Destinations: Houay Xay – Pakbeng – Nam Kat Yorlapa – Luang Prabang.
Duration: 7 Days
Day 1: Chiang Khong (Thailand) – Bokeo Houeixai (Laos) (L, G)
Saibaidee and a very good morning to your adventure and cultural experience to Laos!!!
You’ll be greeted by our local guide either at your hotel in Houay Xay or at the Laos border. Your adventure will begin at 10:00 AM from the Houay Xay pier, where you’ll board the Leisure cruise. This shared cruise on the Mighty Mekong River in Laos offers a 6-7 hour relaxing journey downriver to the charming town of Pakbeng.
As you cruise through the picturesque landscape of large mountainous jungles, you’ll witness traditional scenes of local farming, fishing, and wooden house construction, along with various animals like buffaloes and goats.
Onboard, you’ll enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, tea, and coffee, with the option to purchase local snacks and alcoholic drinks. A buffet lunch featuring freshly prepared local delicacies is also included.
During the journey, there will be a stop at a small traditional hill tribe village, where you can observe daily life as villagers wash clothes, tend animals, and prepare rice for the evening meal. This self-sustained village trades daily products like eggs, rice, and vegetables in exchange for work on wooden houses or farming.
Upon arrival at Pakbeng Pier, you’ll disembark and be transferred by local transportation to Le Grand Pakbeng Resort, where you’ll stay for two nights. You’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink upon check-in and can then unwind by the infinity swimming pool while taking in the stunning sunset.
In the evening, depending on your group’s size, an inclusive dinner featuring local dishes will be served as either a buffet or a set menu. After dinner, you’ll have free time to relax with cocktails at Le Bistro Lounge, enjoying the mesmerizing night sky filled with stars and moonlight over the Mighty Mekong River. Overnight at Le Grand Pakbeng Resort.
Day 2: Pakbeng full day excursion (B, L, D, G)
After breakfast, you’ll travel 17 km north of Pakbeng to visit Khmu villages along a red soil road. On the way, you’ll pass through spectacular scenery, including jungle-covered mountains overlooking small rivers that feed the Mighty Mekong River, as well as bamboo forests and rice fields where hardworking locals tend to their crops.
During your visit, your guide will introduce you to the traditional customs of the Khmu people and explain the differences between the three largest ethnic groups in Laos.
Your first stop will be at Ban Lai, a small rural village where buffalos, pigs, chickens, and dogs roam freely among the Khmu people. The village is constantly evolving, with construction always underway and locals curious about visitors. Some households have small vegetable gardens with fruit trees. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos of the locals and visit a cattle farm to see how they care for their livestock.
Next, you’ll visit Ban Kham, the most remote village along the red soil road. This village features traditional rustic bamboo houses built on stilts above the ground. You’ll notice that the villagers live on the first floor of these raised houses, while the space beneath is used to keep animals and store craft equipment, including simple food processing tools like large wooden mortars and pestles—a tradition that dates back many years. Here, you’ll have the chance to participate in activities such as panning for gold or peeling rice alongside the local villagers.
In the afternoon, you’ll return to Pakbeng town for lunch. Afterward, you’ll visit Wat Sichomjeng, a beautifully decorated temple featuring colorful artifacts, ancient murals, and sculptures, as well as Wat Kokkor, a 400-year-old temple with ancient artifacts and stunning views of Pakbeng town. You’ll conclude your excursion with a visit to the local market, where residents of the Pakbeng district come for their daily shopping. Here, you’ll find a variety of local foods and products, including dried buffalo skin, local tea, and saltpeter, along with chickens, fish, vegetables, and fruits—everything needed for daily life in Laos.
In the late afternoon, you’ll return to the resort for some free time to swim in the infinity pool, enjoy cocktails, and end the day with a local buffet or set dinner. Overnight at Le Grand Pakbeng Resort.
Day 3: Pabeng – Nam Kat Yorlapa (B, L, D, G)
After breakfast, you’ll head to Muangxai, the provincial town of Oudomxay. Along the way, you’ll stop at Ban Yor, a quintessential model village of Laos. Ban Yor offers a unique cultural experience with a rich history. Founded in 902 AD by a group of Thai Leu settlers who were drawn to the valley’s fertile land and warm climate, the village has thrived ever since. Today, it is home to 135 families, totaling 682 inhabitants. Although the village has electricity, it still preserves its romantic traditional culture and atmosphere.
Here, you’ll witness the villagers engaged in their daily routines. Women are busy spinning yarn and weaving cotton, grown right next to the village, while men knit fishnets.
Northern Laos has a long history of pottery, thanks to the abundant clay resources in the region. This has allowed the villagers to create bowls and jugs, though pottery production has declined in recent decades. The process remains simple, with no use of electricity, gas, or machinery.
For lunch, you can choose to dine in Oudomxay or enjoy a basic meal at a local restaurant in Muangxai before heading to a luxury eco-resort.
Namkat Yorla Pa is a protected forestry area along the Nam Kat River, located 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. Here, you’ll experience the full wonder of exotic beauty, ethnic culture, thrilling adventure, natural serenity, and the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna—all in one place.
You can relax by the pool, ride a complimentary bicycle along the paved paths, explore the forest area at your leisure, or simply rest on the restaurant’s balcony, listening to the sounds of wildlife and watching the stream pass by. Dinner will be served at the restaurant. Overnight at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort.
Day 4: Nam Kat Yorlapa – Activities (B, L, G)
After breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some outstanding activities. The day begins with a car ride from the resort, followed by a short walk to the Information Centre. From there, you’ll embark on a trek to Namkat Waterfall, crossing flying bridges and taking in spectacular views of the Namkat River below. Upon reaching the waterfall, you’ll pause for a relaxing lunch break in this scenic setting.
The adventure continues with an exhilarating activity called “Zip-lining,” where you’ll experience the thrill of flying at high speeds from tree to tree. For those who prefer not to zip-line, a guided walk back to the meeting point will be arranged. (This activity is included in your tour price.) Alternatively, you can choose from a variety of other activities, which can be booked on-site. Overnight at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort.
Day 5: Nam Kat Yorlapa – Luang Pabang by train (B, DP)
Breakfast, you are free and relax before transfer to train station and leaving for Luang Prabang.
11:00 check out at hotel and transfer to train station
12:34 we are leaving Oudomxay for Luang Prabang
13:23 Arrive at Luang Prabang station, you will be met by guide and transfer to hotel in Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfall – city tours (B, L, G)
After breakfast, you’ll head to the famous Kuang Si Waterfall, one of the most popular attractions in Laos. Located 29 km from Luang Prabang, the waterfall is accessible via a trail to the left of the main falls. Kuang Si Falls (Tat Kuang Si) is a favorite side trip for visitors to Luang Prabang. The waterfall begins in shallow pools atop a steep hillside, leading to the main cascade with a 60-meter (200 ft) drop. The water flows into a stunning turquoise blue pool before continuing downstream. Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as swimming in the cool water, swinging on ropes, and savoring snacks from the on-site eateries. You can also visit the nearby Bear Rescue Sanctuary.
In the afternoon, you’ll return to town to visit the Royal Palace Museum, which houses a range of interesting artifacts. Your walking tour will explore some of Luang Prabang’s hidden gems as you stroll down quiet back lanes leading to Wat Xiengthong. Along the way, you’ll stop at Wat Chomkhong, known for its decorative carvings. This area features a blend of beautiful old French Colonial buildings and traditional Lao houses, which you’ll have time to admire. You’ll also pass by the Fine Arts School, where you can see quality artwork on display. Next, you’ll visit Wat Visoun, also known as the “Watermelon Stupa” due to its unique shape. The tour continues with a visit to the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre, providing further insight into the ethnic diversity and cultures of Laos.
Late in the afternoon, it’s time to stretch your legs with a climb up Mount Phousi, offering a spectacular sunset and panoramic views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. Finally, you’ll stroll through the night market, open from 5 PM to 10 PM, where a wide variety of local textiles and ethnic handicrafts are available for purchase. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Alms Giving – departure (B, G, DP)
You have the option to rise early and participate in the daily morning ritual of Alms Giving, where you can witness saffron-clad monks collecting offerings, or ‘Alms,’ from faithful local residents. This tradition is unique to Laos, as it is the only Buddhist nation that still preserves the daily procession.
After the Alms Giving, you’ll visit the early morning fresh market. These markets are where locals do their daily shopping, offering a true taste of the local culture. With supermarkets few and far between throughout much of the region, the local markets are far superior for freshness and natural ingredients.
You’ll then return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to the train station for your journey to Vang Vieng.
You’ll then return your hotel for breakfast. Your time will be your own until your private car and driver arrives to take you to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.
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.