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282<br />
LUANG PRABANG LUANG PRABANG & NORTHERN LAOS<br />
13<br />
Remote Asia Remote Asia <strong>of</strong>fers a whole range <strong>of</strong> activities around this region. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
differ from other <strong>Laos</strong>-based operators in two ways. Firstly they are totally online based<br />
and your whole trip can be meticulously planned in advance by e-mail with expert advice<br />
from the Remote Asia <strong>of</strong>fice. That means that when you arrive in <strong>Laos</strong> not a minute <strong>of</strong><br />
your time is expended on admin. Secondly, although Remote Asia can <strong>of</strong>fer an already<br />
set itinerary, you are also able to devise your own individual trip tailored entirely to your<br />
needs and desires. Again they use their on-the-ground knowledge to implement the<br />
logistics and provide support once you arrive. An affiliate agent in Luang Prabang is <strong>Laos</strong><br />
Jewel Land, 02/29 Ounheuan Rd., Ban Chomkong (& 071/253-910; www.laojewel<br />
land.com).<br />
Rte. 13, Km 4, Vientiane. & 020/202-2139. www.remoteasia.com.<br />
Diethelm Travel This well-established Pan-Asian operator <strong>of</strong>fers a whole range <strong>of</strong><br />
tours both long and short in and around Luang Prabang as well as all over the north <strong>of</strong><br />
the country.<br />
7/2 Sisavangvong Rd. & 071/212-277. www.diethelmtravel.com.<br />
Tiger Trail Outdoor Adventures Tiger Trail <strong>of</strong>fers series <strong>of</strong> tours and treks around<br />
northern <strong>Laos</strong> with the emphasis very much on sustainable and ethical community-based<br />
tourism. <strong>The</strong> project generates jobs and limits numbers <strong>of</strong> visitors. <strong>The</strong>ir “Fair Trek”<br />
approach also promotes remote areas and makes these low-income areas a new and interesting<br />
destination for responsible visitors.<br />
Sisavangvong Rd. & 071/252-655. www.trekking-in-laos.com.<br />
Luang Say Mekong Cruise This company <strong>of</strong>fers luxury trips either up or down the<br />
Mekong with stopovers at ethnic villages plus the luxury company–owned Luang Say<br />
Lodge in Pakbeng. <strong>The</strong>ir boats are floating palaces as much as slow boats from which you<br />
can explore life along the upper reaches <strong>of</strong> the Mekong in pampered splendor at an<br />
appropriate price.<br />
50/4 Sakkarine Rd. & 071/252-553. Fax 071/252-304. www.luangsay.com.<br />
All Lao Travel Service This small outfit puts the emphasis very much on elephants.<br />
If are enchanted by these creatures, the very symbol <strong>of</strong> Lao identity, the All Lao Travel<br />
Service can bring you the experience <strong>of</strong> mahout (elephant driver) training, elephant riding,<br />
and elephant bathing. <strong>The</strong>y mix these pachydermian pursuits with kayaking, mountain<br />
biking, rafting, and trekking.<br />
13/7 Sisavangvong Rd. & 071/253-522. www.alllaoservice.com.<br />
Spa Treatments for All Budgets<br />
<strong>The</strong> newly opened spa at La Residence Phou Vao (p. 259) is by far the most luxurious<br />
in town. Like the hotel itself, treatments are pricey but well worth the<br />
money. <strong>The</strong> Red Cross <strong>of</strong> Luang Prabang, near Wat Visoun to the southeast <strong>of</strong><br />
the city, <strong>of</strong>fers traditional massage and an herbal sauna to raise money for its<br />
education programs. <strong>The</strong> Red Cross is the cheapest place in town, in addition to<br />
funding a good cause. <strong>The</strong> herbal sauna is open daily from 4:30 to 8:30pm; a<br />
1-hour massage (9am–8:30pm) costs just $3.
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