in memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Northern Vietnam – A Land of Smiling Hill Tribes and Peaceful Villages
After three awesome days of trekking in Laos, it will be time to head to the border and cross into the equally thrilling country of Vietnam.  Once you cross into Vietnam, you will head to the city of Dien Bien Phuin the Muong Valley.  Over the next few days you will explore this famous city (most remembered for its role in the Vietnam War), and spend time trekking through the highlands.  The small Hill Tribe villages of the White and Black Hmong are scattered through these mountains, and smiling faces will greet you and invite you in to share a cup of tea in a traditional Hill Tribe home.  The area’s many terraced rice fields make it a stunning destination, and its friendly people make it a welcoming place to stop in and say hello.
Your final stop will be in the mountain city of Sa Pa.  The main outpost in northern Vietnam, Sa Pa is truly a magical place.  The city is home to many Black Hmong and Red Dzao people, and their traditional clothing and way of life will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You’ll also have a chance to hone your bargaining skills at Sa Pa’s many lively markets where you’ll find an array of eclectic wares. Treks deeper into the wilderness surrounding the city will give you a chance to further explore the area’s diverse Hill Tribe cultures.Visit Tavan, Giangtachai, and SeoTrung villages, hike along the Black River, swim in refreshing waterfalls, and sample the mouth-watering cuisine of the north.

When your journey has come to an end, you will hop on a night train to the capital city of Hanoi.  Arriving in the morning, you will head to the Hanoi International Airport, where you will either return home or connect on to another Rustic Pathways Gap Year adventure.  No matter where you head next, your time in Laos and Vietnam will stay with you forever.

For more information on this Gap Year module or any of our other extensive Gap Year offerings, please e-mail us at gap@rusticpathways.com.