Northern Laos Discovery

Upon arrival, you start visiting the major city sights: Wat Sisaket, the country’s oldest temple and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. En route, visit the famous That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos and the imposing Patuxay Monument. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

In the morning, we catch the express train to Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Upon arrival, visit the caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. Next, we take a drive through paddy fields to the Tham Phoukham, the limestone caverns surrounded by forest. Along the way, you will meet local villagers and learn about their daily lifestyle. There is a small natural pool in front of the caves where you can swim and refresh yourself from the heat.

Take an express train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. Next, climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people.

Board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. You will also stop at Ban Muangkeo village where the local rice wine is produced and the village of Ban Xiengmene. You then climb up to Wat Chomphetfor the best views of Luang Prabang from across the river. On the way back, take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek - small villages well known for silk weaving and Saa Papermaking.

Transfer to the Khmu village of Ban Long Lao Nong & the Hmong village of Ban Long Lao Song. Here, you will observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups. Afterward, visit other ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live. Next, stop at the Kuang Si Waterfalls where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. Enroute to Kuang Sy, a short tour to visit Buffalo Dairy Farm and this tour included a guided tour of the mini farm, Buffalo feeding & Washing, Milking Demonstration, feeding Chickens and rabbits.

Catch the express train to Oudomxay. Oudomxay is home to 23 ethnic minority groups. Upon arrival, you will be met by our staff and transferred to the jungle resort Namkat Yolapa. After checking into the hotel, you will enjoy a short trek through the jungle to Namkat waterfall. Take your time at the waterfall before returning to the hotel.

Transferring to Pak Khai, this pleasant journey gives wonderful views across the River Nam Pak, terraced rice fields and the small villages along the banks of the river. On arrival, start your trek along a mountain trail which follows a mountain stream meandering through the lush vegetation. You will also meet the local farmers working in their rice fields and learn how they cultivate their lands, hunt for small game and fish in the mountain stream, before you enter into the tropical rainforest. After around 30 mins, leave the forest and arrive in the village of Ban Phavie, a beautiful Khamu village which sits on the top of a hill.

Transfer to Pakabeng. On the way, stop at the pottery village of Ban Yor and some tribal minority villages. The most numerous in the area are the Lao, then the Khammu and H’mong. Only the senior members of the latter still wear traditional clothes and hairstyles, often combined with modern garments. The other inhabitants are now all dressed in western style. The houses, in contrast, continue to be built according to tradition, and it is interesting to see how each ethnic group differs from the others in both the conception of home and all the rituals and customs related to daily life: Initiation into adulthood, marriage, work, celebrations, funerals.

Take a boat for the Mekong upstream cruise. On the way, the boat will take its first stop in a Hill tribe village along the Mekong River. Our guide will explain the way of living and the origins of these rural populations. Next, stop in Pak Tha, to have necessary boat documents signed. After lunch, you will be free to relax and taste local flavors with seasonal snacks and drinks. The boat will arrive in Huayxay before sunset, the tour will be ended by a drop-off at the border of Lao & Thailand.