Laos Tours: A Charming Northern Journey through Extraordinary Laos – 9 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival

When you arrive at the airport, you will be greeted by both your guide and driver. They will then take you on a brief trip to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day at your leisure to relax and unwind.

Additionally, you have the option to participate in a traditional Baci Ceremony later in the evening. This is at an additional cost. This ceremony is typically performed for special occasions such as weddings, births, or welcoming guests. It is a way to express good wishes and positive energy to others. Led by an esteemed elder from the nearby village, the Baci involves offering gifts to spirits and tying strings to each other’s wrists as a symbol of unity and positivity.

Day 2: An exciting city tour around Luang Prabang

As we make our way down the peaceful back streets, we arrive at the magnificent Heuan Chan Heritage House. Here, we have the opportunity to delve into the rich history of the house, admiring its unique architectural features and perusing its collection of artifacts. Immerse yourself in the stories of the Royal Palace and its ties to this enchanting dwelling.

Upon returning to the town, our next destination is Wat Visoun, also known as “The Watermelon Stupa” for its unique shape. As the day comes to a close, guests have three choices for their final stop. The first option is to transfer to Mt Phousi, a sacred hill with a breath taking view of the sunset and the surrounding areas of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. For a more accessible sunset experience, guests can also choose to visit Wat Prabath Tai. Alternatively, guests can witness the evening Monk Chants at one of the temples, such as Wat Aham, Wat Thatnoy, or Wat Pak Kharn, where the monks and novices come together for their daily rituals. It is recommended to discuss the best option for the day with your guide.

✓ Breakfast

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Tak Bat – Villaggio Hmong and trekking Kuang Si waterfall

Consult your guide about the possibility of starting your day early (at 5:30 AM) in order to observe and participate in the customary morning ceremony known as ‘Tak Bat’, where locals give alms to the monks. This special tradition is still practiced in Luang Prabang. Additionally, we can also visit the nearby fresh market to get a glimpse of how the locals shop before heading back to your hotel for breakfast.

At 8AM, we begin our journey from Luang Prabang after a hearty breakfast. Our route takes us through breath-taking scenery and rural landscapes as we make our way to Ban Longlao, a H’mong village with its own unique culture, customs, and language. Our drive takes about 1 ½ hours before we arrive at the village. From there, we embark on a 3-hour trek through the lush primary forest and dense jungle before reaching the magnificent Kuang Si Waterfall.

Feel free to take a break and have lunch (not included) at the falls. Take this opportunity to relax, swim, and even climb to the top of the waterfall. Right beside the waterfall, there is a Bear Rescue Centre that works tirelessly to protect and rehabilitate the rare Asiatic Black Bear. In the late afternoon, we will make our way back to Luang Prabang to conclude our journey.

One of our unique and exciting options is to join in on a game of Petanque. This is at an additional cost. This is a great opportunity to mingle with the locals, immerse yourself in the Luang Prabang night scene, and even challenge your guide to a round of this popular Laotian sport. Afterward, we’ll head to a ‘SinDat’ or Lao BBQ restaurant, where you’ll experience an authentic local atmosphere with minimal tourists. The best part? Mouth-watering food and refreshing local beer are all included in this experience!

Note: moderate trekking; wear suitable footwear, especially important if traveling between June and October when it can be very muddy.

✓ Breakfast

Day 4: From Luang Prabang to Oudomxay

Early in the morning, our journey will commence from Luang Prabang as we head north towards the provincial capital of Oudomxay. As we make our way through the scenic countryside, you will have the chance to take in the breath-taking sights of the Nam Ou River and the lush rice paddy fields. After about 3 hours of driving, we will reach Pakmong, where the road begins to wind and the landscape transforms into majestic mountains. This stretch of the trip presents a perfect opportunity to stop and explore some Hmong villages, including the charming Ban XongJa. Finally, we will reach Oudomxay in the late afternoon, completing our journey.

✓ Breakfast

Day 5: Discover Muang La and meet the Lao ethnic groups

Today, embark on a 4WD adventure to explore the villages of the Ikho, Hmong, and Khamu people, three of the many diverse ethnic groups in Laos. The path we followed ascended to a breath-taking height of 1,300 meters, offering stunning views of the majestic mountains. Our first stop is a Khamu village, where we can meet and interact with the welcoming locals.

Continuing our journey, we will venture deeper into the mountains to a secluded Hmong village. This group has ancestral roots in the high plains of Tibet, and here we can learn about their traditional way of life and their strong connection to their livestock. Next, drive to the Ikho Village, home to another group originating from Tibet and Yunnan Province in China. Here, we can stroll through the village, observing their customs and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Then, take a break for a picnic lunch in the midst of the stunning surroundings. Our journey will then lead us to another Ikho Village before making our way back to the lodge, arriving just in time for the enthralling sunset.

✓ Breakfast

Day 6: From Oudomxay to the riverside town of Muang Khua

This morning, we will embark on an adventure to the riverside town of Muang Khua, located 2 hours north of our current location. Here, we will board a local private boat for an unforgettable 2 1/2 hour cruise down the breath-taking Nam Ou River to Nong Khiaw.

Along the way, we will take a short break to explore the new Nam Ou Hydropower Dam before continuing our journey on a second boat. This part of the trip will offer spectacular views of the surrounding scenery, as well as a glimpse into the remote villages of Ban Sob Jaem, a Khmu and Tai minority village accessible only by boat.

Our final destination for the day will be Nong Khiaw, where we will arrive by late afternoon. After checking into our hotel, you will have the option of taking a brief bicycle ride to visit the stunning limestone caves nearby. Bicycles are available at the resort, and your guide will be happy to provide assistance.

✓ Breakfast

Day 7: An unforgettable 100 waterfalls trek

We start our day by having breakfast and then embark on a 45-minute boat ride to the Khmu village, Ban Don Khoune. Once we arrive, we take some time to explore the village before embarking on a one-of-a-kind trek. This trek involves a 3-hour uphill climb, where we will pass by several beautiful cascades.

At noon, we will reach the summit, where we are rewarded with stunning views of Laos. It is also here where we have our lovely Lao-style picnic lunch, which is traditionally served on banana leaves. After lunch, we make our way back to Ban Don Khoune and hop on a longboat to return to Nong Khiaw.

✓ Breakfast

Day 9: Luang Prabang – Departure

Depending on your departure flight, you may have free time at leisure, before being met by your guide for a short transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

✓ Breakfast