LUANG PRABANG – MUANG SOUNE – NONE KHIAW – MUANG HIAM – BAN SON KHUA – NAM NERN NIGHT SAFARI – SAMNEUA – VIENG XAI – MUANG KHAM – XIENG KHUANG – PHOU KHAO KHUAY – NAM PIEN YORLA PA – VIENTIANE
This immersive overland route connects the spiritual heart of Laos with its most remote and lesser-explored regions. From the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, the journey winds through tranquil villages, forested mountains, and protected wildlife areas. Highlights include the scenic river valleys of Nong Khiaw, the unique experience of the Nam Nern Night Safari, the historical caves of Vieng Xai, and the archaeological wonder of the Plain of Jars. Ending in the laid-back capital of Vientiane, this itinerary offers a rich blend of nature, heritage, and authentic local encounters—ideal for travelers seeking something beyond the usual path.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LUANG PRABANG (NONE)
On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:
- Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang Central: 2,5 miles 🡪10 minutes driving transfer
DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR (B/-/-)
Pick up: 08: 30 AM
After breakfast, our guide will take you on an in-depth walking tour of the city.
The walk is oriented towards the lesser-known parts of the town including charming lanes showing the more traditional atmosphere of the heritage town.
Along the way, we will see the four different types of buildings categorized by UNESCO. The first one is the traditional Lao house which is made from tropical hardwood or bamboo and built on stilts. The second is a half wood and half cement house built after the arrival of the French. The third is the traditional French colonial building that are similar to those found in Vietnam and Cambodia. The last form of architecture you will see is the old Chinese shop houses that were built to be used for both commercial and residential purposes.
In the afternoon, we will visit some famous attractions inside city center including the oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.
Next, we will visit Heuan Chan, a 19th-century aristocratic mansion that offers a glimpse into Lao culture through traditional ceremonies, textiles, and family life. This restored mansion stands as a testament to Lao heritage, featuring enriching exhibitions and a documentary on Laos’ customs. After the visit, we’ll have the opportunity to taste authentic Lao coffee or tea, providing a true taste of Laos.
We then continue with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. From there, we walk to the nearby Wat Mai, which is one of Luang Prabang’s largest and most richly decorated temples.
Late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.
The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
Distance:
- Luang Prabang Central – Wat Xiengthong: 1,5 miles 🡪5 minutes driving transfer
DAY 3: BAN LONG LAO – KUANG SI WATERFALL (B/L/-)
Pick up: 08:30AM
We depart from your hotel and drive for around one hour west to Ban Xeng Mouk village where the trek starts.
We begin with a visit to the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Longlao Nung before heading to the nearby Hmong village of Ban Longlao Song. You will be able to observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups and see how despite their differences they manage to work together on a day-to-day basis and even sharing the same school.
As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddys and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way we explore a cave which was used as a bomb shelter by the locals during the second indochina war.
After visiting the cave, one more hour of trekking brings us to one of the many springs which feeds Kuang Si waterfalls, here a beautiful pool full of sacred fish can be seen. After descending from the top of the waterfall we enjoy a Lao style lunch amongst some beautiful settings!
The afternoon is spent bathing and relaxing around the turquoise pools below the waterfall. You can also visit the bear conservation center which is located nearby and home to many bears which have been rescued from illegal farms.
Before returning to Luang Prabang we take a short walk to a nearby Khmu village of Ban Thapene which is home to some of the most beautiful pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Approximately: 2 hours driving, 3 hours trekking
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.
Distance:
- Luang Prabang Central – Ban Longlao Song: 12 miles 🡪25 minutes driving transfer
- Ban Longlao Song – Kuang Si: 26 miles 🡪35 minutes driving transfer
DAY 4: MORNING ALMS GIVING – NAHM DONG PARK – HILLSIDE ECOLODGE (B/L/-)
Pick up: 05:30AM
Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.
We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken.
After departing at 8:30 am from your hotel, transfer to Nahm Dong park, which locates in Ban Xiengmouk, 10Km from city center.
Arriving at the park, we will have a short welcome by the park manager before joining the morning activities here. We will first start with the Zipline flying over the jungle and the waterfalls admiring the amazing evergreen scenery. The zipline will take about 1 hour.
Then we will walk back via the jungle trail crossing some flying bridges, small streams, and clear natural pools, where you can take a refresh splash if you wish so. The picnic lunch will be served at the viewpoint where you can spread your view over the region, including the view of mount Phousi in the city center. You can either spend the rest of the afternoon stroll around the park, relax by one of the huts at the camp, or enjoy the fresh cool clear natural pools.
Late afternoon, we will walk to the nearby Hillside Ecolodge, where we will spend the night among the nature, just outside of Luang Prabang.
Note: Zipline in 1 hour, trekking min 1 hour – max 3 hours depending on the route that you choose
Overnight at hotel in Pakbeng
Distance:
- Luang Prabang Central – Nahm Dong park: 6,2 miles 🡪 20 minutes driving transfer
DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU – NONG KHIAW (B/-/-)
Pick up: 08:30AM
Today we begin our boat up the Mekong, enjoying the lush green forests and landscape. We will be able to stop off at a few villages and admire the breathtaking limestone karst scenery. Along the way we stop to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims.
After visiting the caves, we will hop on the car and continue the transfer to Nong Khiaw, the small town along the lazy Nam Ou River.
After lunch (your own account), visit the historical cave of Phathok. The Nong Khiaw villagers used this cave as a war shelter during the “Secret War”, to shelter people from bombs dropped in the region. It is about a 30 minute gentle walk from Nong Khiaw town and takes you through beautiful scenery. Learn more about a secret part of the Lao history and explore the historical caves with your guide. From the cave you will have a beautiful view of rice paddies and the valley. Walk back to Nong Khiaw along a small path through the rice paddies.
Enjoy the sunset over the river. There is a choice of local restaurants within walking distance (your own account)
Overnight at hotel in Nong Khiaw
Distance:
- Luang Prabang Central – Pak Ou Caves: 20 miles 🡪35 minutes driving transfer
DAY 6: NAM OU RIVER – 100 WATERFALLS EXPERIENCE (B/L/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
Start this day of adventure with a peaceful boat ride on the Nam Ou River where you will be able to explore a small Lao village along the riverside. Learn about the villagers and their way of life along this Northern Laos River before beginning the ‘100 Waterfalls Adventure Trail’! Walking through small streams and rice paddies, you will arrive at the bottom of the 100 Waterfalls which were only first explored in October 2008!
For the next few hours you will see only water and jungle and hear the constant sound of clear waterfall cascades. The pools around you are very inviting for a refreshing splash. Your guide will lead you through the cascades and prepare a local style lunch that you can enjoy on the falls surrounded by amazingly green nature.
A small village trail on the top of the ‘100 Waterfalls’ will lead us on our hike back down into the valley, offering wide views over the expansive Nam Ou valley.
Once back in the village we will have some more time to experience the daily life of the Nam Ou riverside village before heading back to Nong Khiaw (Nong Khiau) by boat.
20-minute transfer | 4-hour trek | 2-hour boat trip
Overnight at hotel in Nong Khiaw
DAY 7: NONG KHIAW – MUANG HIAM (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
Today, we will drive through the most rural and least developed part of Laos via Vieng Kham to Muang Hiam.
These back roads are a perfect way to venture off the beaten track and explore the real Laos. We see very few other travelers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs.
The drive can be challenging on some parts of our journey due to poor road conditions; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for a memorable experience.
Arriving in Muang Hiam, we will check in the simple guesthouse to take some rest before taking a walk explore this small village. If time permits, we can visit the nearby hot spring, which is very popular among local people. If you wish, you can take a dip to refresh like the locals.
Distance: 170KM | 4-5-hour transfer | MAPS
Overnight at guesthotel in Muang Hiam
Distance:
- Nong Khiaw – Muang Hiam: 103 miles 🡪2 hour driving transfer
DAY 8: MUANG HIAM – BAN SON KHUA – NAM NERN NIGHT SAFARI (B/L/D)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
After breakfast, we will transfer to Ban Son Khua and join the transfer to depart for the Nam Et-Phou Louey NPA (National Protected Area).
Here you will experience the Nam Nern Night Safari and stay in a simple ecolodge, all of which has been developed with the local community. Learn about wildlife conservation, medicinal plants, traditional agriculture and the history of the Secret War from your local Khmu guide.
Embark on a 1.5 hour journey to the park substation on the Nam Nern River by long-tail boat, along the way learning about upland rice cultivation and having opportunities to spot monitor lizards and bird life.
After arriving at the park substation, you will enjoy a lunch prepared by the village cooking group. After lunch, receive a briefing by park staff about the on-the-ground efforts in protecting tigers and their prey. Around the middle of the afternoon you will depart for the night safari.
Stopping near a salt lick, you will hike into the forest. Your local guide, a skilled hunter and tracker, will explain how local people track deer and other wild ungulates. The guides point out evidence of wildlife, such a tracks or scat at the salt lick.
The boats will continue upriver to the dinner site, a sandy, flat bank, where you will have a picnic dinner around a campfire. After dinner, your guides tell Khmu folktales and stories about dragons, wildlife, and ghosts. They educate you about the species of animals they may see during the spotlighting and explain the rules and expectations for spotlighting.
Depending on the amount of moonlight, depart for the night spotlighting 1-2 hours after dark, floating down river with engines off. There is only one light per boat. Only guides use the light, to avoid scaring the animals. The guides and boat drivers communicate via hand signals to avoid talking that might disturb the animals. The boat is very quiet so as not to disturb the animals. Animals that may be seen include Sambar Deer, Otters, and Barking Deer, various species of Civets, Slow Loris, Porcupine and Owls (Hogbadgers, Asian golden cat and wild dogs have also been seen).
At the end of the spotlighting, the boats arrive at the evening camp. Before going to bed you will be able to check out a variety of insects attracted to the black light set up near the substation.
Overnight at hotel in Nam Nern
DAY 9: NAM NERN – SAMNEUA (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
Before breakfast, your local guide will take you on a walk around the jungle, teaching you t he use of medicinal plants and explaining the history of the site, which was once a major settlement during the Secret War.
After breakfast, the boats float back to the village at a relaxing pace with engines off, pointing out birds along the way.
Upon arrival in the village, you will be invited to try earthen jar rice wine (lao hai). We then continue to drive about 3 hours to Sam Neua.
After checking into your hotel you will be taken on a tour of the town. This will include a visit to the Nam Sam River Promenade followed by Wat Phoxaysanalam which is home to a Buddha statue dating back to 1565. Visit weaving houses near the temple to see stunning cotton and silk textiles being made.
Finish the tour with a visit to the market selling stunning Houaphanh textiles and clothes from different ethnic groups, woven bamboo items and traditional foods and animals.
Distance: 99KM | 2.5-hour transfer
Overnight at guesthotel in Sam Nuea
DAY 10: SAMNEUA – VIENG XAI – SAMNEUA (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
After breakfast, drive to Viengxay (approximately 1 hour) where you can explore this traditional town and the surrounding beautiful landscape of limestone peaks and forests.
The town of Viengxay contains hundreds of caves which sheltered local people and the country’s future leaders for a vital period in world history. In the 1960s Laos was caught up in the conflict known to the world as the Vietnam War. For nine years, from 1964 to 1973, more than 20,000 people lived in a ‘hidden city’ they built inside the limestone peaks all around the area to try to survive daily aircraft bombing raids directed by US forces.
They were only able to farm or work at night, so inside the caves they built everything they needed for their society to survive, including schools, hospitals, markets, a radio station and the headquarters of the Lao Patriotic Front – also known as the Pathet Lao.
Take the audio tour that tells the story of the ‘hidden city’ through the history that created it and interviews with local people and discover the area’s beauty as well as its fascinating hidden history.
Lunch will be included at a local restaurant and you will return to Sam Neua in the late afternoon.
Distance: 30KM per way | 45-minute transfer per way
Overnight at guesthotel in Samneua
DAY 11: SAMNEUA – MUANG KHAM (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
After breakfast, we will transfer to Muang Kham, which is famous for some of the best hot springs in Laos.
Along the way, we will visit the standing stones at Hin Tang archeological site. Almost as mysterious as Xieng Khuang’s more famous jars, this unique, unfenced collection of standing stones is thought to be at least 1500 years old. Spindly stones up to 3m tall are interspersed with disks that formerly covered funerary sites. With some over a metre in diameter, these ‘families’ of stones do have a certain magic, and the place is now a Unesco World Heritage Site.
We will arrive in Muang Kham around mid-afternoon, check in your hotel, which is built in Ban Nyai, hosting the most famous hot spring in Muang Kham. Free for the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the hot spring.
Overnight at hotel in Muang Kham
Distance:
- Vang Vieng – Vietiane: 80 miles 🡪2 hour driving transfer
DAY 12: MUANG KHAM – LEISURE DAY (B/-/-)
You are free today for your own exploration of the resort or the village. Walking along the small village roads or admiring the local village life are some of the experiences for you to spend the day. You can also just relax and enjoy the hot spring or the swimming pool
Overnight at hotel in Muang Kham
Distance:
- Vietiane – Wat Si Muang: 2 miles 🡪5 minutes driving transfer
- COPE – Buddha Park: 15 miles 🡪30 minutes driving transfer
DAY 13: MUANG KHAM – XIENG KHUANG – PLAIN OF JARS (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
After breakfast, transfer directly to Phonsavanh, which is the capital city of Xieng Khuang province.
Xieng Khuang is famous for its mysterious Plain of Jars, a huge archaeological complex littered with mysterious 2000 years old stone jars sized from 70cm up to 3 or 4 meters.
You have time today to visit the plain of jars Site 1, the biggest and closest to town that opened for tourists.
Attention: The Plain of Jars has been heavily bombed during the war and you have to respect all the signs and stay along the defined trails due to bombs, UXO and landmines.
We then visit the thought-provoking UXO Information Centre, run by British organisation MAG (Mines Advisory Group) that’s been helping to clear Laos’ unexploded ordnance since 1994. The centre’s information displays underline the enormity of the bomb drops, and there are also examples of (defused) UXO to ponder.
Spend the rest of the day wander around the small town of Xieng Khuang to admire the life of local people.
Overnight at hotel in Xieng Khuang
Distance:
- Vietiane – Xing Xu Island: 40 miles 🡪1 hour 50 minutes driving transfer
DAY 14: XIENG KHUANG – MUANG KHOUNE – PHOU KHAO KHUAY (B/-/-)
Pick up: 08:30AM
Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hill tribe people barter and exchange merchandises.
After breakfast at the hotel, we say goodbye to Phonsavanh and head south on the new road to Paksan. We will first make a stop at Muang Khoune, the old provincial capital that was not been destroyed by the American bombings during the secret war.
Muang Khoun is home to unique sitting giant Buddha as well of some old pagodas that lies in ruins. The foundation and columns of Wat Pia Wat are still standing and close to this site, there is also an old 30m stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period.
There are plenty of chances to make some stops along the way to admire the view or stretch your legs before arriving in Paksan around early afternoon.From there, we will drive further to Thabok and take a right turn onto the road to Ban Hatkhay, the gateway to explore Phou Khao Khuay National Park.
Arrive at the village around late afternoon, check in your simple homestay overlooking the Nam Mang River, where we will spend the night.
Overnight at homestay in Ban Hatkhay
Distance:
- Vientiane Central – Vientiane Airport: 5.2 miles 🡪 15 minutes driving transfer
DAY 15: PHOU KHAO KHUAY EXPLORATION – NAM PIEN YORLA PA (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
Today, you will discover the National Park under the expert guidance of a French orchid specialist who will tell you all about the different plants and wildlife.
After breakfast, our French expert will come to see you together with two local guides with your freshly made Lao picnic. The Orchid Trek begins at Pha Say with its stunning view across a 40m deep gorge and the dense jungle.
You follow narrow, shaded trails and discover the different types of forest in the park: semi-deciduous, tropical and bamboo – extraordinary, unspoilt habitats. You have the chance to learn about the medicinal uses of the forest plants and also the other plant types that abound in the forest. You take your picnic lunch in a dry riverbed (depending on the season).
Your afternoon continues with a pleasant stroll to the waterfall at Tad Say before making your return to the village. You may be lucky and see some the colourful butterflies and birds that live in the forest.
We then return to Ban Hatkhay and hop on the minivan again to transfer to Nam Pien Yorla Pa, which is a complex of a jungle resort and adventure activities locating inside the Phou Khao Khuay National Park. We arrive at the park just in time to catch the sunset.
Overnight at hotel in Nam Pien Yor Pa
Distance:
- Bolaven Plateau – Wat Phou: 22 miles 🡪 45 minutes driving transfer
- Wat Phou – Khong Island: 84 miles 🡪 2 hour driving transfer
DAY 16: NAM PIEN YORLA PA – LEISURE DAY (B/-/-)
Pick-up: 08:30AM
Today is free for your own exploration of the park and its surrounding area. There are plenty of activities on spot such as ziplining, roller sliding, or flying bridge. Check information with the park for more information.
Overnight at hotel in Nam Pien Yor Pa
DAY 17: NAM PIEN YORLA PA – THA NGON LUNCH BOAT – VIENTIANE (B/L/-)
Pick-up: 08:00AM
You have ample time to relax and enjoy the fresh air before taking the transfer via the backroad to Vientiane. Along the way, we may make some stops to visit the local village and learn about their local life.
We will stop in Thangon (20Km from Vientiane center), which is very famous for the leisurely lunch cruise along the lazy Nam Ngum River. This is really the escape from daily busy life, which you never want to miss when visiting Laos.
You will enjoy the lunch boat here in about 1 hour.
We then continue the transfer to Vientiane. Visit the vibrant Dong Markhai market, where local people come to barter their daily findings. We arrive in Vientiane about mid or late afternoon.
Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
Distance:
- Khone Island – Khone Phaphaeng: 22 miles 🡪 30 minutes driving transfer
- Khone Phaphaeng – Pakse: 95 miles 🡪 1 hour driving transfer
DAY 18: VIENTIANE – BUDDHA PARK – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power. After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire.
Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”. We then transfer out to the airport to take the departure flight
Distance:
- Pakse – Ubon Ratchathani: 58 miles 🡪 1.5 hour driving transfer
HOME SWEET HOME!
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Hotel Accommodation with daily breakfast (shared in twin/ double room)
- Experience English speaking tour manager on tour
- Private transfer and transportation on tour
- Meals are mentioned on program (B: Breakfast, Br: Brunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Entrance fees are mentioned on the itinerary
- Daily mineral water (2 bottles/ pax/ tour day)
- All flights with tax
- Visa Approval Letter and Visa Stamping fee at arrival counter
- Travel Insurance
- Early check in or late check out
- Drinks and Beverages
-
Surcharge 20% for Public Holidays:
o New Year: 31 December 2024 – 02 January 2025 (inclusive)
o Vietnamese New Year: 28 Januray – 02 February (inclusive)
o Unification Day and May Day: 28 April – 03 May 2025 (inclusive)
o National Day: 28 August – 04 Sep 2025 (inclusive)
o Christmas: 23 – 25 December 2025 (inclusive - TIPPING for local guide, cruise team, tour manager and driver (compulsory)
- All other services are not mentioned on Inclusions
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
