THE NORTHERN COMPLETE
This nine-day grand journey reveals the extraordinary diversity of Laos, from the spiritual elegance of Luang Prabang to the misty mountains of the north, the limestone landscapes of Vang Vieng, the cultural treasures of Vientiane. Combining scenic train journeys, river cruises, jungle trekking, ethnic encounters, and UNESCO heritage sites, the itinerary offers an immersive and comprehensive exploration of the country’s culture, nature, and traditions.
Highlights include a Mekong River cruise to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si Falls, trekking experiences and authentic encounters with the many ethnic communities of northern Laos. Travelers will also discover the dramatic karst scenery and caves of Vang Vieng, the iconic monuments of the capital including Pha That Luang, and the fascinating sculptures of Buddha Park.
🌟 Why you'll love this tour?
This nine-day grand journey reveals the extraordinary diversity of Laos, from the spiritual elegance of Luang Prabang to the misty mountains of the north, the limestone landscapes of Vang Vieng, the cultural treasures of Vientiane. Combining scenic train journeys, river cruises, jungle trekking, ethnic encounters, and UNESCO heritage sites, the itinerary offers an immersive and comprehensive exploration of the country’s culture, nature, and traditions.
Highlights include a Mekong River cruise to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si Falls, trekking experiences and authentic encounters with the many ethnic communities of northern Laos. Travelers will also discover the dramatic karst scenery and caves of Vang Vieng, the iconic monuments of the capital including Pha That Luang, and the fascinating sculptures of Buddha Park.
⏰ Experiences Day By Day
Upon arrival, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After a short rest, we’ll visit to The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages and Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse through a lovely selection of handmade textiles. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal: Dinner
Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour of the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong where you can see the impressive “tree of life” mosaic set in colored glass. We then board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Xang Hai where the local rice wine is produced
In the afternoon, we head out of town 30km to the beautiful Kuangsy Fall. En route, stop to visit some ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live. We then continue to the beautiful Kuangsy Waterfalls where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. If you wish, we also visit the Asian bears at the Bear Rescue Center along the jungle walk to the waterfall. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we catch the express train to Oudomxay. Oudomxay province is residence to 23 ethnic minority groups located along the Nam beng river. Upon arrival, you will be met our staff and transferred to the jungle resort Namkat Yolapa. After check into your hotel, we will enjoy a short trek through the jungle to Namkat waterfall. Take your time at the waterfall before returning to the hotel for overnight.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
You set off in the morning in the direction of Pak Khai; this pleasant journey gives you wonderful views across the River Nam Pak, terraced rice fields and the small villages along the banks of the river. On your arrival, you start your trek along a mountain trail which follows a mountain stream meandering through the lush vegetation. You have the chance to meet the local farmers working in their rice fields and learn how they cultivate their lands, hunt for small game and fish in the mountain stream, before you enter into the tropical rainforest. After around 1½ hours, you leave the forest and arrive in the village of Ban Phavie; a beautiful Khamu village which sits on the top of a hill. After taking your lunch in the village, you continue on to some nearby waterfalls. You can relax in the cooling clear waters, lulled by the gentle breeze and tranquility of the falls (weather permitting). At around 14:30, you head back to Namkat Yolapa and arrive in the late afternoon.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, take a short walk to the village of Khamu people and see how these colorful people live before catching the train to Luang Namtha, situated on the Tha River, or Nam Tha. Upon arrival, you will be met our staff and transfer to your hotel for checkin. After a short rest, we visit the Luang Namtha Museum (Close on the weekend), where collections of anthropological importance are on display. Ethnic garb, tools, instruments, and artworks can be seen here, providing insight into local culture and history. You’ll also visit Ban Nam Dee, the Lantern Village, where you can observe ethnic tradition in action and cool down by the beautiful Nam Dee waterfall. You’ll return to Luang Namtha in the evening for overnight.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we make our way to Muong Sing, on the way we stop to visit hill tribe villages: Ekor (Aka ) and Lan Taen people who used to be a group of Sino – Tibet people, After lunch we discover the way of the life of hill tribes, we will also visit Chieng Tung stupa, Ban Nam Ded Village, Ban Nam Mai Village of Yao people and the Laos-China border Pang Thong local check point. Return to Luang namtha and set the time at your leisure. Overnight in Luang Namtha
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the hotel, we catch the highspeed train to Vientiane. On arrival at in the capital, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating place, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, an orientation walk is a pleasant way to spend the day, strolling around some of the city’s most historical sites and seeing some of the French colonial architecture. We’ll bask in the sunset by the Mekong Riverside and continue to explore until the late evening. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we begin to see the major sights of the capital, including Wat Sisaket, which contains more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue and That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. We also see the Patuxay (Lao Arc de Triomphe), which was built in commemoration of those who died during past wars and today it is the city’s main landmark.
In the afternoon we transfer out to see Buddha Park, a scattered and enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images here. Observing the spectacular sunset view over the Mekong River is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, you will have some free time to do any last-minute activities or shopping before you are transferred to the airport for your flight back home. Your trip comes to an end at the airport
Meal: N/A
