From Houay Say, embark on a boat cruising downstream the Mekong River to Pakbeng. Learn about this exotic land by watching the life unfolding on the Mekong River banks, passing Laotian villages vibrant with daily activities. Stop in a village to start your in-depth cultural immersion in local traditions and customs. Lunch served onboard.
Afternoon, continue the cruise down the scenic Mekong river. Arrive in Pakbeng late in the afternoon. The small town is lined with wooden houses along a steep street on the hillside and is quite dynamic.
Settle into Pakbeng Lodge and rest. A range of optional activities organized by the lodge is available, such as lessons of regional cuisine, “pétanque” game, bamboo handicraft workshop, or hike in the village and the surrounding mountains.
Morning, depart for Muang La, a district of Oudomxay Province. Drive along the Nam Beng river, passing through diverse mountainous landscapes, rice fields and hamlets of the Khmu and the Hmong.
Early afternoon, arrive at Muang La Lodge and proceed with check-in.
Muang La Resort is a beautiful high-end lodge on the banks of the Nam Pak River. Accommodation consists of six charming wooden bungalows in a pretty garden. Simple and at the same time luxurious, built following traditional architecture, an ambiance of peace and tranquility exudes from the lodge. Natural hot springs dot the river below the resort. Two relaxing spring-water hot tubs have been built overlooking the mountains and river and open every evening for hotel guests. There is an herbal steam room too and both treatments are free for residents. The restaurant and lounge area overlook the river from a raised wooden deck. Life from the nearby village provides an ever changing view of laid back activity at the water’s edge.
Mid-afternoon discover the rural life of the village of Pak La which sits around the Resort, strolling through the area and admiring the panoramic views over the Nam Pak River, beautiful rice terraces and the salt mines. The site at Muang La is dominated by the temple of Pha Chiao Sing Kham which houses a sacred Buddha. According to those responsible for its “protection”, the statue simply “appeared” hundreds of years ago and so the temple is now a sacred place of pilgrimage.
Morning, set off to visit an Ikhos village and a Hmông village; two of the many ethnic groups in Laos. The route climbs to 1,000m above sea level and offers some magnificent views of the stunning mountain scenery. The first visit is a completely isolated Ikhos village; this ethnic group originates from Tibet and Yunnan Province in China. Learn about the daily life of the village and how the villagers still follow customs passed down through the centuries. Have a picnic lunch and enjoy the amazing surroundings.
Afternoon, a short twenty-minute walk takes you to a secluded Hmong village which offers a stunning 360° panorama. Continue on to visit a Hmong village – this ethnic group originates from the high steppes of Tibet and learn about their way of life; the importance of their livestock and the care that they give to their animals.
Return to the resort at the end of the day.
Transfer: 4h00// Distance: ± 140 km
Morning drive towards Muang Khoa following the main road to Phongsaly, the one leading to the infamous Dien Bien Phu.
Apart from the uniqueness of its people, Phongsaly province is recognized for its impressive landscapes and natural environments: long lines of parallel ridges plunging to the south, deep valleys, primeval forests, periodic habitat of herds of elephants, mountains and wooded valleys, a set of rugged peaks overlooking the mythical Nam Ou River and its tributaries.
On the way visit a Khmu village and a local market where residents sell their products from the forest. After a 40km drive, arrival at Pak Nam Noi. Continue on the road through green hills and along the Nam Phak River, which is still sadly the stage of gold panning, generally practiced by women in colorful fabrics. Late morning, arrive at Muang Khoa, located on the Nam Ou river banks. Lunch in Muang Khoa.
Afternoon, embark on a boat and navigate downstream Nam Ou, along karst peaks and lush subtropical forests. Reach Muang Ngoi, a picturesque hamlet only accessible by boat, as there are no roads leading to it. Further cruise an hour downstream the mythic Nam Ou River.
Arrive in Nong Khiaw, a sleepy town. Transfer to hotel for check in. Take a short walk to discover the village and its surroundings.
Transfer: 4h00 // Distance: ± 90 miles
Morning, depart for Luang Prabang. Drive along the Nam Ou River, take in the Nam Ou stunning towering limestone karst outcrops scenery. Stop en-route for a boat trip to visit Pak Ou Caves, at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers. Locally referred as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues.
Early afternoon, arrive in Luang Prabang, a beautiful blend of French colonial buildings and Lao architecture. The town is wedged between the Mekong River and its tributary the Nam Khan River. Settle into hotel.
Mid-afternoon, explore the rich culture and history of Luang Prabang. Visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace) and hidden laneways. Continue to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to explore the rich diversity off Laos’ ethnic minorities.
Late afternoon, climb Mount Phousi to witness the entire city bathed in the sunset golden light.
Transfer: 5h00 // Distance: ± 220 km
Early morning, head to Old Quarter of Luang Prabang and see the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, orange-robed monks walk down the streets to collect offerings.
Morning, drive across Luang Prabang countryside across scenic rice field landscapes, hills and hamlets. Stop at an ethnic village for an opportunity to learn about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries.
Arrive at Kuang Si Waterfall and relax by the natural clear pools. If weather permits, get an opportunity to have a refreshing swim. For adventurous travelers, walk to the top of the falls via a steep trail to get a stunning panoramic view.
Afternoon, free at leisure. Stroll in Luang Prabang old streets. Optionally, play « petanque » with locals, a French legacy. The beauty of the game is that just about anybody can play. It is great fun and an excellent way to interact with the Lao people. Enjoy the game until the sun begins to set. Optional activities available such as lecture about Ancient Luang Prabang with Mr. Engelmann, UNESCO consultant, workshop at Ock Pop Top Craft Centre, cooking class at Tamarind Restaurant.
Free at leisure until departure.
If time permits, further explore some of the most beautiful temples of the city, such as Wat Xieng Thong which was built in 1560 and is the most ornate temple in the city, Wat Wham and Wat Visoun, the oldest temples in Luang Prabang.
