Highlights of Northern Laos

10 Days from $3,790 USD / person

If you are looking to do something truly different, this customizable vacation to one of Asia’s hidden gems is a fabulous choice for you.

Savor the serene beauty of your surroundings as you cruise down the Mekong. Along the way you will get to visit tribal settlements such as Ban Kon Toum, a Thai Lu weaving village, and learn about rural life in Laos. More beautiful landscapes and cultural interactions await you in the mountainous region of Muang La, which is home to the Ikhor and Hmong people.

Enjoy a river cruise on the Nam Ou, a tributary of the Mekong and observe life on the riverbank. One of the highlights of this journey is exploring the remote villages of Ban Sop Khing and Ban Sop Jaem, which can only be reached by boat! Your exploration of Laos concludes in the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang. Delve into its colonial and Buddhist heritage at landmarks such as the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center.

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

This itinerary will be customized for you. Please reach out and our experts will work with you to create a journey so unique, it could only be yours.

Ideal For

Adventure & Outdoors

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Sample Itinerary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 2

Chiang Rai
Highlights: Golden Triangle, Local Communities, White Temple, Gorgeous Peaks

Mora Boutique Hotel
Legend Chiang Rai

2 – 2

Huay Xai / Mekong
Highlights: Mekong Delta, Luang Say Cruise, Tam Thing

2 – 3

Pakbeng
Highlights: Village Hills, Boat Rides, Authentic Food

The Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge, Pakbeng

3 – 5

Oudomxay
Highlights: Lush paddies and green hills, Biking, hiking and spelunking, Chom Ong Cave

Nam Kat Yorla Pa

5 – 7

Nong Khiaw
Highlights: Natural Beauty, Boat Rides, Tribal Villages, Scenic Walks

Mandala Ou Resort

7 – 10

Luang Prabang
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mekong River, French Colonial Buildings

Villa Chitdara
Homm Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang

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Highlights of Northern Laos

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 2

1 Night

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a quaint 13th century town, surrounded by two mountain peaks, Doi Mae Salong and Doi Tung. It’s also the location of the Thai side of the famous Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand converge at the mighty Mae Khong River. This rustic location is dotted with little hamlets where the famous hill tribes of Thailand reside in traditional bambo houses, each with their own individual character. The town holds several significant Buddhist shrines and ancient ruins of early settlements. The scenic landscape is ideal for trekking through the mountains of the north, and for boat rides on Kok River and Mekong River.

Hotel options

Mora Boutique Hotel – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Pool View Room

Meals Room Only

Style Boutique

Legend Chiang Rai – Opt 2

Room Superior Studio

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Day 2 – 2

Huay Xai / Mekong

Capital of Bokeo province and northern gateway to Laos, Huay Xai is a popular entry point to Laos from northern Thailand. Officially called the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai crossing, the two towns face each other across the Mekong’s waters, with travelers crossing between the two countries by boat. Huay Xai allows for the start/finish of river cruises to/from Luang Prabang. While there’s not much to see or do here, Huay Xai highlights the leisurely and relaxed Lao way of life. Have a Beerlao on the banks of the Mekong, idly watching the river flow. The lifeblood of South East Asia, the Mekong originates from the Tibetan Plateau, weaving its way to the Mekong delta in Vietnam. Briefly forming the border of Laos with Thailand, it brings life to lush rice fields, creating scenic vistas en route. It provides livelihood, transport and water to millions of people in the towns between. Cruise is an ideal way to view green fields dotted with hilltribe villages and intertwined by canals and rivulets. Observe self-sustaining rural river life and see minorities sell their wares along the Nam Ou River. The cruise stops at Tam Thing ‘Caves of a Thousand Buddhas’ and a hill-tribe village (weather permitting) to watch the traditional process of Lao whiskey production.

Day 2 – 3

1 Night

Pakbeng

Pakbeng (Pak means mouth – Beng means river), a small village on the Mekong, sits between the Thai border and Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. Pakbeng developed as an overnight stop for cargo and passenger ferries on the Mekong. Set scenicly where the Nam Beng flows into the Mekong, Pakbeng has little to offer – a small ‘wat’ found in nearby village hills – a quaint example of a former Lanna Kingdom Buddhist temple. Several guesthouses have restaurants and saunas, while local hill tribes live nearby. For a more ‘Lao experience’, head to the early morning market to see local produce, dried buffalo skins, frogs-on-sticks, pigs-face and buffalo hooves. Sample Lao sweets like coconut jelly, fried bananas, sweet donuts.

Included activities

Private Mekong River Cruise: Huay Xai to Pakbeng

You will be met by guide at Laos border and transferred to the boat pier where you will board your comfortable private traditional boat for the trip down the Mekong River. The scenery along this part of the Mekong is arguably at its most beautiful. As you journey downriver you will stop at some tribal minority villages such as Ban Houy Nokhom, a Hmong village and Ban Kon Toum, a Thai Lu weaving village. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, you will be transferred to your hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure (Duration;6.5 hrs, Private boat, Lunch included onboard)

Shared Shompoo Mekong River Cruise: Huay Xai to Pakbeng

Embark on a leisurely cruise on the Mekong River, from Huay Xai to Pakbeng. Make your way to the meeting point and set off with your guide in a tuk tuk. Travel to the pier where a sturdy boat awaits you. Make yourself comfortable onboard and enjoy lunch as you set sail on the mighty Mekong. In the afternoon, halt at a village inhabited by the Kamu people for a glimpse into rural life in the secluded region. Later, continue cruising to reach the sleepy hamlet of Pakbeng. Step ashore to spend the night at a nearby hotel. (Duration: 6.5 hrs ; Shared cruise ;Lunch included ; Fitness level: Easy; Please inform ahead of food allergies, if any).

Hotel options

The Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge, Pakbeng – Opt 1

Room Superior Room

Meals Room Only

Style Lodge

Day 3 – 5

2 Nights

Oudomxay

Oudomxay is an idyllic town in northern Laos surrounded by lush paddies and green hills. Also known as Muang Xay, this little gem is favored for its pleasant highland climate and outdoor opportunities. Connected to Vientiane through its small airport, an air of authenticity pervades Oudomxay, where the traditional Laotian way of life and trade still prevail. Recently, the town has seen an increase in tourism with plenty of nature lovers visiting for biking, hiking and spelunking in the Chom Ong Cave, recently discovered just a little distance from the town.

Included activities

Personalized ‘Meet the Lao Ethnic Groups’ 4WD Tour

Go off the beaten track in a 4WD vehicle to discover Muang La’s mountainous lands, inhabited by the Ikhor and Hmong ethnic groups. Journey through scenic vistas that run parallel with the Nam Phak River to reach the remote villages. First stop at a traditional Ikhor village. Your guide will tell you about the Ikhor people, originating from South China and Tibet. Gain insights into their daily life, unique traditions and culture. See how they extract natural dyes from leaves and blossoms to make beautiful costumes. Continue on foot to the Hmong village of Ban Tauser. Once you arrive, take in 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Ramble past houses made of reddish teak, set amid gardens of lettuce, beans, corn and squash. This fascinating community, which traces its origins to the high steppes of Tibet, has ties to the United States of America. Afterwards, head back to your vehicle and return to your hotel. (Duration: full day; Time: flexible; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: no; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Involves approx 1.5 hrs walk; Best time to travel: Oct-Mar)

Hotel options

Nam Kat Yorla Pa – Opt 1

Room Deluxe River Cottage

Meals Room Only

Style Resort

Day 5 – 7

2 Nights

Nong Khiaw

Panoramic views await! The sleepy town of Nong Khiaw is located right on the banks of the Nam Ou River and is known for being one of the most picturesque settlements in the area. Limestone cliffs rise steeply along the edges of the small town, which is divided into two major areas. A charming bridge connects the two parts of Nong Khiaw and offers wonderful views of the river and the surrounding landscape. You can soak in the natural beauty from the comfort of your resort, indulge in scenic walks or explore the calm river on a boat tour. A visit to the surrounding villages will introduce you to the daily life of ethnic minorities in Laos.

Included activities

Personalized Nam Ou River Cruise with Tribal Village Visit

Enjoy a scenic cruise down the Nam Ou River, while traveling from Oudomxay to Nong Khiaw, a picturesque village in Northern Laos. Drive to Muang Khua, a small town at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Nam Phak rivers. Once you arrive at the riverside town, board a wooden motorboat and sail along the Nam Ou, a tributary of the mighty Mekong. During this leisurely journey, observe local life along the riverbanks and soak up lovely views of the steep, jungle-clad limestone peaks. Afterwards, disembark and take a drive in a minivan to the Nam Ou Hydropower Dam. The Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project is a series of seven hydroelectric dams along the Nam Ou River. Once past the hydel site, board a second boat and continue your voyage downstream. Glide at a steady pace, passing by tiny remote hamlets. Stop at the weaver’s village of Ban Sob Joem, which is accessible only by boat, before reaching Nong Khiaw.(En route activity; Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Best time to travel: Oct-Mar)

Day Trip to Nam Ou River

Enjoy a scenic river cruise! After breakfast, set sail aboard a private vessel on the scenic Nam Ou River. As you cruise up the river the beautiful and enchanting landscapes will take your breath away! On your way, stop at the ethnic villages of Ban Sop Khing and Ban Sop Jaem. Only accessible by boat, these villages offer fascinating insights into the daily life of ethnic minorities. Stop for lunch at the fishing village of Muang Ngoi where you can also enjoy a leisurely amble. By mid-afternoon, you will arrive at Nong Khiaw, where you can spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Hotel options

Mandala Ou Resort – Opt 1

Room Mandala Ou-Riverside Bungalow

Meals Breakfast

Style Farmhouse / Estancia

Day 7 – 10

3 Nights

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is considered the jewel of Indochina, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This culturally chic regal city is surrounded by mountains and was formerly the capital of a kingdom by the same name and was then ruled by French colonialists in the 18th century. With the delicate scent of frangipani sweetening the air, today boasts a mixture of ancient red-roofed Buddhist temples and French colonial buildings that house guesthouses, street markets and antique shops. The saffron- clad monks that inhabit Luang Prabang, particularly during morning alms-giving ceremonies, create a colorful sight to an otherwise calm and alluring urban environment.

Included activities

Discovery Tour of Luang Prabang

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before you set off on a fascinating exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin your day at the Royal Palace Museum with its collection of antiques and period furniture. Travel along quiet alleyways to the century old Heuan Chan Heritage House, which is a rare surviving example of pre-colonial Lao style of architecture. Stroll around the museum and sip a glass of refreshing iced tea in the gardens. Walk over to the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the country. Wander around the temple grounds as you take in views of the exquisitely crafted low sweeping roof of the temple. Saunter across the road to Wat Khili, an 18th century temple that now houses Buddhist archives, including a historic photo exhibit. In the early afternoon, make your way to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center for an in-depth understanding of the ethnic heritage of the nation before heading out of town for a closer look at the weaving and textile traditions of Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek villages. Return to town and stop by the unique Wat Visoun also known as the watermelon stupa due to its uniquely shaped dome. For your last stop of the day, pick from one of three options. Choose to climb up Mount Phousi located at the heart of the old town and enjoy panoramic views of the city as well as the mighty Mekong River topped off with a glorious sunset vista. Or, if walking is not your cup of tea, transfer to What Prabath Tai monastery and settle in to savor the spectacular sunset views over the river. Alternatively, head to the serene premises of the Wat Aham monastery where you can soak in the spiritual ambiance enhanced by the chants of monks engaged in their evening prayers. (Full Day; Time: 0930 hrs; Duration: 6 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center is closed on Mondays).

Personalized Tour of Organic Farm and Kuang Si Waterfall

Explore the countryside on this enjoyable tour that takes you to an organic farm and a picturesque waterfall. Drive to the paddy fields and try your hand at harvesting rice, the traditional way! With the help of your local farming guide, make use of rustic tools to harvest rice. Afterwards, reward yourself for your efforts with a sampling of traditional delicacies made with rice. Later in the afternoon, head to the three-tiered Kuang Si waterfall. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you watch the falls cascade into numerous pools. Stop by the Bear Rescue Center, where the staff protect and rehabilitate the rare Asiatic Black Bear before you return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

(Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance).

Hotel options

Villa Chitdara – Opt 1

Room Deluxe

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Homm Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang – Opt 2

Room Residence Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $3,790 USD / person

Option 2

From $4,590 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone

Not Included

Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism fees
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
International airfare

What Our Guests Say

“We just came back from Vietnam, Cambodia,Laos,and Thailand. From the time we first called and spoke to Kate who helped us set up our itinerary,to the time we got to all our stops,we were met by guides and drivers who were all wonderful. Knowing we had a concierge that we could call at anytime this trip was 45 days from Feb 6- March 20. This trip was a trip of a lifetime and very grateful that we found Enchanting Tours. I recommend them highly. Ed Pino Liz Baum”

March 2025 Rating 5/5

“We had a wonderful trip to South East Asia organized by Enchanting Travels. The organization was seamless with no mishaps. Guides were very pleasant and informative and activities and sights seen were incredible. We hope to book another trip with enchanted travel in the future.”

October 2023 Rating 5/5

“We had a wonderful trip to South East Asia organized by Enchanting Travels. The organization was seamless with no mishaps. Guides were very pleasant and informative and activities and sights seen were incredible. We hope to book another trip with Enchanting Travels in the future.”

November 2023 Rating 5/5

“Enchanting Travels has experienced travel experts that help you plan a custom itinerary. I have used them twice now and they seem to always interpret our travel preferences correctly when it comes to pacing and tour selection. They often have similar tours to others in the location, but I think Enchanting has superior guides and staff. I would recommend Enchanting to anyone looking to create a custom travel journey. I will use them again!”

April 2023 Rating 5/5

“I’ve recommended Enchanting Travels to our friends. Our travel specialist, Ranjana, knows and respects our travel preferences, which makes the itinerary on target the first go round and eliminates a lot of reworking. We have been very pleased with every trip she has arranged for us and will continue to book trips with her. Her attention to detail and the “little surprises” she adds in always end up being our favorite part of the trip.”

February 2023 Rating 5/5

“We were looking for a once in a lifetime personalized experience for our 25th wedding anniversary and Enchanting Travels delivered.”

January 2023 Rating 5/5

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What our Guests Say

Highlights of Northern Laos

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

Ideal For

Sample Itinerary

Thank You for Inquiring

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 2

Day 2 – 2

Day 2 – 3

Day 3 – 5

Day 5 – 7

Day 7 – 10

Chiang Rai

Huay Xai / Mekong

Pakbeng

Oudomxay

Nong Khiaw

Luang Prabang

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

Option 2

Price Includes

Not Included

What Our Guests Say

Other Itineraries You Might Like

Highlights of Laos

Live Laos: From Monks to Mekong

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos