Rivers, Caves & Ancient Ruins of ARAN
including 7km Konglo cave
Code: LAO105 |
As noted in January 2003 Conde Naste Traveller Magazine: “I’ve tasted remoteness before, but this is different – and almost magical. At times it feels like I’m walking through a dream…” – Writer Rolf Potts
“Unique local transport conveys you over dramatic limestone geography to 7km-long Konglo cave. The Limestone River running through the cave then brings us meandering by boat gently to Ban Na Koke – our base for 2 nights – to explore a huge cave leading to a hidden valley. Scramble, wade, and walk to the ancient “Ruins of Aran”. Western & Lao cuisine prepared by your guide daily. Meet the gentle and generous local people of this remote beautiful region; experience the REAL Laos!”
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Nakorn Phanom
Thailand or Tha Kaek Laos – Ban Na (rt8) – Khong Lo Cave & Village – Nam
Hin Boun River by local Boat – Ban Na Kok – Caves & “Ruins of Aran” – Ban
Song Hong – Tha Kaek Laos or Nakorn Phanom Thailand |
| GETTING THERE: |
Guided service (through remote villages in the rugged
limestone geography of Khammouan Province) can begin in Nakorn Phanom Thailand
(served by daily flights from Bangkok), or Thak Kaek Laos (a 5 minute ferry
boat from Nakorn Phanom Thailand or a 4 hour drive from Vientiane Laos). Ask our destination specialists for suggestions on how
best to integrate this tour into your overall itinerary. |
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Day 1:
Nakorn
Phanom (Thailand ) – Tha Kaek (Laos ) – 7 Km Konglo Cave – Village
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Transfer from Nakorn Phanom, Thailand to Tha Kaek, Laos. Or meet your guide in Tha Kaek. Travel by an interesting variety of local conveyances into Khammouan’s limestone mountains to the mouth of the 7km Konglo Cave, through which flows the Nam Hin Boun River - weather conditions permitting. Travel through the cave by boat and return to the village for dinner and overnight. Dinner and accommodation at the headman’s house.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Simple accom in Village (headman’s house)
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Day 2: Village –
River boat trip thru Limestone Mountains – local Village |
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After a local breakfast, continue to our put in point on the Nam Hin Boun River. Here we board a local-style riverboat to journey into the high limestone of the Hin Boun Natural Biodiversity Conservation Area. Cruise along for several hours through the Limestone Karst landscape of the NBCA. Nature watchers can sometimes glimpse wildlife. Stop in several places along the way to enjoy the lovely views of the limestone, swim in the river, or have a snack. Continue to a riverside village where we will be accommodated by the village headman & his family. Enjoy the rest of the day in the village, exploring, walking, or just relaxing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Simple accom in Village (headman’s house)
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Day 3: Village –
1KM Cathedral Cave – Ancient city of ARAN – Ba Ci Traditional Animist
Ceremony – Village
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Cross the Hin Boun river to the mouth of a huge cathedral-like cave called Tham Heup. Walk and wade across the cave, both by boat – if necessary – and on foot. NOTE: you need Teva sandals or similar. On the other side of the cave continue to scramble, wade, and walk to the Ancient “Ruins of Aran”. The carved stone pillars are almost totally reclaimed by the jungle. Return through the cave to the village and enjoy a traditional Basi ceremony. Ask your guide about the meaning of this ancient animist ritual that predates Buddhism. Enjoy dinner with our hosts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Simple accom in Village (headman’s house)
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| Day 4: Local Village – Riverboat to Ban NA HIN –
Old Defense Wall – Tha Kaek town – Nakorn Phanom Thailand |
Board the boat and continue downstream to Song Hong where we’ll transfer to a vehicle for the last leg back to Tha Kaek town. Visit local sights en route like the Kampheng Nyak (Giant’s Wall) the natural or human origin of which is hotly debated locally. Cross the Mekong back to Nakorn Phanom for your onward travels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accom: None
End of ServicES
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| Rates
and Other Information |
Rivers, Caves & Ancient ruins of ARAN (CODE: LAO105)
Tariff: in US$ per person based on twin/double sharing room and subject to North by North East ‘General Conditions and Booking Procedures’
Note: North by North East makes every effort to provide the highest quality service for the best possible price. However, in these times of volatile exchange rates and rising fuel costs prices can be subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
CONVERT to
currency of your choice.
Number of Pax |
2 pax |
3-5 pax |
6-9 pax |
Full package |
513 |
388 |
308 |
Price valid until 30 April 2009
This tour is only offered in the dry season.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation by village for other nights.
- All meals as indicated on att itinerary.
- All entrance fees on route.
- Baggage handling and porterage
- Services of English Speaking Guide throughout the tour
- NTA and Lao government tax
- Insurance
Price does not include:
- Personal items & hotel incidental charges
- International or Domestic airport departure tax and air tickets
- Lao VISA fee (30-42$) depending on nationality
NOTES:
Accommodation: Accommodation is simple but comfortable and usually at the headman’s house in any village.
Meals: Our staff can cook central Thai cuisine, and the occasional Western & Lao dishes. Expeditions usually inlcude transport by foot, jeep & boat in the NBCA.
Routing: We reserve the right to deviate from the itinerary if our guide believes client safety is threatened in any manner. Road & weather conditions, river & cave conditions, individual boat conditions, and other factors that influence client safety may change quickly, requiring a change in routing & transport.
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