Description

Day 1: Luang Prabang Sightseeing

Start the day early by joining the sunrise alms-giving ceremony, one of the most sacred Lao traditions. Local people gather outside their homes to offer food to long lines of Buddhist monks walking through the streets. If you choose to participate, please remember to dress respectfully.

Afterward, visit the morning market, a lively and colorful spot in the UNESCO World Heritage town. Known for its bustling atmosphere, the market offers a wide variety of local products, fresh produce, and handmade crafts. Then return to your accommodation for breakfast.

After breakfast, you will explore the highlights of Luang Prabang, including:

• Wat Xieng Thong, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, also known as the “Golden Temple”
• The former Royal Palace
• A walk through the charming UNESCO Heritage streets
• Phousi Hill, where you can enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view over Luang Prabang

Activities: Full-day city tour including morning alms-giving, Wat Xieng Thong, Royal Palace, and Phousi Hill

Day 2: Kuang Si Waterfall

Depart the hotel around 9:00 AM for a one-hour drive through rural countryside to the iconic Kuang Si Waterfall, nestled deep in the jungle. Its turquoise-blue pools are perfect for swimming and provide wonderful photo opportunities.
At the entrance, you will also have the chance to visit the Free the Bears Rescue Centre.

Enjoy a relaxing day swimming in the natural pools. On your return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, you will stop at the Buffalo Dairy, where you can try ice cream made from buffalo milk.

Day 3: Luang Prabang > Muang Chom Pet > Green Jungle Park > Pottery Village

Leave the hotel and head to the Mekong River to cross over to Muang Chom Pet by ferry. From there, you will drive to Green Jungle Park, where you will experience authentic local life and visit nearby ethnic villages.
Green Jungle Park is also home to several retired elephants, giving you the opportunity to observe them, walk alongside them, play with them, or feed them. It is a meaningful experience that offers insight into how elephants live and are cared for.

Afterward, continue to Ban Chan (Pottery Village), known for its handmade pottery such as water jars, bowls, and decorative crafts. Artisans here use traditional techniques with locally sourced clay. Visitors can observe the entire pottery-making process—from shaping to firing—and may even join a workshop to make their own piece.
Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

Day 4: Weaving Village > Ban Ansavan > Tad Sae Waterfall

Today is an easy and cultural day as you explore the eastern side of Luang Prabang. Cross the Nam Khan River to reach Ban Xang Khong, known for its weaving traditions and handmade Sa paper. Many of the beautiful lamps and handicrafts sold at the night market are produced here.

Continue to Ban Phanom, one of the region’s most famous weaving centers, offering excellent quality and fair prices for souvenirs.
From there, drive about 14 km to Ban Ansavanh, where you will board a long-tail boat and travel up the Nam Khan River (5–10 minutes) to Tad Sae Waterfall.

At Tad Sae, you can take a short hike through the rainforest before enjoying a picnic lunch and a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools. Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Luang Prabang → Luang Namtha

Travel to Luang Namtha today by taking the Lao–China Railway (LCR). You will leave the hotel around 9:00 AM for your train (K12, 11:32–13:28), a 1 hour 56 minute journey to Na Teuy. This train route is the best option for traveling to northeastern Laos, as the road conditions are too poor for comfortable bus or van travel.

Upon arrival at Na Teuy Station, you will board a private air-conditioned minibus or car to continue to Luang Namtha, approximately a 1.5-hour drive (depending on road conditions). Along the way, you will stop at several ethnic (tribal) villages.
You will arrive in Luang Namtha in the early evening.

Recommendation:
If you still have energy, visit the Luang Namtha Night Market, where you can try authentic northern Lao dishes and local snacks.

Day 6: Luang Namtha Exploration → Muang Sing

After breakfast, visit the Tribal Museum in Luang Namtha, an informative stop where you will learn about the many ethnic groups of northern Laos—their origins, traditions, hunting methods, and how they lived from nature in earlier times.

Next, travel toward Muang Sing, a small town in Luang Namtha Province located about 60 km northwest of Luang Namtha Town and close to the Yunnan, China border. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, Muang Sing has a rich cultural and historical background.

Upon arrival, visit the Muang Sing Stupa, an important cultural symbol of the Tai Dam ethnic group. Along the way, you will also stop at several Akha villages—an ethnic group that originally migrated from Yunnan, China in the 18th century.

Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short walk through the village for sightseeing.

Day 7: Muang Sing Exploration

Wake up early to experience the Muang Sing Morning Market, where different hill tribes bring their goods from nearby communities to sell. You will enjoy tasting a variety of traditional foods and local snacks.

After breakfast, you will drive out of Muang Sing to explore the rural countryside of northern Laos (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by car). You will then walk through several hill tribe villages, including Akha, Hmong, and Khmu communities.
This is a great opportunity to observe, interact, and exchange experiences with local people, and to see the cultural differences among various ethnic groups in Laos.

After visiting the villages, you will continue driving through farmland. If you wish to stop for a short walk or photos, it is possible. The day trip will finish in the late afternoon.

Day 8: Muang Sing → Vieng Phouka

To avoid a long travel day to Houayxay, you will travel today from Muang Sing to Vieng Phouka, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (around 100 km).
You may depart from Luang Namtha for Vieng Phouka at any convenient time. Along the way, there are many beautiful spots for photos, especially around Nam Ha National Park, as well as views of small mountain village schools.

Day 9: Vieng Phouka → Houayxay

Depart Vieng Phouka for Houayxay (Bokeo Province), approximately 140 km (around 2 hours), though travel time may vary due to some rough road conditions. The journey passes through beautiful scenery, and you are expected to arrive in Houayxay in the late afternoon.

Once in Houayxay, you can explore the town on foot. It is a small riverside town located along the Mekong River.

Note:
Your driver will stop every hour for leg stretching and toilet breaks.

Day 10: Boat Cruise – Houayxay to Pakbeng

After breakfast, you will board your private boat and begin cruising down the Mekong River. Today is a relaxing journey where you will enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Mekong Valley, including lush farmlands, mountain scenery, local villages, playful children swimming in the river, water buffalo cooling off, and dramatic river cliffs.

The Mekong River—originating from the Himalayas and flowing over 4,800 km through six Southeast Asian countries—is the second-fastest flowing river in the world after the Amazon. Along the way, you will make several stops to visit local tribal villages before arriving in Pakbeng.

Note: Lunch, tea, and coffee will be served on board.
Pakbeng is a small riverside town in northern Laos and a common overnight stop on the two-day boat journey from Houayxay to Luang Prabang. With guesthouses, restaurants, small shops, and beautiful Mekong sunsets, it offers a peaceful atmosphere for travelers.

Day 11: Boat Cruise to Luang Prabang

After waking up early, enjoy a simple breakfast with hot coffee or tea, then board the boat again for your journey to Luang Prabang. The cruise takes approximately 5 hours.

On the way, you will stop at the famous Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting)—a highlight of the Mekong journey and a wonderful place for photography. These sacred limestone caves contain thousands of Buddha statues placed there by pilgrims over centuries.

You will arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon or early evening.

Day 12: Luang Prabang – Free Day

Enjoy a full free day to relax or explore Luang Prabang at your own pace.
This UNESCO World Heritage city offers temples, markets, cafes, waterfalls, and a peaceful riverside atmosphere.

Day 13: Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng

Depart from the hotel at 10:30 AM to catch train C91 (12:50–13:52) — a scenic 1 hour and 2 minute journey. Upon arrival at the Vang Vieng train terminal, transfer to your hotel (approx. 15 minutes).

Vang Vieng is famous for its breathtaking karst landscapes, rivers, and adventure activities. If time allows, enjoy a late lunch in town, then take a 15–20 minute drive to visit Blue Lagoon 2, a beautiful swimming spot surrounded by limestone mountains.

Day 14: Vang Vieng Exploration

Today you will discover the highlights of this vibrant riverside town. You will spend a full day on an adventure tour combining:

• Kayaking along the Nam Song River, offering scenic views of local life
• Tubing into a limestone cave hidden within the karst formations
• Swimming in refreshing natural spring pools

The tour finishes around 3:00 PM.

Alternative Option:
For guests who prefer a non-adventure experience, a classic sightseeing tour is available, including a long-tail boat trip along the Nam Song River and visits to local caves.

Day 15: Vang Vieng to Vientiane

After breakfast, depart Vang Vieng by private car for the drive to Vientiane (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes) along Highway 13.
Upon arrival, you will explore several of the capital’s cultural highlights:

• Hor Pra Keo – the former Emerald Buddha Hall
• Wat Sisaket – built in 1818 by the last King of Laos
• Wat Si Muang – known as the “Mother Temple,” popular among locals for making wishes and prayers
• Patuxai – the Victory Monument of Laos
• That Luang Stupa – the national symbol and most sacred monument in the country

After sightseeing, check into your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 16: Half-Day Vientiane Exploration

After breakfast, depart around 9:00 AM to visit the Lao Wood Art Museum, located southeast of Vientiane. This is the largest exhibition of forest logs and wood carvings in Southeast Asia, featuring rare ancient trees with massive diameters and showcasing the finest traditional Lao wood-carving craftsmanship.

The tour will finish around lunchtime.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 17: Vientiane to Phonsavan (Flight Recommended)

Due to extremely poor road conditions, we strongly recommend flying to Phonsavan rather than traveling by car or bus. Overland travel is slow, uncomfortable, and often affected by road construction and deep potholes.

Flights via Lao Airlines take only 35 minutes, with two daily departures (09:35 & 15:45).
If you take the morning flight at 09:35, you will arrive in Phonsavan around 10:05 AM.

After arrival, begin exploring the Plain of Jars, visiting Site 1 and Site 2, and then continue to Ban Na Pia, known as the “spoon-making village.”

Background on the Plain of Jars

Local legend suggests that the jars were created in the 5th or 6th century to celebrate victories of King Khun Jeuang, and were possibly used to store rice wine.
Another theory is that the jars were used as part of ancient burial rituals—remains were left inside the jars to decompose before being purified and buried.

Ban Na Pia

After the Vietnam/CIA war in Laos, villagers began collecting leftover war scrap metal to recycle into useful items such as spoons and other household utensils.

Day 18: Morning Market & Muang Khoun Exploration

Begin the day with a visit to the Phonsavan Morning Market, the largest local market in the region. You’ll discover a fascinating variety of produce, foods, and goods from surrounding villages.

Return to the hotel for breakfast before driving to Muang Khoun (approx. 30 minutes), the former provincial capital and one of the towns hardest hit during the war.

Visit:

• Wat Piawat – the ruins of the main temple destroyed by bombing
• Local rice noodle–making villages, which distribute traditional noodles to major cities across Laos

In the evening, visit the MAG (Mine Advisory Group) Office to watch a documentary about the war and learn more about the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on the local population.

Day 19: Phonsavan to Vientiane

A relaxing travel day.
Depending on your chosen flight time, you will transfer to the airport for your return to Vientiane. After landing, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 20: Vientiane – COPE Center & Vientiane Center

Today you will visit the COPE Center (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise), a non-profit organization supporting people with mobility disabilities—especially those affected by UXO accidents. It is one of the most meaningful and educational sites in Vientiane.

Afterward, visit the Vientiane Center, a modern shopping mall where you can browse products made in Laos and Southeast Asia. This is a good opportunity for last-minute shopping before your departure.

Inclusive

✓ 19 nights’ accommodation
✓ All admission fees mentioned in the itinerary
✓ Private SUV with English-speaking driver
✓ Domestic flights
✓ 2-day private Mekong boat cruise
✓ All activities listed in the itinerary
✓ Train tickets
✓ Travel authority and relevant government fees

Exclusive

✗ Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
✗ Personal expenses
✗ Travel/medical insurance
✗ Late hotel check-out
✗ Tips