Northern Laos is a mountainous region of Laos. It shares borders with Thailand, Myanmar, China, and Vietnam. The region encompasses the provinces of (from north to south) Phongsali, Udomxai, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Sainyabuli, and Houphan Province, beautiful destinations for trekking in Laos.
DAY 1: ARRIVE AT HOUEI SAY – LUANG NAMTHA (L, D)
Our guide will meet you at the Lao immigration office. After the visa process, we will take a drive to the plateau of Luang Namtha, stopping along the way at a Lantern village. The name Lanten is a Chinese term meaning “the people who dye“ as they are famous for their natural dye traditions. They are one of the few ethnic minorities in Lao PDR who follow Daoism. Because of the influence of Daoist texts, the Lanten can read Chinese scripts. Ancestor worship is also an integral part of their beliefs. , Our journey today will end in Luang Namtha where we recommend every visitor to enjoy the evening at the night market, where street food is available and local handicrafts are sold. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
DAY 2: TREKKING INTO THE NAM HA NATIONAL PROTECTED AREA (B, L, D)
Today we’ll embark on two days of trekking through the stunning forests, fields, rivers, and mountains that surround Luang Namtha. There are so many interesting and challenging treks in this area, and every season there are changes. A common route is selected that will suit your fitness and stamina. Therefore we do not provide a detailed itinerary, as we wish to tailor the experience towards your fitness and interests. Our guides will arrange the appropriate route and resting points for you. There are trails for all levels of fitness, and villages that can be visited for a sense of local culture all having in common very simple, basic living conditions and quite a bit of adventure.
DAY 3: TREKKING THE NAM HA NATIONAL PROTECTED AREA (B, L, D)
Continue with your trekking adventure in the wilds of Luang Namtha. We’ll end the day back in the city in a nice and clean room.
DAY 4: LUANG NAMTHA - MUANG KHOUA OVER LAO MOUNTAIN COUNTRY ROAD TRIP (B, L.D)
Get up early like the locals and visit the local market, where you may see members of hill tribes in traditional clothing buying and selling their products. , After breakfast, you will take a private minivan through the countryside to Muang Khoua. You can enjoy the beautiful landscape along the way. The mountains surrounding Oudomxai, near the Chinese border, are home to various ethnic groups like the Akkha, Iko, Hmong, and others. Despite modernization, many of these hill tribes still live very traditional lifestyles and follow their local and ethnic customs. You are likely to see some people in traditional clothing.
DAY 5: MUANG KHOUA – NONG KHIAW, CRUISING THE HIDDEN NAM OU VALLEY (B, L, D)
The boat ride from Muang Khua to Muang Ngoy offers several highlights. The Nam Ou River is one of the most important rivers in Lao PDR and offers some of its most stunning scenery. The river runs 448 km from Phongsaly in the north of the country to Luang Prabang where it merges with the Mekong River. Onboard the traditional Lao longboat, we’ll journey slowly downstream, allowing you to take in the view and relax along the way. The boat will pass by many remote villages, rugged mountain terrain, and impressive limestone cliffs. We will stop at a few of the villages, most of which are only accessible by boat and offer a unique look into traditional daily village life along the river. At the end of the journey, we will arrive at Nong Khiaw.
DAY 6: 100 WATERFALLS (B, L, D)
"Wow!" is what our first guests on this trip reported to us! An amazing day of scenery and activity is waiting for you! Take a one-hour boat trip on the scenic Nam Ou and start exploring and hiking through the 100 waterfalls, a newly discovered jungle waterfall. A village visit is included as well, where you learn more about life along the Nam Ou River. In the evening we’ll ride back on our boat to Nong Khiaw.
DAY 7: MOUNTAIN VIEW TREK - PAK OU CAVES – BOAT TO LUANG PRABANG (B, L)
This is a short and steep trek to the top of the second-highest point overlooking Nong Khiaw. We’ll ascend about 400 meters (1300ft.) on a trail that’s 1.8 kilometers (1 mi.) long. The short and adventurous trail takes us into the jungle and ancient high-altitude forests surrounding the town. , On clear days you can see as far as 20 km to the northern mountains of the Muang Ngoi area. Nong Khiaw is known for its beautiful mountainous jungle landscape. , If you come with limited time and can walk up and down a steep mountain then this is a great and short adventure experience with panoramic views to take home!, Have lunch at Nong Khiaw before heading to Luang Prabang. On the way back we will stop at Ban Pak Ou village to visit the famous Park Ou cave. Take a cruise on the Mekong to Luang Prabang. Check-in the hotel and explore dinner in Luang Prabang city on your own.
DAY8: LUANG PRABANG SIGHTSEEING AND KUANG SI WATERFALL VISIT (B, L)
Starting from your hotel at 8:30, we’ll drive to the Morning Market. Unlike the large grocery stores, you might be familiar with back home; the food here is still produced by small farming families and villages and brought to Luang Prabang from the surrounding Northern provinces. Your guide will explain the common vegetables and fruits that are in season and buy pick up some snacks for later. After a short walk along the streets, you will arrive at Wat Mai (“New Monastery” built-in 1796). It was given its present name following the restoration undertaken in 1821 by King Manthathourat. The most striking feature of the temple is the gilded relief panels covering the front facade. The panels tell the story of the highest incarnation of the Buddha -- Vessentara. The gilded door frames merge into the relief panel, forming what looks like a monolithic wall of gold. Next to Wat Mai temple is the National Museum which used to be the Royal Palace (Haw Kham). Your guide will help explain some information as you tour the museum. It houses the Royal throne of the Lane Xang kingdom in its original splendor and many other religious treasures. After the museum, you will take another ride to visit Wat Visoun. This temple was constructed during the reign of King Visounarat around 1520. In 1942, it was turned into a Museum of Religious Arts, and houses collections of Buddha images and religious artifacts from the fourteenth century. After a ride along the Nam Khan river to Wat Xieng Thong. This is one of the most important temples in the entire country of Laos and the most important one in Luang Prabang. Until 1975, when the Communist Party gained control over Laos, Wat Xieng Thong was a royal temple, supported by the royal family. During the 1960s Wat Xieng Thong was completely remodeled and redecorated, becoming the splendid temple we see today. Afternoon at the hotel, we’ll visit the local Phousi Market. Then we’ll travel by car to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls, stopping on the way to visit Hmong and Khamu villages. Hmong and Khamu villages have different structures and ways of life; here, we can learn about their traditions and the differences between Lao, Khamu, and Hmong cultures. The multi-tiered waterfall, which takes on a striking turquoise color in the dry season, is perfect for a refreshing bath in the afternoon. Clean and relaxed from the waterfall, we’ll travel back to town.,To finish our trip we will climb the steps of Phou Si hill, to the top, which is studded with many small temples and shrines. The gilded stupa at the top of the hill is built on a large rock outcropping. An old opening in the base of the rock was sealed up to prevent vandalism. Next to the stupa is a small wiharn (chapel) for prayers. Further down the side of the hill is part of Wat Phra Buddabhat (The Buddha's Footprint Temple). From here enjoy the view of the peninsula where the Nam Khan river meets the mighty Mekong River.
DAY9: TREKKING THE LONGHUT TRAIL AND KHMU HOMESTAY (B, L, D)
Longhut trail is one of the most spectacular trails in the area, situated in the foothills of steep jungle-covered mountains on one side and a spectacular view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River on the other side.,This tour begins with a 30-minute drive to our Tiger Trail Adventure Camp on the banks of the Nam Khan River to cross by boat and begin the ascent into the mountains. The trail is an invigorating and sometimes technical hike taking you through canyons to remote villages and small lakes. The full-day hike spans 13 Km, normally taking 6 hrs with breaks included. Under wet conditions, the hiking can be 7-8 hours and is rated as medium to difficult, and always well worth the challenging hike.,You’ll arrive at the Khmu village late evening for an authentic cultural homestay and a well-earned meal prepared by your guide. Enjoy exploring the village with your guide, have a drink with the locals if you like, and otherwise enjoy this incredible night deep in the mountains living for a night as the mountain tribes have for ages before.
DAY10: TREKKING THE THINPA TRAIL AND TAD SAE WATERFALL (B, L)
Enjoy breakfast and set out for a 1.5- to 2-hour trek through the rice fields and forest then makes your way up the hillside to a Hmong village "Ban Tinpha", a wonderful place where you will enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, we continue the trek downhill to a village along the river "Ban Houay Yen" where we board a local boat for a relaxing ride on the Nam Khan to the Tad Sae waterfalls (seasonal)., Lunch will either be served at the village before the boat ride or at the waterfall whichever you prefer. If you want to cool off after all the trekking you can swim in the pools at the base of the falls or relax in the shade. Before heading back to the town of Luang Prabang you will take the local boat and then drive back to the town.
Note: Tad Sae Waterfall can be low or even dry from approximately February to July and may be omitted.
DAY11: FREE DAY IN LUANG PRABANG (B)
Relax at your hotel or explore this charming town on your own.
DAY12: LUANG PRABAGN DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast, we will drive to the airport for your onward flight.
End The Tour.
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Tour price: Contact us
Group size: 2 to 25 pax
Departure based on your inquiry
INCLUDED TRAVEL SERVICES
- All sightseeing as described in the program above
- Transportation in private a /c vehicles
- Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, homestays
- English speaking guide
- Admission fees to sights described above
- Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
- Lao PDR governmental tax and service charge
NOT INCLUDED TRAVEL SERVICES
- Air tickets
- Travel insurance of any kind
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips, drinks, personal expenses, and other expenses not described in the program above
- Single room surcharge on request
- Visa fee
