Lao unseen northern loop 9 days

Lao unseen northern loop 9 days

Enjoy a combination of scenic landscapes, city sightseeing and adventurous trekking expeditions through villages and highland areas. We journey through many fascinating hill tribe villages, waving to the warm and friendly locals and admiring the dramatic mountain scenery. You will get a feel of their customs and culture as trekking provides a greater insight and staying overnight in a villager’s home offers an authentic experience. This tour sees the best highlights and a close up cultural experience of northern Laos.

Itinerary

Day 1: Chiang Khong (Thailand) – Bokeo Houeixai (Laos)

Stop At: Huay Xai, Huay Xai, Bokeo Province
Saibaidee and a very good morning to your adventure and cultural experience to Laos!!!

You will be greeted by our local guide at your hotel in Houay Xay or at the border side of Laos.
(Please let us know your preferred meeting place)

Then your adventure begins from the Houay Xay pier by boarding the Shompoo luxury cruise at 10:00hrs. This is a unique shared cruise on the Mighty Mekong River in Laos, heading downriver for a 7-8 hours relaxing slow journey to the quaint town of Pakbeng. Along the way you will see traditional sights such as local’s farming, fishing or building wooden houses, along with plenty of animals such as buffalos, goats and other various animals. All these sights are part of the picturesque landscape of large mountainous jungles that you cruise through.

Onboard you can help yourself to complementary fresh fruit with tea and coffee. You can purchase local snacks and alcoholic drinks too. The buffet lunch is included and consists of local delicacies freshly cooked and prepared onboard.

On the way you will stop at a small traditional hill tribe village. Here you will see the daily life of the villagers going about their normal routines such as washing clothes, tending to animals and preparing rice for the evening meals. This village is a self-sustained village that cares for each other and exchange daily products such as eggs, rice, vegetables for work on the wooden houses or farming.

When reaching Pakbeng Pier you will disembark and be transferred by local transportation to Le Grand Pakbeng Resort where you will stay two nights, you will be greeting by staff offering a welcome drink. Once checked in to the resort you will have the chance to relax by the infinity swimming pool whilst watch the amazing sunset. In the evening depending on the size or the group your inclusive dinner of local dishes will be either a buffet or set dinner. After dinner you have free time to relax with cocktails at Le Bistro Lounge whilst witnessing the amazing night skyline of stars and sometimes the moonlight over the Mighty Mekong River.

Overnight in Le Grand Pakbeng Resort. (Lunch and Dinner included)
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mountain Villa

Day 2: Pakbeng – Full Day Excursion

Stop At: Pakbeng, Pakbeng, Oudomxay Province
Breakfast then your full day excursion.
After breakfast you and your local guide will travel 17 km north of Pakbeng, visiting Khmu Villages travelling along red soil road. On the way you will see spectacular scenery passing through the Jungle Mountains that look down onto the small rivers that feed the Mighty Mekong River, passing bamboo forests and rice fields with the hard working local people.

During your time in the village your guide will introduce you to some traditional customs of the Khmu people and explain the difference between three biggest ethnic groups in Laos.

The first village where you will stop is Ban Lai. This small village is rural the buffalos, pigs, chickens and dogs freely walk amongst the Khmu people. The village is constantly building and are always curious of the visitors. Some households have a small vegetable garden with fruit trees. Here you can take pictures of the locals. During this stop you will visit the cattle farm and see how then tend to them. The next village is Ban Kham which is the furthest village on the red oil road, featuring traditional rustic bamboo houses that are built on stilts above the ground. You will see that the villagers live on the first floor of houses raised on timber stilts. Under the house the family keep animals, craft equipment such as a simple food processing machines like large wooden mortars and pestles, a tradition dating back many years. Here you will have a chance to join in with activities such as panning for gold or peeling rice with local villagers.

In the afternoon you will head back to Pakbeng town for lunch. Then visit temples of at Wat Sichomjeng which is beautifully decorated with colorful artifacts and ancient murals, pictures and sculptures and Wat Kokkor; a 400 years old temple offers ancient artifacts with amazing view Pakbeng town. Ending this excursion by visiting the local market where all local people of Pakbeng district comes to do their daily shopping, you will see a variety of local foods and products including dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, fish, vegetables and fruit, everything needed for daily life in Laos.

Late afternoon return to resort for free time to swim at the infinity pool again sampling the cocktails ending with a local buffet of set dinner.

Overnight in Le Grand Pakbeng Resort.(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mountain Villa

Day 3: Pakbeng – Nam Kat Yorlapa

Stop At: Oudomxay, Oudomxay, Oudomxay Province
Breakfast then head to Muangxai, a provincial town of Oudomxay.

Along the way stopping at Ban Yor, a typical model village of Laos. Ban Yor offers a unique cultural experience with a long standing history. Founded in year 902, when a group of Thai Leu moved into the wide open valley that promised good harvests and a warm climate. Today this village consists of 135 families with a total of 682 inhabitants. Although electricity is available in the village still keeps the romantic traditional culture and atmosphere.
Here you will see the whole village busy with their daily routines such as women yarning,
weaving with cotton that is grown right next to the village and men are knitting fishnets.

Northern Laos has a long history in pottery due to the huge amount if clay available which has given the people chance to create bowls and jugs. In recent decades very little pottery was produced. Still pottery is very simple and is conducted without electricity gas or any machines.

Optional Homestay: On arrival to the village you will meet the Nai Ban (head of the village).
You will have the chance to go to one of the numerous home stay families where you have the time to take a shower before taking a small village tour. You will have a traditional simple Lao dinner with your home stay family after the villagers will be proud to show you their customs in a cultural performance which includes dancing and music in the village hall.

On the day two after breakfast for the whole morning you will join in some activities and learn some of the local traditional skills and getting to know the techniques in producing local products, you can choose if you would like to learn traditional pottery, weaving, yarning or cotton dyeing.

Lunch: You can choose to go to Oudomxay, or have a basic lunch at local restaurant in Muangxai town before heading to a Luxury Eco Resort of Laos.
Remark: Homestay program above prices will be quoted separately and this is just your optional choice if you wish to experience homestay with a night or two, otherwise, you can always continue your journey to next destination.

Namkat Yorla Pa, a protected forestry area along the Nam Kat River. Situated in Oudomxay province in North Eastern Laos, this area is truly one of the most beautiful and desired eco-tourism destinations in Laos and South East Asia. You will experience the complete wonder, exotic beauty, ethnic culture, thrilling adventure, the natural serenity and the biodiversity of the flora and fauna all in one place in Laos.

Relax by the pool, ride a complimentary bicycle on the paved paths, explore the Forrest area at your leisure, or simple rest on the balcony of the restaurant listing to the sounds of the wildlife and watching the stream pass you by. Dinner will be served in the restaurant.

Overnight at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight in Nam Kat Yorlapa Resort

Day 4: Nam Kat Yorlapa - Activities

Stop At: Namkat Yorla Pa Resort, P38W+PR Ban Cat, Oudomxai, Laos
Breakfast then you will be presented with some outstanding activities.
Departing from the resort by car and then a short walk to the Information Centre. You will then trek up to Namkat waterfall walking towards the waterfall by crossing flying bridges. Enjoying some great views looking down on to the Namkat River. We then will break taking the time to enjoy a nice lunch break at the waterfall.
Then adventure is underway with a challenging activity called “Zip-lining”. You will get the feeling of flying as you move very fast from tree to tree. For people who don’t want to do the zip-lining a walk back towards the meeting point will be organized. (this activity is included in your tour price). You might choose any other favorite choices of activities and pay on spot. Ending with dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner includes)
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Nam Kat Yorlapa

Day 5: Nam Kat Yorlapa – Luang Prabang

Stop At: Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province
Breakfast then over land to Luang Prabang.

Depart from Nam Kat Yorlapa heading to Luang Prabang, a 6-7 hour drive through uphill mountain ranges. During this journey you will stop at a Hmong Village Ban Lak 40, this is where the provincial border between Oudomxay and Luang Prabang is located. The village situated on the top of the hill and still preserve their heritage culture. The Hmong are the third largest ethnic group in Laos after the Lao and Khmu, accounting for 6.9% of the population.

We continue our journey uphill mountain range driving ahead to Luang Prabang. We will have stop points for photo opportunities for other villages arriving in Luang Prabang late afternoon.

Check in at Luang Prabang View Hotel and enjoy stunning with 360c the largest swimming pool in Laos. This hotel is located on the top of mount Phou Maew (Mountain of cats). You may view the UNESCO Heritage town from your hotel room.

Overnight in Luang Prabang View Hotel. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight in Luang Prabang View Hotel

Day 6: Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfall – City Tours

Stop At: Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang 06000 Laos
Breakfast then head to the most Lao famous Khouangsi Waterfall

The waterfall is located 29km from Luang Prabang, access is via a trail on the left of the waterfalls. The Kuang Si Falls (Tat Kuang Si) waterfalls are a favorite side trip for tourists in Luang Prabang. The falls begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside. These lead to the main fall with a 60 metres (200 ft) drop. The water flows into a turquoise blue pool before continuing downstream. Additional activities include swimming in the cool water, swinging on ropes, and enjoying snacks from on-site eateries, plus visit the Bear-rescue sanctuary and Butterfly Park.

Afternoon return to town and visit the Royal Palace Museum which hosts a range of interesting artefacts. Our walking tour we take in some of Luang Prabang’s hidden secrets by walking down the quiet back lanes leading to Wat Xiengthong. Along the way we stop at Wat Chomkhong, which is known for its decorative carvings. This area contains a mix of beautiful old French Colonial buildings, and traditional old Lao houses, which you will have time to admire, we also pass by the Fine Arts School, where we can see some of the quality artwork on display. Followed by a visit to Wat Visoun, also known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Then we visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives us a further insight into the ethnic mixes and cultures of Laos. Late this afternoon stretching your legs climb Mount Phousi, which offers a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. Finally strolling through the night market (open between 5pm-10pm) setting in downtown selling a large variety of local textiles and ethnic handicrafts.

Overnight in Luang Prabang View Hotel. (Breakfast included)
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Luang Prabang View Hotel

Day 7: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng

Stop At: Vang Vieng, Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province
Very early morning to participate the alms-giving!

You have the option and opportunity to rise early and participate in the daily morning ritual of ‘Alms Giving’, you will experience saffron-clad monks collecting offerings or ‘Alms’ from faithful local residents. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the daily procession.

After the alms-giving you will visit and experience the early morning fresh market. The morning markets are when locals do their shopping. Here you get a real flavor of the local culture. With Supermarkets few and far between through much of the region, the local markets are far superior for freshness and natural ingredients. The morning market lines a couple of quiet streets near the Royal Palace and along the city’s Wats, the market starts early and is over by mid-morning. Butcher’s and some of the more touristy stalls have actual tables for their products., most vendors, sell many items from rice, fresh vegetables, steamed fish, frogs, and anything else considered to be the catch of the day. These are set up on the ground, an elegant cheap solution simple and effective.

Return to hotel for breakfast before heading down to Vang Vieng. A mountain road trip which will take y 6-7hrs including few stops on the top of the ranges for photo opportunities. An intrepid journey driving along scenic landscapes, an old road with some pot holes in places. Arrive late afternoon in Vang Vieng, A small town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. With its stunning scenery and with a mixture of quiet river waters, limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism.

Along the way a lunch Picnic Phoukhoun Phiengfa restaurant located on the top of scenic hillside

We check in at Inthira Hotel Vang Vieng located in the heart of Vang Vieng situated on the Nam Song riverbank, the hotel’s desire is to deliver many memorable moments for their guests with a contemporary design in serene surroundings.

Overnight in Inthira Vang Vieng. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight in Inthira Hotel Vang Vieng

Day 8: Vang Vieng – Kayaking – Caving

Stop At: Vangvieng Kayaking, Vang Vieng, Laos
Breakfast we depart 8km away from Vang Vieng
Arrive at a kayaking site, here you will have a chance to kayak. An experienced English-speaking guide will show and demonstrate safety and techniques to help you kayak safely. Paddling your kayak along the Nam Song River through the majestic mountains on one side, rice paddies and villages on the other. You will also experience going through the tunnels of the limestone dark caves and swim in the refreshingly cool clear waters.
Relax with a light barbecue lunch and fresh fruits is served on the banks of the river with a majestic mountain and tropical forests backdrop. Your kayaking will flow pass your hotel ending today’s kayaking.
Overnight in Inthira Vang Vieng. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight in Inthira Hotel Vang Vieng

Day 9: Vang Vieng – Vientiane – End

Stop At: Vientiane, Vientiane, Vientiane Prefecture
Breakfast then drive to Vientiane with few stops en-route, we drop you at the Victoria Gate or to your hotel in Vientiane. (Breakfast)
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.