Explore Authentic Laos

DAY 1: Vientiane Arrival

Sa-bai-dee! Welcome to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

Nestled along the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane captivates with its blend of golden Buddhist temples, weathered French colonial architecture, cozy cafés, and steaming noodle stalls. The city’s vibrant street markets and tranquil tree-lined avenues offer a unique mix of laid back charm and lively energy that’s hard to find elsewhere in Asia.

Upon arrival, our guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in (check-in time is 14:00). The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the town at your leisure.

Overnight at a hotel in Vientiane.

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Vientiane

DAY 2: Vientiane Sightseeing

Today, you’ll spend the entire day exploring the highlights of Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

Begin your tour with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, known for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which once housed the famous Emerald Buddha. On the way to the revered That Luang Stupa, stop to snap some photos of the impressive Patuxay Monument, often referred to as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.

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

Cap off your day by enjoying a spectacular sunset over the Mekong River.

The evening is free for you to spend at your leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel in Vientiane.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 3: Luang Namtha & Muang Sing

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Namtha, a region of rugged mountains, lush tropical rainforests, and fertile river plains, sharing borders with China and Myanmar. This province is home to over twenty ethnic groups, each preserving their unique customs, lifestyles, and appearances, making it one of the most culturally diverse areas in Laos.

Upon arrival in Luang Namtha, you’ll be met and transferred by private vehicle to Muang Sing. Along the way, we’ll make stops to visit various hill tribe villages, including an Akha village, known for its distinctive culture and vibrant attire.

After checking into your hotel in Muang Sing, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

Muang Sing is renowned for its stunning highland landscapes and vibrant hill tribe communities, making it a perfect getaway for adventure and trekking expeditions into the surrounding mountains and villages.

Overnight at a hotel in Muang Sing.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 4: Trekking Muang Sing

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through this small town, where you’ll often see ethnic minorities in traditional dress and find street vendors selling local textiles and handicrafts.

Later, we’ll head north for a short drive to our trekking point. From there, we’ll embark on a half-day trek along dirt trails, winding through stunning mountain landscapes. The trek will take us up and down hills, leading to Yao, Akha, and Lantan hill tribe villages. Enjoy exploring these communities, interacting with locals, and capturing beautiful photos of the scenery and village life.

We’ll finish the trek in the mid-afternoon and return to Muang Sing for the night.

The evening is yours to relax. Overnight at a hotel in Muang Sing.

Summary of inclusions

• Private transfer
• Hill tribe trek
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Muang Sing

DAY 5: Luang Namtha – Oudomxay

Wakeup early to visit a vibrant and bustling local morning market, where hill tribes from nearby mountains and valleys gather to barter and trade their goods. This lively and colorful scene is a photographer’s delight and offers a fascinating glimpse into local life. Mingle with the locals, sample some traditional foods, and capture some memorable shots.

Next, we’ll visit the impressive Ethnology Museum, which offers excellent exhibits and insights into the region’s diverse ethnic minorities.

Afterward, we’ll drive back to Luang Namtha and embark on our journey along the bumpy mountain roads through lush landscapes toward Oudomxay.

We’ll arrive in Oudomxay in the late afternoon, giving you time to explore the town at your own pace for the rest of the day.

Oudomxay (Muang Xay), the provincial capital of Oudomxay Province, is nestled in the Nam Ko River Basin and surrounded by picturesque mountains. The town’s relatively high elevation gives it a temperate climate, earning it the nickname “City of Clouds.”

Home to various ethnic groups, including Lao Lum, Khmu, and Hmong, Oudomxay is a cultural melting pot. As the main town in the area, it also attracts other ethnic communities from surrounding villages, creating a unique multicultural atmosphere that adds to its charm.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 6: Nam Ou River cruise & Pak Ou cave

After breakfast, depart from Oudomxay and journey to the serene mountain town of Had Gna Village, where we’ll board a traditional boat for a captivating cruise down the Nam Ou River to Luang Prabang. This scenic cruise offers stunning views of majestic mountains and peaceful countryside, providing an unforgettable experience on one of the world’s most remarkable rivers.

En route, we’ll stop to visit the mystical Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues in various shapes and sizes—a sacred site for Lao pilgrims.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, check in to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore this charming town at your leisure.

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is arguably the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Its tranquility, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage make it one of the most enchanting destinations in Laos, if not all of Indochina.

Overnight at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Boat cruise
• Pak Ou cave explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 7: Luang Prabang sightseeing

Wake up early to experience one of Luang Prabang’s most unique traditions: the morning alms-giving ceremony. You can join the locals along the roadside, offering food to the monks as they pass by in their saffron robes, walking slowly in a line with bowls in hand.

Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, embark on a bicycle or green tuk-tuk tour to explore the ancient town of Luang Prabang, visiting some of its most iconic landmarks. These include Wat Visoun, known for the impressive Thad Makmo stupa with its rounded dome that reflects a Sinhalese rather than Lao style; Wat Aham and Wat Sene Temple; the renowned Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang’s most photographed temple, famous for its sweeping roof that nearly touches the ground, embodying the classical Luang Prabang style; the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, housing a vast collection of Laos’ historical and cultural artifacts; and Wat Mai, a temple celebrated for its exquisite golden bas-relief.

In the late afternoon, ascend Phousi Mountain to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and take in a breathtaking sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Afterward, you can stroll through the Night Market, where you’ll find a charming array of handmade textiles crafted by the local and hill tribe people around Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 8: 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
• Kuang si falls discovery
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Luang Prabang