Destinations: Vientiane – Nam Kat – Bakbeng – Luang Prabang.
Duration: 8 Days
Day 1: Vientiane arrival (DP)
On arrival in Vientiane, you will be welcomed by local tour guide and transfer to hotel in Vientiane – the country’s charming capital, with its laidback riverside ambience, and alluring monuments. You’ll spend the night in Vientiane.
Day 2: Vientiane City Tour (B, L, G)
Today is devoted to exploring the peaceful city of Vientiane. Highlights include:
Vat Phra Keo: Built in 1565, this is one of the most impressive and interesting temples in Vientiane. It previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha image.
Vat Sisaket: Known for its cloister wall, which stores thousands of tiny Buddha images, and its beautiful architecture and layout. The temple’s history dates back to 1818.
Pha That Luang: Built in 1566 and reconstructed in 1930, this is the most important Laotian religious and national monument. The temple features unique architecture that reflects Lao culture and identity, becoming a symbol of Lao nationalism.
Patuxay: The memorial monument, built in 1957, is the most prominent landmark in the city. Its architecture is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and combined with typical Lao motifs. From the top of the monument, you’ll enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the city.
Talat Sao Market: Where you can do some shopping.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the famous Buddha Park, located 25 km from the city. The park is home to over 200 concrete statues of Buddha and Hindu deities, including an enormous Buddhist statue 40 meters in length. There are also numerous other statues in the shapes of humans, deities, animals, and mythical figures. You’ll have the opportunity to enter a giant pumpkin-shaped monument through a monster’s mouth, which is 3 meters high, and explore all floors symbolizing Hell, the Underworld, and Heaven. You’ll spend the night in Vientiane.
Day 3: Vientiane – Oudomxay – Nam Kat (B, L, G)
By train, available daily at 07:30, arriving at 10:19.
After an early morning breakfast at the hotel, you’ll take the high-speed train to Oudomxay at 07:50, arriving at 10:46 a.m. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up by a driver and transferred to Nam Kat Yorlapa. Situated in Oudomxay Province in northeastern Laos, this area is one of the most beautiful and sought-after eco-tourism destinations in Laos and Southeast Asia. You’ll experience a blend of exotic beauty, ethnic culture, thrilling adventure, natural serenity, and biodiversity all in one place. Relax by the pool, ride a complimentary bicycle on the paved paths, explore the forest area at your leisure, or simply rest on the restaurant balcony, listening to the sounds of wildlife and watching the stream pass by. Activities such as zip lining, the spider net, waterfall visits, and ATV rides are available upon request and at your own expense (not included in the package). Overnight in Nam Kat Yorlapa.
Day 4: Nam Kat – Pakbeng (B, L, G)
After breakfast, you’ll continue to Pakbeng on the banks of the Mekong River. Along the way, you’ll make a few rest stops, giving you the opportunity to see ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong, Khmu, Black Thai, and Lue. The hill tribe people are unfailingly friendly, welcoming you with waving hands and smiling faces. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, you’ll check in to your hotel, and your evening will be free to explore or relax at the hotel. Overnight in Pakbeng.
Day 5: Pakbeng (B, L, G)
As you head out for the day’s activities, your guide will take you to villages 7 km north of Pakbeng town to visit Khmu villages along a red-soil road. You’ll pass through small forests, rice fields, and enjoy some spectacular scenery, as well as a rustic village with wooden bamboo houses. You’ll stop along the way for photo opportunities of local children and hard-working farmers in the fields. Upon arrival at the home of a Khmu family in Ban Kham village, you’ll take part in daily life activities, including steps of peeling rice by hand. During your time in the village, your guide will introduce you to traditional Khmu customs and explain the differences between the three largest ethnic groups in Laos. You’ll return to town for lunch, and in the afternoon, you’ll visit temples at Wat Sichomjeng and Wat Kokkormingmoungkhoun. Overnight in Pakbeng.
Day 6: Pakbeng – Luang Prabang by private boat (B, L, G)
8:00: The boat will leave Pakbeng for another day of exploring impressive nature landscapes along the river. Two stops are planned during the afternoon.
Use your free time in the morning to ask the guide any questions about Luang Prabang and Laos.
12:30: Lunch will be served on board, featuring traditional Lao food with several dishes.
13:00: After lunch, you’ll make your first stop at Pak Ou to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and see its thousands of Buddha images.
14:30: Next, you’ll visit the Lao Lao Village, commonly known as the Whiskey Village. The guide will provide information about the locally made rice whisky, and you’ll have the chance to taste it if you wish. You’ll also have time to enjoy the charm of this small, authentic village, its temple, and local artisans. Local snacks and fresh fruits will be served before arrival.
You’ll arrive in Luang Prabang around 4:30 p.m. This will mark the end of the cruise. However, we can also assist with reserving a hotel for your night in Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Khoang Si (B, L, G)
This morning, you’ll have the option and opportunity to rise early and participate in the daily morning ritual of Alms Giving. You’ll experience saffron-clad monks collecting offerings, or ‘Alms,’ from faithful local residents. This tradition is unique to Laos, as it is the only Buddhist nation still preserving the daily procession.
After breakfast, you’ll head out to explore the city’s oldest temples, including the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts from the Royal period in Luang Prabang. You’ll visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, known for its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Lao architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, and the shrine of Wat Aham. From here, you’ll drive to Khouangsi. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 8: Luang Prabang departure (B, DP)
What’s included:
- Breakfast and accommodation sharing double/twin rooms.
- Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
- Boat cruises as specified in the programme.
- Second Class train tickets as per program.
- Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver.
- The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
- Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the local restaurants.
What’s excluded:
- Other international flight tickets and airport tax.
- Visas
- Lunches and dinners, except as specified above.
- Drinks, tipping and personal expenses.
- Insurance.