Day 01: Arrival – Houeixai (-/-/-)
On arrival at the Lao border checkpoint at Houeixai pier, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Today you are free at your leisure to explore this town, visiting the local market and villages nearby. The surrounding areas of Houeixay are home to 34 ethnic minority groups, the second most ethnically diverse province in Laos. Overnight in Houeixay
Day 02: HoueiSay – Luang Namtha (B/-/-)
Early morning we head out the town to Luang Namtha, visit hill tribe villages along the road at Muang Phouka and other surrounding area. Luang Namtha, which is located on the banks of the Namtha River, is a land of rugged mountains and beautiful tropical forests and shares its border with China and Myanmar. We arrive in Luang Namtha in the afternoon. Overnight in Luang Namtha
Day 03: Luang Namtha – Ban Nalan (B/L/D)
Today, take a short drive to Ban Chalernsuk, a Khmu minority village. We get well and truly off the beaten track as we trek into this beautiful mountain region, using the local tracks. Todays trekking may be tough at times with some steep uphill and down hill climbs, but the experience is unique and rewarding. We arrive at Ban Nalan by late afternoon; here we have a chance to understand a little more about the local culture and their daily lifestyle as we spend time with a Khmu family. This evening, enjoy a local dinner and will stay as guests at the Khmu family house
Day 04: Ban Nalan – Ban Namlu – Luang Namtha (B/-/-)
On arrival at Ban Namkoy we embark on a three-hour walk uphill. This trek is a real challenge; however some prior physical preparation will enable you to maximize your enjoyment from the walk. As we pass through several hamlets, we are sure to attract attention from the locals, as visitors do not frequently encounter this remote part of the country. At the small village of Ban Namlu, we meet up with our truck and drive back towards Luang Namtha Town. Overnight in Luang Namtha
Day 05: Luang Namtha – Xieng Kok - Moung Sing (B/-/-)
Early this morning, we travel by road to Moung Sing, also home to various hilltribe communities. Stop along the way at the Akha hill tribe village. Then travel over bumpy roads to Xieng Kok, which is a border town near the golden triangle. In late afternoon, we drive back to Muong Sing with a stopover at a Lantern minority village. Overnight at Moung Sing
Day 06: Muong Sing – Luang Namtha – Oudomxay (Road) (B/-/-)
Early morning, we visit the bustling colourful Morning Market and the impressive Ethnologic museum, dedicated to region’s ethnic minorities. This local market also attracts numerous ethnic minorities that converge from the surrounding mountainsides to barter and trade their goods. We then make our way back to Luang Namtha and then onto Oudomxay. On this rough and scenic journey, we see very few travelers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. Overnight in Oudomxay
Day 07: Oudomxay – Nong Khiow - Luang Prabang (Road + River) (B/-/-)
We depart early for our drive to Nong Khiow, where we board a traditional boat down the Nam Ou River to Luang Prabang. This tranquil town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be“the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia”. En route we visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, continue down river to Ban Sang Hay village to sample the local rice wine known as Lao Lao. Arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 08: Oudomxay – Luang Prabang (B/-/-)
We depart early for our drive to Luang Prabang. These back roads are a perfect way to explore the real Laos. The drive is difficult at times; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for a memorable experience. Luang Prabang is a tranquil town with gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop and has been claimed by UNESCO to be“the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 09: Luang Prabang – City Tour (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing starts with the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai, then climb up to the top of Phousi Hill for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa. A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 10: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave (River) (B/-/-)
Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong,then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local speciality of rice wine is produced. On our return, we stop at the local villages of Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan then continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun. The next destination is Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. We also have time to visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 11: Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Xiengkhouang (Flight) (B/-/-)
This morning we visit the National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We then take a flight to Xiengkhouang via Vientiane. On arrival, we visit the “Plain of Jars”, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. The largest jar reaches a height of 3.25 metres; researchers still question the origin and significance of these jars. Overnight in Phonsavanh
Day 12: Xiengkhouang – Plain of jars 2nd – 3rd (B/-/-)
After breakfast we head out to the old capital of Muang Khoun province and its nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Thai Dam people. Our excursion continues to the 2nd and 3rd Plain of jars fields, where you can obtain more scenic views. Along the way, we visit more local villages and learn about the local culure and lifestyle. Return to Phonsavanh by late afternoon. Overnight in Phonsavanh
Day 13: Xiengkhouang – Vientiane (flight) (B/-/-)
Today we visit the local market of Phonsavanh and nearby villages of the Hmong. You are free at your leisure until your transfer to airport for your flight to Vientiane. On arrival at Wattay airport you will be transferred to city centre. This wonderful city is best explored on foot and a guided walking tour provides you with a pleasant introduction to the main points of interest, taking in some of the city’s fine colonial architecture. We spend our evening by the Mekong River at sunset absorbing this splendid city at night. Overnight in Vientiane
Day 14: Vientiane – City Tour (B/-/-)
Today we start visiting some the major sights, including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket, the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument. We also take a visit to the central market Talat Sao. In the late afternoon we visit the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong, and then we drive to the outskirt of the city to see the Buddha Park. Observing the spectacular view of over the Mekong River at sunset from one of the riverside bars is a perfect way to finish the day.
Day 15: Vientiane – Departure (B/-/-)
After breakfast, you are free until your transfer to the airport.
Trip Price Included- 14 nights' accommodation in Superior room with daily breakfsrt,1 lunch,1 dinner
- Domestic flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
- Boat trip down Nam Ou River
- Professional English speaking Tour guide
- Admission fee to indicated sights
- Gov’s tax and service charge
- Luggage handling and drinking water
Trip Price Excluded- Visa stamping fee on arrival
- All air tickets in/to/from Laos
- Travel Insurance in all kinds
- Lunch or dinner unless where stated
- Single room (quoted separately)
- Other foreign language guide
- Peak tourist season or special event rates
- Tip, drinks and other personal expenses
For a best choice of hotels in the above destinations, please click:Vientiane, Luang Prabang 