Northern Laos Unveiled: Stillness, Spirit and Scenic Trails

After breakfast and hotel check-out, spend your morning discovering Vientiane’s iconic landmarks:

• Vat Phra Keo: a former royal temple turned museum filled with rare Lao-Khmer art
• Vat Sisaket: the capital’s oldest surviving temple, lined with thousands of miniature Buddhas
• Pha That Luang: the nation’s golden stupa and most sacred religious symbol
• Patuxai Monument: Laos’s “Arc de Triomphe” with panoramic views over the capital

In the afternoon, journey by private car through the countryside to Vang Vieng. Check in at your hotel upon arrival (rooms available from 2:00 PM), and enjoy your first evening amid limestone peaks and tranquil riverbanks.

Wake up surrounded by nature. This morning, paddle gently along the Nam Song River, flanked by towering cliffs and bamboo groves. You’ll feel a world away from modern life as water buffalo graze on the banks and children wave from village huts.

A short walk leads you to Angel Cave, tucked inside the limestone cliffs, a quiet, cool chamber filled with curious formations.

OPTIONAL: Add a thrilling zipline ride (approximately USD 25/pax), flying across treetops and riverbanks for sweeping aerial views.

After lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense), wind down the day with a slow boat ride along the Nam Song River, golden lights, bamboo huts, and serene cliffs framing every scene.

If you’re feeling adventurous, rise before dawn for a hot air balloon ride over the valleys of Vang Vieng (optional: USD 100–200). Watch the first light break over the cliffs as the landscape glows beneath you to unforgettable scenery.

Later, enjoy a gentle hike to the Nam Xay Viewpoint, a rocky hilltop offering a 360-degree panorama over fields, rivers, and dramatic peaks, a must for photographers.

Return to the hotel to freshen up and check out before boarding a high-speed train to Luang Prabang. Glide past rural villages and lush mountains until you reach this UNESCO World Heritage town nestled between rivers and forested hills.

Rise early to witness (or join) the sacred alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat), a timeless spiritual tradition in Laos. Then, wander through the lively morning market before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

Spend the day uncovering Luang Prabang’s spiritual soul:

• Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong: two of the city’s most exquisite temples
• Royal Palace Museum: offering insight into the former royal life of Laos

In the afternoon, take a Mekong River cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, sacred shrines filled with thousands of Buddha images. En route, stop by:

• Ban Xang Hai: a village known for traditional Lao whisky
• Ban Xang Khong: a home to handmade Saa paper and silk weaving

Return to Luang Prabang in time to climb Phou Si Hill for a sunset you’ll never forget—overlooking the rivers and rooftops of this UNESCO-listed town.

After breakfast, head out to the stunning Kuang Si Falls, where turquoise pools and jungle trails create a tropical haven. Wander, dip your feet, or simply take in the layered cascades.

Along the way, stop at the Free the Bears Rescue Center, a sanctuary for endangered Asiatic black bears rescued from poaching and trafficking.

OPTIONAL: Soar above the forest on the Kuang Si Zipline (USD 25/pax) with five lines offering thrilling canopy views.

Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon for a well-deserved rest or more exploration.

After breakfast and the hotel check-out, begin a 3.5 - 4 hour scenic drive to Nong Khiaw, a riverside village surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.

Check into your hotel (available from 02:00 PM), then enjoy an afternoon kayaking trip along the Nam Ou River, a peaceful paddle past jungle hills, rural life, and sleepy riverside hamlets.

Return to your hotel in time to catch sunset over the cliffs.

Leave the road behind as you cruise upriver to Ban Sopkong, a tranquil boat-access village nestled in the hills.

From here, hike through gentle forest paths to reach Tad Mok Waterfall, a serene natural retreat perfect for a rest or a refreshing dip.

Continue by boat to Muang Ngoi, a peaceful, roadless village cradled by misty mountains and accessible only by water. Settle into your riverside accommodation and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast, take a slow boat down the Nam Ou River, watching as cliffs and jungle give way to village life once again. Your return journey to Luang Prabang continues by car, arriving by midday.

Check in to your hotel (from 02:00 PM) and enjoy a free afternoon. Explore the Old Town, shop at the handicraft night market, or unwind with a traditional Lao massage.

Savor your final morning in Luang Prabang with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, soaking in the last glimpses of this timeless town. Depending on your flight schedule, your private driver will escort you to Luang Prabang International Airport for your onward journey. As your time in Laos comes to an end, we hope the memories you’ve gathered will stay with you for years to come.

Note: Your room is available until noon. Meals today are not included.