Off the Beaten Track in Northern Laos

Welcome to Laos!

Arrive in Vientiane, transfer to hotel check-in.

This morning, we visit Wat Sisaket, the city's oldest temple. Dates back to 1818, Wat Sisaket is the most important heritage temple now standing in Laos. It houses thousands of Buddha images from many countries, long lost architectural styles, sculptures and paintings; Wat Prakeo, former royal temple of the Lao monarchy and originally built in 1565, is home to the Emerald Buddha image, Buddhist sculptures are displayed along the perimeter wall, including a 6th to 9th century Dvaravati-style stone Buddha and several standing and sitting Buddhas. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. 

Afternoon, we visit Buddha Park and transfer back to hotel for relax.

This morning, we check out at 06:00am with breakfast box then drive to Xieng Khouang (8 hour driving) with stops on the way for photo shoots. We will stop to visit Muong Khoun with the ancient Buddha Statues. Then continue driving to Xieng Khoang town. Upon arrival, if time permits, we visit the Plain of Jars site 1-an impressive archaeological site encompassing hundreds of large stone jars scattered throughout the plateau.  

Note: If we arrive Xieng Khoang too late, we will move Plain Of Jars to the next morning day (early visit)

After breakfast, you will take another 8 hours drive to Nong Kiau, a peaceful and isolated town located along the Nam Ou River. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, we transfer to the boat pier, board a slow boat for a trip down the Nam Ou River. We travel down the tranquil river which is flanked by mountains and small villages. Our stop is Muang Ngoy, a quaint village nestled in the foothills of giant limestone karsts. The town has only one main street that still remains unpaved. We visit the village and walk to the nearby caves, Tham Kang and Tham Pakeo before continuing the cruise downstream to Nong Khiaw. 

After breakfast, continue your trip further into the North of Laos. The drive takes you through the breathtaking rugged mountains and beautiful forest for 5-6 hours. Arrive in Luang Nam Tha, check in your hotel and free to explore the town. 

After breakfast, you will visit a local morning market, Tai Dam and Ban Nam Dee Minority Villages and a golden temple on the mountain top with a sweeping view of Luang Nam Tha.

In the afternoon, you will drive to Muong Sing, 60km further North and it will take about an hour. Muong Sing is a small and undeveloped town in the border province with China. On arrival, visit the local market, and a village of Akha minority people. Stroll thru the village to see their daily life. Most of men in the village went across the border to China to work, so you can find here only old people, wives and children. Here and there, women are working with a traditional loom. You can also drive further to a border gate to have a look. Return to Luang Nam Tha with a stop on the way to see waterfalls (if you’re happy to trek for 30 minutes each way). This water is not strong in the dry season, but it is still worth a short stop to stretch your legs.

Today, you have a long drive a round 6 hours from Luang Nam That to the ancient town of Luang Prabang and enjoy beautiful landscape along the way. 

We visit the morning Market with tour the city’s classical architectures of Luang Prabang including the temple Wat Visoun and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, the crowning jewel of all monasteries and other temples of interest in the city. Then visit to National Museum; Wat Sene, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang.

Late afternoon, climb up Mt. Phousi and discover the several wats on its slopes with a 24-metre high stupa on its peak.

Early risers will have a chance to witness the monks’ daily round collecting alms and visit the morning market. Our tour continue with a scenic cruise upstream the Mekong River to the mysterious of Pak Ou caves where you can visit thousands of images of buddha inside the caves and Ban Xanghai known for its ‘lao lao’ local rice wine. Come back city, we visit Ban Xang Khong, famous for Saa paper making.

Drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turqoise pools or walk along the forest trails. On the way, we visit Butterfly Park and Ban Na Oune and return to your hotel in late afternoon. 

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for your departure flight.