Travelling right around the north of Laos , you use various local transport , including flight, bus, truck and boat. The drive is difficult at times but the mixture of the colorful population and the stunning mountain backdrop makes for an interesting journey. You encounter rarely visited minorities and explore the magnificent temples of Luang Prabang and also the world's sleepiest capital, Vientiane.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Vientiane
On arrival at Wattay Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to our centrally located hotel. The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is a small city conjuring up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We start our half day city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Afterwards we continue driving to Patouxai. This imposing monument standing in Lane Xang Avenue, is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe and provides a stunning views of the city. We round off our day with a visit to the great sacred masterpiece and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. O/N in Vientiane.

Day 2 : Vientiane - Oudomxay - Luang Nam Tha
The northbound journey begins as we board a flight to Oudomxay. On arrival you are met and set off on a drive towards Luang Nam Tha, a land of rugged mountains, beautiful forest and rich river plain. This mountainous region is also sharing the border with China and Myanmar. There are over twenty ethnic groups who are settled in Luang Nam Tha, making it one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Laos. Along the way we make stops, to visit a village of the Akha minority village. This ethnic group was originally in China but immigrated into Laos down centuries. We arrive in Luang Nam Tha and stroll around to catch our first glimpse of this hill town. O/N in Luang Nam Tha. (B)

Day 3 : Luang Nam Tha - Muang Sing
Upon leaving Luang Nam Tha we set off on a short drive north towards Muang Sing. We embark on a half walking day, using the local tracks and pass through the breathtaking mountain landscape to the seldom visited hamlets which are home of the Yao, Akkha and Lantern people. They are settled there longtime ago and still retain their traditional culture and habits. The trekking is strenuous at times, with some steep uphill and downhill walking; however some physical preparation will enable you to fully enjoy this adventure. We spend the remainder of the day exploring some major sights of Muang Sing Town. They are the That Xieng Tung and the Muang Sing Exhibition, giving us an interesting view of the local history. O/N at Muang Sing. (B,L)

Day 4 : Muang Sing - Luang Nam Tha - Oudomxay
The morning market of Muang Sing also attracts numerous ethnic minorities. They converge from the surrounding mountainsides or valley to barter and trade their goods. We have time strolling around this conglomeration before we travel along the zigzag way towards Oudomxay and pass the many tranquil hamlets. They are linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northern region and the capital city. The drive is difficult at times; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for a memorable experience. Along the way we can make stop at pleasure, to catch some wonderful shooting and visit the Akha, Lao Houei and Iko villages. They are almost settled in off road areas. On arrival in Oudomxay Town we check in a very simple hotel and enjoy a short walk tour exploring this hill town. O/N in Oudomxay. (B)

Day 5 : Oudomxay - Muong La - Phong Saly
An early morning start to drive along the Nam Phak River to Muong La. On arrival we visit Pra Xack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. This 400 year old statue legendary possesses many supernatural powers which are widely worshipped among local people. Upon leaving Muong La , the roads begin to deteriorate; however many villages dot the hillsides and the undulating terrains make for an interesting journey. These back roads are a perfect way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. We arrive in Phong Saly by late afternoon depending on roads and traffic conditions. O/N in Phong Saly. (B)

Day 6 : Phonsaly - Hatsat - Muong Khoua - Muong Ngoy
The exploration of Phong Saly commences with a short walk to the Phoufa Mountain. The scenery from the peak is one of the most beautiful views imaginable. Upon leaving this secluded town we set off on a short drive on rugged roads to Hatsat village before we board a traditional boat for our wonderful exploration of the Nam Ou River. This watercourse flows from the high mountainous area through many secluded hamlets to the confluence in front of the Pak Ou Caves. The pace of our trip is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe rural life close up. We make stopover at Muong Samphan and Ban Kana village to see some traditional houses, which are very different from the current structure with a mix of traditional and modern architecture. O/N in Muong Ngoy. (B,L)

Day 7: Moung Ngoy - Nong Khiow - Pakou Caves - Luang Prabang
Upon leaving the tranquil village of Muong Ngoy we wave our way through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. They are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various sizes, all brought there by devoted villagers. We visit these famous grottoes and navigate on the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. This tranquil town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia. On arrival we check in hotel and stroll around to catch our first glimpse of town. There is little traffic on roads and monks in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 8: Luang Prabang
The exploration of this delightful town includes the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which overlooks the Mekong River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes , doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang Prabang. We follow it with the national museum. This interesting mansion displays a lovely collection of treasures and artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. There are also plenty to see in this town, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai. We visit these sites and embark on a walk up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town center and the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N at Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 9: Luang Prabang - Khouang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang
The mountainous areas around Luang Prabang Town are also home of many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in secluded jungle. Today we catch a drive southwards to Phosi Market that sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts. Upon leaving this lively market we make our way through the verdant and rugged scenery to Ban Thapene , Ban Xom and Ban Namai which are conquered by the Lao Loum, Khmu and Hmong people. They are very poor but have interesting culture and colorful history. These tribal groups have originally settled in mountain side therefore it may involve some short walks to visit their villages. We arrives at Khouang Si Fall and spend the time relaxing in marvellous setting of waterfall and lush forest. The waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 10: Luang Prabang - Departure
There is a free time for your own exploration of the city or strolling around the shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for departure. (B)

INCLUSIONS: +Transportation in private vehicle with driver + Accommodation twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or guesthouses or similar one + Domestic flight Vientiane – Oudomxay + English or French speaking guide +Entrance fee to indicated sights + Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Boat trip in Hatsat to Luang Prabang

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Laos, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner

TRIP NOTES

-LAOS IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMOODATION IS SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.

-THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

-THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

-THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

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