11-Day Northern Laos Uncovered

From Vientiane’s Historic Wonders to Luang Prabang’s Enchanting Streets: Experience the Natural Beauty and Cultural Richness of Northern Laos

Head out on an 11-day adventure uncovering the wonders of Northern Laos. Begin in the capital, Vientiane, delving into its rich history. Cycle and swim amidst the scenic beauty of Vang Vieng. Immerse yourself in the vibrant night markets and temple-lined streets of Luang Prabang and venture into the lush jungles for enchanting hikes. Experience the diverse landscapes and cultural gems that await in this captivating region. 

Highlights

  • Embark on a Tuk Tuk tour of the highlights of Vientiane. 
  • Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lagoons of Vang Vieng.
  • Explore jungle trails on a hike to Tad Loy Waterfall. 
  • Participate in a cooking class hosted by a local family in their countryside home. 

Why choose this tour

  • Cultural Immersion: Explore the rich cultural heritage of Laos through visits to ancient monasteries, royal palaces, and local markets.
  • Diverse Experiences: From city tours and cooking classes to cave explorations and waterfall hikes, the itinerary offers a variety of activities.
  • Exclusive Culinary Adventures: Engage in a hands-on cooking class with a local legend and savor the flavors of Laos.
  • Personalized Tours: Enjoy private guided tours, ensuring an intimate understanding of the local history and culture.
  • Scenic Drives and Luxurious Accommodations: Travel in comfort and style, with scenic drives and stays at carefully selected hotels, providing a luxurious and relaxing environment for the duration of the tour.

What is included in the price?

  • 10 Nights at premium hotels
  • Local English-speaking guide providing insights and assistance during transfers and excursions
  • Private airport transfers
  • Admission fees for all mentioned sights and attractions
  • Detailed guidelines for visiting the destinations in the itinerary

Comprehensive package of excursions

Tour Plan

DAY 1: Arrival Vientiane

Upon arrival in Vientiane international airport, you’ll be greeted by your tour guide and driver then transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.  

DAY 2: Vientiane city highlights tour

Embark on your Vientiane city highlights tour today. Begin with a tuk-tuk ride to Wat Sisaket, the city's oldest surviving monastery, housing numerous Buddha statues. Then, marvel at Pha That Luang, Laos' national symbol, adorned in gold leaf. Ascend Patouxai, reminiscent of Paris' Arc de Triomphe, symbolizes the country's colonial history. Conclude with a visit to the COPE Centre, aiding thousands with mobility issues, including UXO survivors, and providing prosthetic and orthotic services. Meet a beneficiary and hear firsthand how COPE has transformed their life. 

DAY 3: Vang Vieng - Tham Jang cave

Today you will be in Vang Vieng, surrounded by valleys and peaks, it is home to numerous caves, including the Tham Jang cave, which provided shelter for at least 200 people during the Chinese invasions of the last century.   

DAY 4: Vang Vieng - cycling tour past rice paddies

We depart from the hotel and cross the bridge over the Nam Song River before starting the day by cycling past rice paddies toward the first viewpoint, an excellent place for a few pictures and blue lagoon2, Swim in the dreamlike, turquoise waters of the Vang Vieng lagoons!   

DAY 5: Luang Prabang - Mount Phousi

In the late afternoon, climb 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi and enjoy panoramic views of the city.   As the sun sets, take a walking tour of Luang Prabang’s Night Market. Browse the colorful textiles, quilts, carvings, basketry, ceramics, clothing, and handmade paper. 

DAY 6: Luang Prabang - Cooking class with our local legend

Cooking class with our local legend, you will first take a short drive to a nearby local village to meet your host family before heading to the local market where your hosts will introduce you to a wide variety of ingredients such as galangal, lemongrass, and others.  After picking up the ingredients, head back to the house and get ready to cook! Depending on the available ingredients, you might make Lap, a spicy salad of minced pork or chicken with sticky rice, or green papaya salad, a popular dish with shrimp paste, sugar, and lime juice.   After creating these classic dishes, sit down to lunch to enjoy your culinary creations and afterward, enjoy a stroll through the village to walk off your meal before saying goodbye to your hosts and returning to Luang Prabang. 

DAY 7: Luang Prabang - Wat Xieng Thong - Pak Ou Caves

Rise early to the sound of the temple gong to witness Luang Prabang’s mystical ritual.  Walk downtown to watch the daily procession of about two hundred monks who silently walk and collect sticky rice and other food in their bronze bowls.   Enjoy the rest of your morning with a stroll through Luang Prabang’s morning market where you will see the locals haggling for fresh meat, fruit, and vegetables.  Then explore many of the former royal capital’s cultural highlights. You’ll visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the largest and most decorative temples, and the former Royal Palace, a commanding structure in the center of town that until 1946 was the heart of the Lang Xang Kingdom. Today it is the National Museum, and its halls contain rare religious and cultural artifacts.   Hop aboard a boat and cruise up the orange-coloured waters of the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. The caves are home to hundreds of statues of Buddha, big and small, that have been left by devotees. You’ll be amazed to see how many are crammed in! Along the way, you will stop at a riverside village to see weavers working on ancient looms before returning to town later in the afternoon. 

DAY 8: Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls

Today you will head to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several metres into a series of cool, turquoise pools.  Then, visit the Sun Bear Reserve, a conservation centre that rescues these animals from the wildlife trade.  On the way back to Luang Prabang we will stop at Buffalo Dairy farm for a tour of the farm and to meet these iconic animals. 

DAY 9: Nong Khiaw - Pha Tok cave

This morning you will drive from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw, a scenic route that promises breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the exploration of the Pha Tok cave system, a fascinating underground realm that unveils the mysteries of the region's geological wonders.  As the day unfolds, treat yourself to a unique and rejuvenating experience with a local herbal steam bath. The aromatic herbs and soothing vapours create a tranquil atmosphere, providing a perfect prelude to the evening ahead. 

DAY 10: Nong Khiaw - Don Khoun

Embark on a full-day captivating adventure by taking a scenic boat trip of around 15 kilometers to reach the charming destination of Don Khoun. Here, your journey begins with a hike to explore the mesmerizing Tad Loy waterfall, renowned for its cascading beauty and the allure of a hundred individual falls.  Be prepared for an immersive hiking experience lasting around 3 to 4 hours, during which your enthusiasm will be rewarded with the sight and sound of Tad Loy's cascading waters. with some wooden ladders to climb and small falls to fjord the likelihood of your feet getting wet is assured. 

DAY 11: Luang Prabang - Departure

You will transfer from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang and to your onward travels. 

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