Highlights of Northern Laos

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)

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).

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)

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)

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.

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).

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).