$1,925
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Discover the magic of northern Laos on this 10-day journey from the Thai Lao border to Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang, and Pakbeng. Kayak through Nam Ha National Park, cruise the Nam Ou River past hidden Khmu and Tai villages, and visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves filled with Buddha statues. Choose trekking, cycling, or kayaking adventures amid limestone cliffs, forests, and rice paddies. Along the way, meet local communities, enjoy traditional Lao meals, and experience riverside resorts. This tour blends cultural encounters, scenic landscapes, and authentic off-the-beaten-path experiences for an unforgettable exploration of northern Laos.
| Costing basis | Jan26 - Apr26, Oct26 - Dec26 | May26 - Sep26 |
| 2 Pax | 2150 | 1925 |
Complete immigration formalities and cross the Mekong River into Houay Xay, Laos. Meet your guide at the immigration point and finalize border procedures. Drive north toward Luang Namtha along a newly improved road. Stop to visit Khmu and Lu minority villages and observe traditional rural life. Continue to Luang Namtha and transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Lao Asia Hotel Luang Namtha (3.5 Star) or similar.
Depart at 08:30 and travel south to Lantan village. Receive kayaking instruction and safety briefing before paddling downstream. Navigate gentle rapids and observe Nam Ha National Park’s forest and birdlife including kingfishers. Stop for a Lao picnic lunch along the riverbank and enjoy time to swim and relax. Continue paddling with possible additional rapids depending on weather. Visit Khmu and Tai Lue villages and interact with locals. Return to town by off road transfer in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Lao Asia Hotel Luang Namtha (3.5 Star) or similar.
Transfer to Luang Namtha train station according to your confirmed ticket time. Arrive at least one hour before departure. Board train C81 at 17:44 arriving in Oudomxay at 18:11 subject to change. No guide accompanies you. Upon arrival at Muang Xai station, transfer to your resort and enjoy leisure time.
Overnight in Nam Kat Yolapa (5 Star) or similar.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in the peaceful forest setting of your resort. Select optional activities directly with the resort including hiking, cycling, ziplining, or canopy walks. Relax by the river or explore the surrounding nature at your own pace.
Overnight in Nam Kat Yolapa (5 Star) or similar.
Meet your guide and drive to Muang Khua. Board a private local boat and cruise along the Nam Ou River. After approximately two and a half hours, transfer by minivan past the Nam Ou Hydropower Dam. Board a second boat and continue downstream through dramatic limestone scenery. Visit Ban Sob Jaem village accessible only by boat. Arrive in Nong Khiaw by late afternoon.
Overnight in Nong Khiaw at Mandala Ou (4 Star) or similar.
Select one activity.
Choose trekking and transfer to Ban Huai Lek. Trek through rice fields, forest, and mountain trails to Ban Huai Khong where lunch is prepared. Continue to Ban Sop Van and return by boat or kayak. Approximate trekking time five hours.
Choose cycling and ride to Ban Vieng Kham. Visit Pha Kouang Cave, pass rice fields and plantations, and continue to Ban Na Louang and Ban Pha Yong. Return by boat in the late afternoon. Approximate cycling five hours.
Choose kayaking and cruise upriver to Muang Ngoi. Receive safety instructions and paddle downstream with stops for lunch and relaxation. Return to Nong Khiaw in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Nong Khiaw at Mandala Ou (4 Star) or similar.
After breakfast, depart at 08:30 and drive approximately three hours to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight in 3 Naga (4 Star) or similar.
Enjoy a free day to explore Luang Prabang at your own pace. Visit temples, local markets, or relax at a café. Optional excursions can be arranged independently.
Overnight in 3 Naga (4 Star) or similar.
Transfer between 06:30 and 07:00 to board your upstream Mekong cruise at 07:00. Enjoy continental breakfast on board. Visit Pak Ou Caves and explore thousands of Buddha statues. Continue cruising while enjoying a traditional Lao lunch. Participate in a short cooking demonstration and learn to prepare Khao Tom with banana and coconut. Arrive in Pakbeng before nightfall.
Overnight in Le Grand Pakbeng (4 Star) or similar.
Board the boat at 07:00. Enjoy your hotel prepared takeaway breakfast on board. Stop at Ban Pak Sith village and learn about rural life and local rice alcohol production. Continue cruising while enjoying a traditional Lao lunch. Watch a demonstration of homemade butterfly pea and lemon drinks. Arrive in Houay Xay before 16:30 and transfer to the Lao Thai border for onward travel to Chiang Mai.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
| - Accommodations as stated or similar - English-speaking Tour Guide - Entrance fees for locations specified - Meals as stated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner) - Arrival & Departure Airport Transfer - First-class train ticket from Natuey to Muang Xai - Shompoo Cruise on Day 9 and Day 10 - Optional activities on Day 6 (select one) | - Meals not stated in itinerary - Personal Expenses (Laundry, Mini-bar, Phones, Drinks, etc.) - Porters - Tipping - Travel Insurance - Visa Fees - International Flights |
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