Heritage & Wilderness: Laos Northern Loop 8 Days

Upon your arrival in Luang Prabang, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our local guide and taken on a short drive to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and explore the tranquil beauty of Luang Prabang at your leisure.

• Overnight: Luang Prabang
• Meals: None
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

Start your day with a visit to Luang Prabang’s oldest and most revered temples, including the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, known for its sweeping roofs that nearly touch the ground—an iconic example of classical Lao architecture. You’ll also explore the Royal Palace Museum, which houses fascinating artifacts, and visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to gain insight into Laos’ diverse ethnic cultures.

After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can take a dip in the turquoise pools or explore the surrounding forest paths. On the way, visit local minority villages such as Ban Quay and Ban Ou to learn about the distinct cultures of these Laotian communities. There’s also an opportunity to visit the nearby bear sanctuary, dedicated to protecting the Asiatic black bear.

In the late afternoon, climb Mount Phousi to explore the sacred gilded stupa at its summit and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sunset over the Mekong River. As you descend, you’ll find yourself in the midst of the vibrant Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can browse handmade textiles and handicrafts created by local artisans and ethnic hill tribes.

• Overnight: Luang Prabang
• Meals: Breakfast
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

Today, you’ll drive to Nong Khiaw, passing through lush forests and scenic landscapes. Along the way, you’ll stop at various villages to appreciate the breathtaking limestone karst scenery. A highlight of the day is a boat trip to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes have been placed by devout pilgrims over the centuries. Late in the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Nong Khiaw, a serene town nestled along the Nam Ou River.

• Overnight: Nong Khiaw
• Meals: Breakfast
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

Embark on a morning boat trip to the picturesque village of Muang Ngoi, located an hour upstream from Nong Khiaw. From there, trek to the Tham Kang cave, steeped in local legend, and continue through lush rice paddy fields to the remote Lao Loum village of Ban Na, accessible only by foot and rich in traditional character. After a local lunch, visit the Thai Daeng village of Huay Sen before trekking back to Muang Ngoi through forest and paddy field scenery. Before returning to Nong Khiaw by boat, you might want to take a refreshing dip in the Nam Ou River, as the locals do.

• Overnight: Nong Khiaw
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

Begin your day with a short walk to the Tham Pha Thok cave, a limestone cavern where villagers once sought refuge during the Indochina War. The cave offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Afterward, drive north to Nam Kat Yolapa via Oudomxay, known for its rugged terrain and cultural diversity.

• Overnight: Nam Kat Resort
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

Today is packed with adventure as you start with a cycling trip from the information center, followed by a trek through the forest to the Namkat Waterfall. Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the lush rainforest along the Namkat River, with 18 exhilarating lines offering breathtaking views of the natural surroundings.

• Overnight: Nam Kat Resort
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

After breakfast, you’ll drive towards Pakbeng, passing through the mountainous Oudomxay province, home to a diverse mix of 23 ethnic minority groups. Along the way, you’ll stop at several villages to meet the Hmong, Khmu, Black Thai, and Lu people, learning about their unique cultures and lifestyles. In the evening, you’ll explore Pakbeng’s hill tribe market before settling into your hotel.

• Overnight: Pakbeng
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

On your final day, embark on a traditional boat journey upstream along the narrow yet beautiful Mekong River. As you travel, take in the stunning mountain and forest landscapes and visit Ban Houeilampen to meet the Hmong hill tribe people. The tour concludes in HoueiSay, where you’ll cross the bridge into Chiang Khong, Thailand, to continue your onward journey.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Transportation: Private Vehicle