Laos highlights & hidden gems

DAY 1: Arrive in Huay Xai

Sa-bai-dee! Welcome to Laos PDR!

Upon arrival at the Huay Xai pier, the Lao border checkpoint, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to explore the relaxed atmosphere of Huay Xai at your own pace.

Overnight at a hotel in Huay Xai.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Hotel in Huay Xai

DAY 2: Huay Xai – Luang Namtha

After an early breakfast at the hotel, depart Huay Xai and drive to Luang Namtha. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking mountain and hill landscapes, with several stops to visit local hill tribe villages.

Arrive in Luang Namtha by mid-afternoon and spend your time exploring the town and taking in the sights.

Situated along the Tha River, Luang Namtha is the provincial capital and exudes the charm of a relaxed mountain town. It serves as a gateway for trekking and biking to nearby hill tribe villages.

Overnight at a hotel in Luang Namtha.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Visit hill tribe villages
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Namtha

DAY 3: Luang Namtha Trekking

After breakfast, take a short drive to Ban Chalernsuk, a Khmu minority village about 20km from Luang Namtha. From there, embark on a truly off-the-beaten-path trek through the picturesque mountain region, navigating rugged hills and verdant landscapes. The journey offers a memorable experience with its stunning natural scenery and vibrant local culture.

Conclude your trek at Ban Nalan, where you’ll stay in a local Khmu family’s home. This is a unique opportunity for an authentic local experience.

Accommodations are simple and dormitory-style, with no Western amenities. Spend the rest of the day exploring the village and interacting with the locals.

Overnight in Ban Nalan.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Trekking Luang Namtha
• Visit hill tribe villages
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Homestay local house

DAY 4:  Luang Namtha Trekking

After breakfast, embark on a trek along the riverbank to Ban Namkoy, traversing scenic forests and rice fields.

Following a brief rest, continue with a challenging three-hour uphill trek, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. As you trek, you’ll pass through various hamlets where local traditions and lifestyles remain unchanged.

Conclude your trek at the small village of Ban Namlu, where you’ll meet our truck for the drive back to Luang Namtha.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight at a hotel in Luang Namtha.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Visit hill tribe villages
• Trekking Luang Namtha
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Luang Namtha

DAY 5: Muang Sing & border area

After breakfast, depart Luang Namtha and drive towards the border areas around Muang Sing, renowned for its vibrant hill tribes and stunning highland landscapes.

Along the way, stop to visit several hill tribe villages, including those of the Akha people, originally from China and known for their unique culture and colorful attire. Continue westward on bumpy roads to Xieng Kok, a border town near the Golden Triangle, for an intriguing visit. Return to Muang Sing with an additional stop at a Lantan (Lanetene) minority village.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the relaxed town of Muang Sing at your leisure.

Overnight at a hotel in Muang Sing.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Hill tribe villages visit
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Muang Sing

DAY 6: Muang Sing to Oudomxay

Wake up early to visit a vibrant local morning market where hill tribes from the surrounding mountains and valleys come together to trade their goods. This lively and colorful scene offers fantastic photos and a chance to taste some local food.

Next, explore the Ethnology Museum, which features an impressive collection and detailed information about the region’s ethnic minorities.

Drive back to Luang Namtha and then embark on a scenic journey along bumpy mountain roads through lush landscapes towards Oudomxay.

Arrive in Oudomxay by late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the town at your leisure.

Oudomxay (Muang Xay), the provincial capital of Oudomxay Province, is nestled in the Nam Ko River Basin and surrounded by picturesque mountains. Due to its elevated position, the town enjoys a relatively moderate climate and is sometimes referred to as the “city of clouds.”

Home to various ethnic groups, including Lao Lum, Khmu, and Hmong, Oudomxay serves as a central hub where these groups and others from nearby villages come to sell their goods, creating a rich multicultural atmosphere.

Overnight at a hotel in Oudomxay.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Muang Sing
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Oudomxay

DAY 7: Oudomxay to Luang Prabang

After breakfast, depart Oudomxay and head towards Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey offers a fantastic opportunity to experience authentic Laos and its local life. Although the drive can be challenging at times, the lush, rugged mountain scenery and vibrant local culture make for a memorable adventure. Along the way, feel free to stop at local villages or capture photos of the stunning landscapes and daily activities.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, either relaxing or strolling through the town to savor the serene atmosphere of this enchanting place.

Luang Prabang is renowned for being one of Southeast Asia’s most well-preserved traditional cities. Its peaceful ambiance, coupled with its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural landmarks, makes it a truly delightful destination in Laos and possibly all of Indochina.

Overnight at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing en route
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 8: Luang Prabang Sightseeing

Wake up early if you’d like to experience the unique morning ritual in Luang Prabang: the alms-giving ceremony. Join the locals by the roadside to offer food to monks in their yellow robes as they walk slowly in procession with their bowls.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later, embark on a bicycle or green tuk-tuk tour to explore the historic town of Luang Prabang. Visit notable landmarks including Wat Visoun, known for its distinctive Thad Makmo stupa with its Sinhalese-inspired rounded dome; Wat Aham and Wat Sene Temples; Wat Xieng Thong, famous for its low-sweeping roof and classical Luang Prabang style; the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Lao historical and cultural artifacts; and Wat Mai, renowned for its golden bas-relief.

In the late afternoon, hike up Phousi Mountain to visit the sacred gilded stupa and enjoy a stunning sunset view over the city and the Mekong River. Explore the Night Market, where you can find beautiful handmade textiles crafted by local and hill tribe artisans.

The evening is free for you to explore at your own pace. Overnight at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Bicycle ride
• Sightseeing Luang Prabang
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 9: Kuang Si falls 

After breakfast, set out on a drive to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, a true gem of the Luang Prabang area. Along the way, you’ll stop at Hmong and Khmu hill tribe villages, where you can gain insight into the rich cultural diversity of Laos.

Upon arrival at Kuang Si Waterfall Park, you’ll visit the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary, where you’ll learn about the Asian sun and moon bears and the efforts of the Free the Bears Protection Program.

Kuang Si is often regarded as the most beautiful natural wonder in Luang Prabang and across Laos. From a height of 60 meters, vibrant waters cascade down limestone formations, creating a series of stunning turquoise pools. The combination of the white falls, crystal-clear ponds, intricate travertine formations, and the lush green jungle forms a breathtakingly picturesque landscape.

One of the best activities here is swimming in the turquoise pools and letting the refreshing waterfalls cascade over you. You can also hike along a jungle trail to the top of the falls for a panoramic view of the stunning water patterns below.

Take your time to explore and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, with the evening free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Hill tribe villages visit
• Kuang si falls discovery
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 10: Xieng Khoang Discovery

After breakfast, set out from Luang Prabang to Xieng Khouang, renowned for the Plain of Jars archaeological site. This scenic drive offers the opportunity to appreciate Laos’s breathtaking mountainous and rural landscapes. Along the way, stop to capture stunning views, visit local villages, and interact with residents. Take breaks at high viewpoints to fully appreciate the natural beauty.

Upon arrival in Phonsavan, the provincial capital of Xieng Khouang, check in at your hotel. Then, embark on a visit to Muang Khoun, the historic royal seat of the Muang Phuan kingdom from the 16th century, which suffered significant damage during the American War. Explore the remains, including the unique sitting Buddha at Wat Pia Wat, old pagodas in ruins, and a 30-meter stupa from the Lan Xang/Lanna period. Continue to That Foun Pagoda and That Chonphet Pagoda before heading back to Xieng Khouang.

The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight at a hotel in Phonsavan.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Xieng Khouang touring
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Xieng Khouang

DAY 11: The Plain of Jars

After breakfast, explore the renowned archaeological site of the Plain of Jars, a captivating and ancient location featuring over 300 massive stone jars scattered across the plateau. These jars range in height from 1 to 3.25 meters and can weigh up to six tons each. Despite various theories about their purpose—some suggesting they might be ancient graves—these enigmatic jars, estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old, still hold many mysteries. French archaeologist Madeleine Colani’s 1930s research proposed they could be graves, but their true origin remains uncertain.

Your visit will include exploration of three main sites and a chance to observe local village life in the surrounding communities.

Later, drive along scenic routes to Vang Vieng. Situated on the Nam Song River and surrounded by stunning karst landscapes, Vang Vieng is celebrated for its timeless natural beauty. The town, home to various Lao ethnic groups such as the Khmu and Hmong, retains its traditional charm despite increasing tourism.

Check into your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Explore Plain of jars
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Vientiane

DAY 12: Vang Vieng Explore

After breakfast, begin your day with a stroll through the vibrant local market. Then, enjoy a scenic long-tail boat ride along the Nam Song River, leading to Tham Jang Cave, renowned for its stunning stalagmites and stalactites. This cave also served as a hideout for locals during the war.

Next, visit the charming village of Ban Huai Ngai, where you can immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and culture.

Depart Vang Vieng and drive south through picturesque rural landscapes towards Vientiane. Along the way, make stops to take in the sights and engage with locals, including a visit to the traditional salt-making village of Ban Keun, where you’ll learn about the local salt production process.

Arrive in Vientiane by late afternoon. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight in Vientiane.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Boat ride on Nam Song river
• Caves explore
• Village Sightseeing
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Vientiane

DAY 13: Vientiane Sightseeing

Today is dedicated to discovering the highlights of Vientiane, the capital city.

Begin with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, renowned for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Then, explore Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the famous Emerald Buddha. On your way to the iconic That Luang Stupa, make a stop at the Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s version of the Arc de Triomphe, for some memorable photos.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Vientiane with visits to Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng, and Wat Haisok. Conclude your tour at Buddha Park, an intriguing collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by a mystical monk, located along the Mekong River.

Enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Mekong River.

The evening is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Overnight in Vientiane.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Vientiane
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Vientiane