The Undiscovered Northern Laos - 9 Days

 Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang

Arrive in Luang Prabang where you will be met by your guide and vehicle and transferred to the hotel of your choice. Overnight in Luang Prabang (No meals)

 Day 2: Luang Prabang & Kuangsi Falls

An early start this morning to witness one of Southeast Asia's most timeless scenes; hundreds of monks collecting alms in the form of rice from the local people. Return to your hotel for breakfast, taking time to visit the local fresh produce market which is most active during the early morning.

Return to the UNESCO World Heritage old town, with its beautiful Lao-colonial architecture. Visit the most impressive of the many temples including the incomparable Wat Xieng Thong, in addition to Wat Visoun, Wat Sene, Wat Aham and Wat Mai. End the morning at the Royal Palace Museum.

This afternoon head out of town to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls. Below the main 90m high cascade is a collection of small pools and lesser falls idea for bathing in, so don't forget to pack your swimsuit! Walking through the forest to the falls you will pass the 'Free the Bears' project, home to a number of bears that have been rescued from poachers. On the return journey to Luang Prabang there will be the chance to stop at villages of some of Laos' many ethnic groups along the way.

Overnight in Luang Prabang (Breakfast)

Day 3: Luang Prabang to Udomxai and Muang La by road

After breakfast, we set off on our journey to the relatively unvisited north of Laos, to Muang La via Udomxai. Visit the intriguing Pra Xack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image; over 400 years old this legendary statue is said to have many supernatural powers, and is widely worshipped among the faithful local Buddhists. We arrive in Muang La, famous for its natural hot springs, by mid afternoon where there will be plenty of time to relax either in the springs or with a traditional massage (supplementary charges apply for massage).

Overnight in Muang La (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: Trek to Ban Phavie (5 hours walking )

Set off in the direction of Pak Khai this morning; this pleasant journey offers wonderful views across the Nam Pak river, terraced rice fields and small villages set along the riverbanks. Continue along a mountain trail, following a stream which meanders through the lush vegetation. Along the way you'll have the chance to meet local farmers working in their rice fields and learn how they cultivate their lands and hunt for small game and fish in the mountain stream, before you plunge back into the tropical rainforest.

After around 1½ hours, leave the forest and arrive in the village of Ban Phavie; a beautiful Khamu village situated on the top of a hill. After taking lunch in the village, continue on to some nearby waterfalls, where time can be taken to relax in the cool, clear waters (weather permitting). Around mid-afternoon, head back to Muang La Resort to arrive in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Muang La (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Day 5: Half Day Cycling Tour

Along the banks of the Nam Pak river, there are many fascinating Khamu villages to be discovered. Today you will explore this area by mountain bike, passing through some beautiful scenery as you cycle from one hamlet to the next. Observe the villagers at work, harvesting vegetables on the banks of the river, and going about their everyday lives. This tour offers a captivating look through a window into a different world, unchanged for centuries, as you learn about the traditional local beliefs and respect for the wisdom of the village elders, the innocence of youth and the communal spirit of the village.

After around 11km, reach the village of Tad Muan where you will learn how the traditional houses are built and the different ways the villagers hunt. Leave the village and cycle back to the comfort of Muang La Resort.

Overnight in Muang La (Breakfast, Dinner)

 Day 6: To Nong Khiaw via Muang Ngoi by road and boat

Travel for around 2½ hours by road from Muang La to Muang Khua from where we embark on a truly superb river cruise. The stretch of the Nam Ou river from Muang Khua to Nong Khiaw is without doubt one of the most picturesque in the whole region and from the comfort of your own private boat can be seen numerous villages dotted along the banks of the river and stunning limestone karst formations, rising sheer from the water's edge.

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the one of the sandy beaches along the river, before reaching Nong Khiaw. A stop will be made along the way at Muang Ngoi where we will have time to walk through the village to observe the daily life of the local people.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 7: Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang by boat

Continue by boat today down the Nam Ou river to the point where it meets the mighty Mekong. At the confluence of these two rivers are located the Pak Ou Caves, two atmospheric grottoes packed with Buddha images of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Take some time to explore the caves before continuing down the river to the UNESCO recognized city of Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang (Breakfast)

Day 8: Elephant Encounter and Mount Phou Si

In the past Laos was known as Lan Xang which literally means 'Land of a Million Elephants' and the country still has its fair share of these gentle giants today. This morning a short drive takes us to the Elephant Village where your visit will begin with a talk about these wonderful creatures and how they are trained. You will then have a choice to make of whether to enjoy your 3km elephant ride in a traditional howdah (seat) or bareback on the elephant's neck. After saying farewell to your mount take a long boat to the Tad Sae waterfalls for a refreshing swim before lunch and an early afternoon return to Luang Prabang.

End the day by climbing the 329 steps to the top of Phou Si hill from where can be enjoyed a 360° panoramic view down over Luang Prabang - a great vantage point for sunset.

Overnight in Luang Prabang (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 9: Departure from Luang Prabang

Today is at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

(Breakfast)

Tour Prices

Option 1 (Standard) : US$ 1,996 per person

Luang Prabang: Le Sen Hotel – 3 Star

Muang La: Muang La Resort – 5 Star

Nong Khiaw: Mandala Ou Resort – 3 Star

 Option 2 (Superior): US$ 2,078 per person

Luang Prabang: Villa Santi – 4 Star

Muang La: Muang La Resort – 5 Star

Nong Khiaw: Mandala Ou Resort – 3 Star

 Option 3 (Luxury): ​US$ 2,348 per person

Luang Prabang: Satri House Hotel – 5 Star

Muang La: Muang La Resort – 5 Star

Nong Khiaw: Mandala Ou Resort – 3 Star

 Note:

• Peak season surcharges may apply

• Prices are in US$ and are based on 2 people sharing a room with private air-conditioned-car and English speaking guide. All entrance fees and boat trips are included. 
  
• International flights and visa fees are not included
  
• Included meals are listed in the itinerary