| Duration: | 7 Day(s) - 6 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
This trip is a great option for those coming from Thailand, as it allows easy access to remote Northern Laos. You will discover the stunning diversity of Laos—dense forests, remote villages, grand ancient temples, and historic colonial cities. There are plenty of options for daily activities, from trekking to visiting local villages. The trip finishes in Luang Prabang, where you can relax and take in this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage city.
Day 1: Overland from Chiang Rai to Luang Namtha
Whether you are staying in Chiang Rai or arriving at the airport, we will pick you up and transfer you to the Thai–Laos border town of Chiang Khong, overlooking the Mekong River.
On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit Wat Rong Khun, the famous “White Temple.” According to the artist/architect, the white plaster symbolizes Buddha’s purity, while the pieces of glass embedded in the walls represent Buddha’s wisdom.
After visiting the temple, we proceed to the border. After completing immigration formalities, cross the Mekong Bridge and transfer to Luang Namtha. The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours.
Upon arrival in Luang Namtha, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure.
(~5–6 hours by road, 290 km)
Accommodation: Phou Iu Bungalow (Standard Room)
Day 2: Trekking and Village Experience in Luang Namtha
Option 1: Trekking
Depart south at 9:00 AM, passing Doiluckkam (meaning “Gold Mountain”). The tuk-tuk ride takes about 35 minutes. Your local guide, knowledgeable about the trails, forest, and herbal medicine, will lead you into the Nam Ha National Protected Area.
Trek through forested areas where you may encounter wildlife, hear birds, and spot animal tracks. Your guide will share traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and edible leaves, as well as demonstrate local survival and hunting techniques.
After approximately two hours, enjoy a traditional picnic lunch along the trail. Continue trekking through the primary forest before finishing around 3:00–4:00 PM near Nam Ha, a Khmu tribal village, which you will have the opportunity to visit. Return to Luang Namtha by tuk-tuk.
(~4–5 hours trekking, 10 km)
Option 2: Village Experience
Depart at 9:00 AM to visit the Luang Namtha Museum. Continue to Ban Nam Dee (a Lanten village), where you can observe and participate in bamboo paper making and natural dyeing (seasonal), followed by a walk to Nam Dee Waterfall.
Enjoy lunch along the way while taking in scenic views. After lunch, visit Luang Namtha Stupa for panoramic views of the town.
Continue to the old Phou Pouk Stupa and visit Ban Nam Ngean (Tai Dam) and Ban Pieng Ngam (Tai Daeng), both known for their handicrafts. Walk through the villages to learn about Lao whisky production, traditional weaving, blacksmithing, and bamboo basket making before returning to Luang Namtha.
Accommodation: Phou Iu Bungalow (Standard Room)
Day 3: Local Villages and Scenic Drive to Nong Kiau
Wake early to visit the local market, where villagers in traditional dress sell and trade locally produced goods.
Drive through dramatic landscapes to Nong Kiau, visiting Hmong and Khmu villages along the way. In the afternoon, relax or take a stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the sunset.
(~4–5 hours by road, 180 km)
Accommodation: Nong Kiau Riverside (River View Room)
Day 4: Boat Journey on the Nam Ou River to Luang Prabang
After breakfast, embark on a scenic long-tail boat journey along the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers through beautiful Laotian countryside to Luang Prabang.
Along the way, observe daily life in riverside villages, including fishing, trading, and washing. The journey takes about 5 hours, with stops at the Pak Ou Caves—two interconnected caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over generations.
You will also visit Ban Xanghai to observe traditional rice wine distillation and may sample this locally produced drink.
Arrive in Luang Prabang in the early evening and check into your hotel.
(~6–7 hours by boat)
Accommodation: Sada Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 5: Luang Prabang Full-Day City Tour
After breakfast, visit Phousi Market, where you will see a wide variety of local products, including teas, fruits, vegetables, and hill-tribe handicrafts.
Continue to the boat pier for a short trip to Ban Chan, a village known for its traditional pottery.
Return to Luang Prabang for a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its blend of Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture.
Visit Wat Visoun, originally built in 1513, which houses numerous religious artifacts. Continue to Wat Xieng Thong, a royal temple built in 1559, renowned for its intricate carvings, murals, and mosaics.
Visit the Royal Palace (Haw Kham), built during the French colonial era. After the monarchy was abolished in 1975, it was converted into a National Museum showcasing Lao cultural heritage.
End the day at Wat Mai, built in 1796, located at the foot of Mount Phousi.
Accommodation: Sada Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 6: Kuang Si Waterfall and Mount Phousi
Early risers may participate in the traditional almsgiving ceremony, where saffron-robed monks receive offerings from locals.
After breakfast, visit Kuang Si Waterfall and the Bear Rescue Centre, about 30 minutes from Luang Prabang. Relax in the natural surroundings or swim in the turquoise pools.
In the late afternoon, return to town and climb Mount Phousi (328 steps) for panoramic views over the town and the Mekong River.
In the evening, explore the Night Bazaar for handmade textiles and crafts created by local and hill-tribe communities.
Accommodation: Sada Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure before bidding farewell to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.
Price Includes:
Accommodation as mentioned in the program
Private transport with air conditioning
English-speaking guide
All entrance fees
All boat trips/boat tickets
Tuk-tuk/songthaew as mentioned in the program
Breakfast meals
Drinking water
Government taxes
Price Excludes:
Drinks
Alcohol
Visa/border fees
International flights
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Lunch and dinner
