• The earliest sunrise in Thailand happens just outside our lodge doors – a sight not to be missed as the sun rising over Laos, on the far bank of the Mekong, seems to set the river on fire.

• Just a short walk from our lodge there are spectacular hoodoos – limestone rocks carved into fantastic shapes by the erosion forces of wind and rain. These too are best viewed in the early light of dawn,
  
  
• Following a big buffet breakfast, we climb aboard our bus for the short drive to the Thai/Lao Border. Clearing Customs & Immigration, we board a different bus for the short drive to the southern Laos city of Pakse. Here we board boats for a delightful picnic cruise down the Mekong River.

• As we cruise Asia’s ‘Mother of Waters’, students will learn that only the Amazon boasts a greater biodiversity. Below us lurk the world’s largest fresh water fish – the giant Mekong catfish, and other amazing creatures.

• By late afternoon we arrive at Don Daeng, a beautiful island in the Mekong where we will enjoy a village home stay for a night as part of a community eco-tourism initiative. We will visit the village school and be formally welcomed by the elders with a ‘Basi’ ceremony after enjoying a traditional Lao dinner.

• A huge sandy beach, fronting the village, invites everyone to a bonfire to share songs, fun and laughter late into the night.

Overnight: Don Daeng Village Home Stay