Luang Prabang and Northern Laos

Boasting the charm of an old city, Luang Prabang is one of the highlights of a tour in Laos, the perfect place to stroll around, relax and enjoy some romantic river views. With this 8 day-7 night tour you will be visiting all the most important heritage sites and temples of the city, like the Royal Palace and Wat Xiengtong, and nearby popular attractions including Kuang Si Waterfalls and Pak Ou Caves, before and after heading to Northern Laos. There you will explore the Oudomxay region, visiting some stunning Hmong and Khamu minorities’ villages, then you’ll go trekking in the jungle near Ban Phavie, ending the journey back in Luang Prabang after cruising along the Nam Ou River and the mighty Mekong.

Upon arrival, meeting with the tour guide and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

This morning after breakfast we start the city tour visiting the Royal Palace Museum where we’ll immerse in the everyday life of the last royal families who ruled Laos before Phatet Lao took power. Soon after, we visit the Huan Chuan Heritage House , admiring the architecture of the building and learning about the similarities and historic connection with the Royal Palace. Later we will visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, whose unique roof is an example of classical Lao architecture, followed by the the stunning Wat Mai and the Wat Visoun stupas. We will then proceed to the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about the ethnic minorities of Laos, their customs and traditions.

In the afternoon we will go to explore the village of Ban Xienglek, famous for its excellent textile work; you’ll get the chance to buy some artefacts. The last stop today is the peak of Mount Phousi where we will explore the secrets of the golden stupa and enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the Mekong at sunset.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

This morning at sunrise you’ll take part in Tak Bat (alms giving ceremony), an ancient Buddhist ritual involving the local monks that still takes place every morning in Luang Prabang. Before returning to the hotel for breakfast, you’ll stop at a local market.

After breakfast, drive to the Hmong village of Ban Longlao to meet the ethnic tribe of Hmong and learn about their customs and traditional clothing, so different from the Lao people. The village is the starting point of the trekking to Kuang Si Waterfall , you will walk through the jungle, embraced by the lush and wild forest. Upon reaching the waterfalls, refresh yourselves by swimming in the natural pools or walking the paths surrounding the natural pools.

Near the waterfall it’s also possible to visit the Bear Rescue Centre, an organisation that works to protect an endangered species of Asian bear. Before going back to town you will stop at the Butterfly Park to see some beautiful butterflies.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Note: it’s recommended to bring a towel if you wish to swim at the waterfalls.

In the morning, soon after breakfast, start the drive north to Oudomxay. The first part of the stunning drive proceeds along the marvellous Nam Ou River, while the following length of the journey, after the lunch break in Pakmong, sees a complete change of scenery. This part of the drive is very interesting from an ethnological perspective due to the great number of ethnic minorities’ villages located in the region; we will have the chance to visit a few of them, including Ban Xong Ja, a typical Hmong village.

Total length of the journey: 7 hours / Transfer: 5 hours

Overnight in Nam Kat Yorla Pa.

This morning we drive towards Pak Khai. Along the journey we will encounter a magnificent scenery of rivers, rice fields and tiny, picturesque villages. Upon reaching Lak Khao, start the trekking following a path carved by the locals.

You will encounter farmers at work in the fields and have the opportunity to ask them details about their way of living. Lunch will be served in the beautiful Khamu village called Ban Phavie, nestled on the peak of a hill from where you’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the area. Soon after lunch, we continue the trekking untile we reach a waterfalls where we will relax and swim. After enjoying the waterfalls, we return to the starting point and start the drive back to the resort.

Picnic lunch.

Sleep in Nam Kat Yorla Pa

In the morning soon after breakfast start the drive to the village of Muang Khua where we board a boat to cruise the beautiful Nam Ou river until we reach the picturesque fishermen’s village of Nong Khiaw. Along the cruise we will stop in several rural settlements including the Khmu village of Ban Sob Jaem, approachable only by boat. We reach Nong Khiaw in the afternoon, and bikes are available for those who wish to explore the lovely village.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw

This morning after breakfast, drive to Pak-Ou village, located at the mouth of Nam Ou River, from where we start the cruise to Pak Ou Caves, the “Cave of a thousand Buddhas”.

Our cruise then continues along the Mekong River until we reach Luang Prabang; before the end of the journey, we visit a village known for the production of a unique kind of rice whisky, in order to observe the distilling procedures.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Optional:

Bocce and dinner in a local restaurant.

In Laos the bowls game is called Petanque and it’s very popular with locals; for this reason it’s a unique and fun way to get in touch with locals. After bowling and drinking a few beers with the Lao players, we will go to have dinner in a local restaurant where we will try the “SinDat”, a typical lao BBQ quite popular among the locals.

Breakfast at the hotel. According to your scheduled departure flight, you’ll be driven and drop off at Luang Prabang airport.

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The program may also be subject to changes based on traffic, weather or other events beyond our control. In this case we will take care of evaluating the necessary changes together with the travelers. 

• A UNESCO World heritage site, Luang Prabang is small but full of charme and interesting temples and monuments.

• The incredible scenery along the marvellous Nam Ou River, while driving toward Oudomxay.

• The picturesque and unique villages of the Hmong and Khamu ethnic minorities.

• Since you will be visiting temples, please dress conservatively: no shorts, sleeveless shirt of see-trough shirts and tops.
• Wear comfort shoes easy to take off.

As the hotels have different seasons that vary from hotel to hotel, the tour price will be on request, and the final amount will be calculated at the time of booking, according to the travel dates chosen.

Prices are per person on request in US Dollars according with the number of participants.

Travelers can cancel the tour before the deadline of cancellation; charges will be applied according to the cancellation deadline. The date of cancellation is the date in which the written communication od cancellation is received by the company.  Charges are a percentage of the total tour price per person, including surcharges but excluding any amendment charges and any insurance payment.