Off the Beaten Path in Northern Laos
The magical UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang is ideal for a relaxing, spiritual break, as well as providing opportunities for adventure. Mountains, luscious jungles, waterfalls, temples, traditional villages and mystical caves are just waiting to be discovered.
Day 1 Arrival Luang Prabang
Upon arrival at the airport you’ll be escorted by car to your accommodation in the city centre.
The remainder of your day will be spent at leisure.
Day 2 Luang Prabang
Start your holiday by exploring Luang Prabang on a full-day guided cycling excursion.
You’ll navigate the flat streets of the city centre, passing the National Museum (a former royal palace), and riding through residential streets and past numerous temples.
After lunch, cycle to the city outskirts to explore the bustling Phosi Market, then continue to Oak Pop Tok, a textile and artisanal institution that supports villages weavers across Laos.
Return along a picturesque riverside path.
Day 3 Luang Prabang
This morning you’ll be driven to Ban Xieng Lom, a local farming village and the starting point for a day’s trekking.
You’ll pass through jungle and local villages, meeting both the Khmu and Hmong hill tribes, and eating lunch in a local home with the Hmong people.
The trail loops back through more unspoilt countryside to Ban Xieng Lom to meet your transport. You’ll be escorted back to Luang Prabang via the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre.
Day 4 Luang Prabang – Muang La, Oudomxay
This morning, your private driver will transport you to Muang La in the region of Oudomxay, a journey of around 5-6 hours. You’ll stop for lunch and refreshments on the way.
After checking into your hotel, you’ll have time to stretch your legs with a gentle walk towards Phongsavan and the hidden monastery of Wat Hoytinphabath with its 35-metre reclining Buddha statue.
Day 5 Muang La, Oudomxay
Today, you’ll enjoy a trekking excursion in the Oudomxay province. You’ll be driven to the starting point to pick up a narrow trail past rice paddies and alongside a mountain stream to Ban Phongsavan where you’ll stop for a picnic.
The journey continues via Ban Long Ya where you’ll learn about the peaceful lives of the locals before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 6 Muang La, Oudomxay – Muang Khua – Nong Khiaw
Today you’ll have a more relaxing activity: a private longtail boat cruise along the Nam Ou River from Muang Khua.
You’ll enjoy a picnic as you glide to Nong Khiaw where you’ll check into your accommodation.
The rest of the day will be spent at leisure.
Day 7 Nong Khiaw – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang
This morning your private guide will take you to view the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. One of the most important holy sites in Laos, they house over 4,000 Buddha statues and date back thousands of years.
Continue by boat to Luang Prabang, check into your hotel, and enjoy some leisure time.
Day 8 Departure
Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.
- Discover Luang Prabang on a day’s cycling adventure
- Meet the Khmu and Hmong hill tribes while on a trekking excursion
- Visit the hidden monastery of Wat Hoytinphabath and its 35m reclining Buddha statue
- Glide along the Nam Ou River on a private longtail boat cruise
- Explore the Pak Ou Caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues
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