10 Days Northern Laos Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang – Phousi Temple – Night Market

Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquillity and charm of this UNESCO World Heritage town, with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights, make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Time permitting, climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the town and the Mekong River.

In the evening, explore the Night Street Bazaar, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 2: City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfall

This morning, you may wish to wake up early and participate in the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks carrying black alms-giving bowls, receiving offerings from local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice.

Luang Prabang is a fascinating historical city with a delightful mix of Buddhist temples and French colonial buildings. It is still very much a rural city in comparison to neighboring countries.

Our first stop is Wat Visoun, a replica of an older temple originally erected on the same site in 1513. It houses numerous religious art treasures.

Next, we head to Wat Xieng Thong, a royal temple built on the banks of the Mekong River in 1559, which has remained relatively undamaged by various invasions, mainly by the Chinese, over the centuries. The temple is extensively decorated with impressive carvings, murals, and mosaics.

We then visit the Laotian Royal Palace, officially known as Haw Kham, which was built during the French colonial era for the King and his family.

The site was chosen so that official visitors could disembark directly from their river journeys and be received at the palace. In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown, and the palace was converted into a national museum. Today, it houses many artifacts showcasing the richness of Laotian culture.

We continue to Wat Mai, built in 1796, located at the foot of Mount Phousi.

After lunch, we proceed to Kuang Si Waterfall and the Bear Rescue Centre, about 30 minutes from Luang Prabang. The waterfall is set in a natural jungle environment, and you will have plenty of time to relax or swim in its cool turquoise pools.

Return to Luang Prabang and enjoy free time at your leisure.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Nong Kiau

After breakfast, we take you on a long-tail boat journey along the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers through the beautiful Laotian countryside, passing local villages and witnessing everyday life, including fishing, trading, and washing along the riverbanks during this 4-hour journey.

We will stop to visit the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, a cave system of two interlinked caves filled with Buddha statues left behind by pilgrims over generations. We will also observe the traditional process of rice wine distillation in Ban Xanghai.

After the cave visit, we cross to Ban Pak Ou for onward transport and continue north from Luang Prabang into the surrounding countryside, heading towards Nong Kiau.

Arrive in Nong Kiau in the late afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy free time at your leisure, or watch the sunset from the bridge or nearby riverside restaurants (~2–3 hours by road, 130 km).

Accommodation: Mandala Ou Resort (Riverfront Room)

Day 4: Nong Kiau – Muang Ngoi – Nong Kiau

Today, we take a long-tail boat along the Nam Ou River to Ban Had Sao and Muang Ngoi, passing through local villages. This is an interesting walk between villages, easy in some places.

Afterward, continue to Muang Ngoi, where you will explore the village and observe the daily lives of the locals. In the late afternoon, return by boat to Nong Kiau (~1–2 hours by boat).

Accommodation: Mandala Ou Resort (Riverfront Room)

Day 5: Nong Kiau – Xieng Khuang

After breakfast, we continue our journey to Xieng Khuang. You will pass through various villages and scenic landscapes along the mountainous road, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views (~5–6 hours by road, 320 km).

Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jars (Standard Room)

Day 6: Xieng Khuang

Spend the day exploring the Plain of Jars. These mysterious stone structures date back as far as 2000 BC and are believed to have been used for burial rituals during the Bronze and Iron Ages.

Take a short trek to Tai Dam and Lao Leum villages. Later, relax at the thermal springs at Baw Yai and visit Tham Piu Cave, where over 200 people lost their lives during the Indochina War (~1.5 hours by road, 50 km).

Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jars (Standard Room)

Day 7: Xieng Khuang – Vang Vieng

After breakfast, depart from Xieng Khuang towards Vang Vieng, a provincial town located by a river. The journey continues through mountainous scenery into Vientiane Province.

Vang Vieng is a small rural town set in a stunning natural landscape, surrounded by limestone mountains along the river. Arrive in the late afternoon and relax in the evening (~4–5 hours by road, 275 km).

Accommodation: Inthira Vang Vieng (Deluxe Room)

Day 8: Vang Vieng

After breakfast, explore the area around Vang Vieng. For those feeling energetic, take a short walk to Tham Jang Cave, where villagers once sheltered during the Indochina War.

You may also visit the Blue Lagoon and enjoy swimming in its clear blue waters.

Accommodation: Inthira Vang Vieng (Deluxe Room)

Day 9: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang

Today, we travel from Vang Vieng back to Luang Prabang. The journey takes you along scenic mountainous roads, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.

The drive takes approximately 4–5 hours, and you will arrive in Luang Prabang by mid-afternoon. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to relax (~230 km).

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 10: Luang Prabang – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure until your transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for your return flight home.

Price Includes:

Accommodation as mentioned in the program

Private transport with air conditioning

All entrance fees

All activities as mentioned in the program

All boat trips

English-speaking guide

Breakfast only

Drinking water

Government tax

Price Excludes:

Alcohol

Visa fees/border fees

Personal expenses

International/domestic flights

Travel insurance

Lunch and dinner