Escape into the lush nature of Northern Laos for an authentic and memorable getaway. Just outside of the popular destination of Luang Prabang, experience the pristine jungles and authentic local life of Northern Laos. Sleep in hidden eco-resorts and partake in daily activities within rural villages for an inside look at this fascinating region.
DAY 1 – Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw
Get picked up at your Luang Prabang hotel by your local guide, then drive north and stop to visit Ban Pha O Monk School.
Continue to drive to Nong Khiaw and, on the way, visit the ethnic minority village of Ban Hatkho, home to the Thai Lu people. Here, you’ll see houses in the typical style of the Thai Lu, as well as the unique cotton and woven products that the Thai Lu are famous for.
Upon arrival in Nong Khiaw, enjoy lunch at your leisure. Then, in the afternoon, begin exploring the village through a walking tour. Stroll over a bridge to admire the wonderful scenery then continue to walk outside of the village to Tham Pha Thok cave, which the Lao government used as shelter during the Indochina War.
Dinner at leisure.
Accommodation at Nongkhiau Riverside Lodge (Standard room).
DAY 2 – Nong Khiaw – Muang La
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before getting picked up at the hotel by your local guide and driving to Muang La (around 4 hours). En route, stop at Oudomxay to visit the Nam Kat Waterfall located at Ban Faen, a Khmu village.
Continue to drive to Muang La and visit the 400-year-old Buddha statue in Pra Singkham Temple upon arrival. Dinner and accommodation at Muang La Lodge (Deluxe Garden view room).
DAY 3 – Nong Khiaw – Muang La
After breakfast at the hotel, set off to visit villages of the Ikhos, Hmong and Khamu people, just three of the many ethnic groups in Laos. The route along the way climbs to 1,000 metres above sea level and offers some magnificent views of stunning mountain scenery.
First visit the isolated Ikhos village, home to an ethnic group that originates from Tibet and China’s Yunnan Province. Learn about the daily life in the village and how the villagers still follow customs passed down through the centuries.
Take a picnic lunch enjoying the amazing surroundings then, after lunch, an optional short walk (20 minutes) takes you to an abandoned Hmong village with a stunning 360-degree panorama view.
From there, continue on to visit another Hmong village. The Hmong originate from the high steppes of Tibet. Learn more about their way of life, including the importance of their livestock and the care that they give to their animals, before returning to the lodge at the end of the day.
Dinner and accommodation at Muang La Lodge (Garden View room).
DAY 4 – Muang La – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang
After breakfast at the lodge, drive around 4 hours from Muang La to Ban Pak Ou (Pak Ou Village) where the Nam Ou River meets with Mekong River. Take a boat across the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.
Afterward, continue the journey down to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang. This former royal capital, with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, retains a unique charm rarely found in all of Asia.
Arrive Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel.
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