10 DAYS NORTHERN LAOS & LUANG PRABANG

Northern Laos remains an area which is still less visited by tourists and this tour gives an opportunity to experience local way of life in this un-spoilt area before arriving in Luang Prabang....

Akha Tribe Laos

Muang Sing

Nong Khiaw Bridge

Akha Tribe Laos

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10

days

TOUR SUMMARY:

Duration: 10 days

Suggested Time: 08:30 - 16:30 depending on daily itinerary

Northern Laos remains an area which is still less visited by tourists and this tour gives an opportunity to experience local way of life in this un-spoilt area before arriving in Luang Prabang.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Thailand | Laos border - Luang Namtha

Luang Namtha is a largest settlement in the Northwest Laos. It is popular for tourist destination and a base for trekking, biking to surrounding by hill tribe villages as: Akha, Lantan, Yao, etc..., which they still live with their unique way of life

Today you will be met at the border of Laos by your local private guide. From here we will be transferred to Luang Namtha approximately 3 hours drive throughout the beautiful scenery along the way we will make our stop at the local village to observe their unique way of life. You will arrive to Luang Namtha in the late afternoon.

Upon arrival we are visitting That Luang stupa. Built in similar style to That Luang stupa in Vientiane this stupa also allows for stunning view of Luang Namtha. Following this we then visit the near by hill tribe village of Lan Tan. Here is the opportunity to experience how paper is made from bamboo and also how the hill tribe make their clothes by weaving and using natural colour dyeing process. Depending on the season, enjoy a visit to the village waterfall after that back into Luang Namtha to check – in your chosen hotel. The remainder of the day is own your leisure.

In the evening you will then have time at leisure to explore the night market is the best place you can buy some local products as souvenirs or explore the night life in the city.

PRIVATE TOUR AVAILABLE DAILY

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Private Tour with local guide
Visit the minority villages of Akha, Yao, Lantan and experience their unique way of life
Trekking in Luang Namtha
Cruise down the Nam-Ou River
Hiking to 100 waterfall in Nong Khiaw
Take part in the Early Morning Alms Giving ritual
Learn to cook popular Lao dishes

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Day 2: Luang Namtha - Muang Sing - Luang Numtha

Muang Sing is a small district about 60 kilometres from Luang Namtha province. It lies very close with Yunan, China. It has beautiful landscape surrounded by mountains and gorgeous scenery, relaxed atmosphere and an astonishing number of ethnic minorities.

After breakfast today you will be transferred by private vehicle from Luang Namtha to Muangsing, approximately 4 hours (2 hours each way) along the way stopping to visit Hill tribe of Akha and Yao villages to observe their traditional way of life. We will then drive back to Luang Namtha in the late afternoon the rest of the day is leisure.

Day 3: Luang Numtha - Trekking to Chitchaluen Khmu village - Muang La

Today after breakfast you will be met by your trekking guide (different guide who is a specialist trekking guide in the area) You will enjoy a 4 hour trek through the area visiting a local Khmu village.

In the afternoon we leave from Luang Namtha to drive to Muang La. On the way we will make a stop at OudomXay which is approximately 3 hours. From here heading to Muang La which is approximately drive 30 minute drive. Check- in at your hotel at night where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 4: Muang Khua - Muang Ngoi - Ban Sop Jam Khmu Village - Nong Khiaw

Today we will drive to Muang Khau, approximately 3 hours where our boat awaits to cruise down on the Nam - Ou river, (approximately 2 hours) Upon reaching the dam the boat stops where we will disembark and take a Tuk – Tuk (approximately 15 minutes drive) to the bottom of the dam where another boat awaits to continue the journey to Nong Khiew, which has very stunning mountain views along the river banks. The cruise will stop at Ban Sop Jam. Here is also the opportunity to observe the unique way of life of the Khmu ( Lao hill tribe) Then we will cruise onward, firstly stopping at Old Muang Ngoi (approximately 25 minutes cruise) then on to Nong Khiaw (approximately 1 hour cruise) arriving by late afternoon. Check- in at your hotel.

Nong khiaw is the Gem of Northern Laos. It is a small town on the bank of Nam Ou river boast gorgeous backdrop of imposing Limestone Mountains, picturesque river views and genius local colour and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 5: - Nong Khiaw - Hiking to 100 waterfall

Today after breakfast your guide will meet you at your hotel. You will later be transferred by private vehicle to the boat pier where you will board cruise downstream approximately 1 hour to the Khmu village. From here we start the trekking tour into the mountainous Lao countryside. Whilst hiking for approximately 2 hours (medium difficulty) you will pass through forest and rice fields before reaching the 100 waterfall where you may wish to cool off by taking a refreshing swim in the pool at the base of the falls or relax in the shade. Enjoy lunch at the waterfall before trekking back to the village where the boat awaits to cruise back to Nong Khiaw.

Day 6: Nong Khiaw Sightseeing | Leisure day

After Breakfast we will have a short drive to visit the Tham Pha Thok cave which was used as a war shelter during the Indochina war between 1964 – 1973. Since this time the cave has now become a main visiting attraction and then we drive back to the town.

In the afternoon you have the opportunity to take a leisurely hike (approximately 1 hour to the top) up to Nong Khiaw / Ban Sop Houn viewpoint which is one of the best places to view the village and surroundings.

The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore around the town.

Day 7: Nong Khiew - Luang Prabang

After breakfast we will take a leisurely drive to Luang Prabang which take approximately 4 hours. The remainder of the day is at leisure where you may wish to explore the night market for some souvenir shopping.

Day 8: Luang Prabang - National Museum - Mt. Phousi - Kuang Si Waterfall

After breakfast at your hotel you will be meet by your local Private Guide. Take private air conditioned vehicle driving straight to Wat Xieng Thong temple which is one of the most beautiful in Laos. Upon leaving Wat Xieng Thong we will take a walk through the streets of Luang Prabang observing the historical architecture of French colonial buildings and local life before paying a visit to the National Museum, the Former Royal palace which was built 1904-1909 by the French Architect and was gift from the French to our last king of Laos. Next we will climb up to the top of Mt. Phousi for a 360 degree view of the city.

After Lunch (not included) you will be transferred by private vehicle about 45 minutes to Kuang-Si Waterfall. Take a leisurely hike through the National Park on the way pass by the Asian Bear Rescue Centre. Enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise water of the different waterfalls. Hike to the top of the main waterfall from where you can enjoy the panoramic views. Return to the pools at the bottom of the falls where you can enjoy a refreshing swim should you wish.

The day ends upon your return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 9: Luang Prabang - Pak-Ou Cave - Whiskey Village - Handicraft Village

Luang Prabang is the perfect place to see one of the most sacred Lao traditions, the Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony. Rise early to witness the procession of monks. You will have the opportunity to take part in this tradition by offering sticky rice to the monks as they collect their one meal of the day.

Returning to the hotel for breakfast following which your guide and driver will transfer you by private vehicle to the boat pier in Luang Prabang where your boat departs for Pak Ou Cave. Cruising by Private boat on the Mekong River observe the picturesque limestone formations and local way of life along the river. The first stop is at Ban Xang Hai also known as the 'whiskey village' to see the process of making lao-lao, the country's beloved rice whiskey second only to Beer Lao in popularity. Explore the sanctuaries of Pak Ou and witness the intriguing sight of over 4,000 Buddha images. Enjoy lunch (not included) before transferring by private boat to visit Ban Xang Khong Village - Handicraft village - where you will have the opportunity to see locals making local handicrafts by weaving, carving and

paper making. This is also an opportunity to purchase these locally made products as souvenirs. From here the private mini van will collect you to drive back towards Luang Prabang.

From here you will be transferred to your hotel where you can spend the evening exploring the night at your leisure.

Day 10: Luang Prabang - Cooking Class - Departure

Your day starts with a visit to a local food market where the chef explains what the foods are and how they are used in traditional Lao cooking. You will then be transferred to the cooking school (local house) where you prepare and cook various typical Lao dishes.

Once you have prepared your dishes you will then take a seat and enjoy the food which you have made.. There will be plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day.

You will leave with a recipe book so you can create your own dishes when returning home.

Note: Cooking class may be a join in activity depending on the number of bookings received by the cooking school.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure to have opportunity to explore more of the great city of Luang Prabang and to pick up any last minute souvenirs before transferring to the airport to depart to your next destination.

NOTE:

This tour program has been carefully designed and represents experiences we recommend. However, should you wish to amend any element of the program to suit your own interests please let us know so we can create a unique trip just for you.

PRIVATE TOUR RATE: Prices are quoted in US Dollars | Per Person

Single supplement applies
Our prices represent ground service only, however, if you prefer a package to include accommodation this can be arranged accordingly.

Tour Includes:

Tour Excludes:

Private English Speaking Local Guide
Tours, activities and transfers as mentioned by air conditioned vehicle
Sightseeing entrance fees and permits during guided time
Private boat fees

International and domestic flights
VISA and any VISA related fee - all non ASEAN residents must apply for valid visa
Travel Insurance (compulsary)
Hotel Accommodation (recommendations can be provided)
Services and meals if not mentioned in the itinerary
All drinks, including water, soft drinks and alcohol
Laundry, telephone calls and any expenditure of a personal nature
Tips and gratuities

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