8-Day Tour in the Northern part of Laos

Code: ITL13

                 Northern Laos

DAY 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang

For those interested, visit the night market. A flood of hand woven and wooden products. First tastes of Lao food. Traditional Lao herbal sauna, foot and full body massage. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meal: No

DAY 2: Sightseeing of the former royal city of Luang Prabang (UNESCO).

It is rightly ranked among the most charming cities in Asia. Nestled in the green hills on the banks of the Mekong, it abounds with countless beautiful temples and pagodas. An early morning market with a unique atmosphere. Unknown fruits, spices, frogs, fish, catches from the forest, seaweed from the Mekong... A surprisingly harmonious mix of traditional Laotian and French colonial architecture at its best. Former royal palace - now the National Museum. The city's oldest temple, Wat Xienthong, with the tree of life and the funeral chariot of the royal family. In the afternoon, a trip to Kuang Si Falls where we refresh ourselves in the crystal water and take a peek into the Malayan Bear Rescue Centre. Overnight in Luang Prabang. ­­

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3: Luang Prabang – Udomxay – Nam Kat Yorlapa

Departure from Luang Prabang to the forests in the mountainous region in the north of Laos by high speed train. Upon arrival at Udomxai train station and van pick up and drive to town. We will enjoy the view of the town of Oudomxai from the Phou That hill. After that straight for lunch at a local restaurant call Kanya. The rest afternoon we will spending time at the Nam Kat Yorlapa waterfall in the Phou Hiphi protected reserve. A village of members of the Khmu ethnic group, who largely still hold on to their original beliefs - animism.

Activities: Travelers can purchase the different types of activities at the resort.

All of the activities start at the resort and from there head deep into the protected area (either on foot, by bicycle, or using the vehicle from the resort) along a winding narrow road amid the thick forest. Upon reaching the end of the road, the guide leads the walk even deeper into the jungle to the Nam Kat Waterfall – an easy walk that takes around 1 hour, along small paths and over 13 narrow hanging bridges. The waterfall is the perfect place to enjoy a rest or swim in the waters. Afterwards, the jungle walks heads back along another path with the last part to the resort done either by bicycle or in the resort car, ending the half-day activity in a complete loop.  Overnight in Nam Kat Yorlapa.  

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 4: Udomxay - Muang Khua

Drive through green countryside to Muang Laa, where we visit the pilgrimage temple of Wat Phra Singkham with its ancient Buddha statue, which has the power to grant wishes to newcomers from far and near. Visit the salty thermal springs. Around the Nam Phak River to the remote village of Pak Nam Noi, where members of the Akha people still walk and work in traditional costume. Villages of the Lao Lee and Loma hill tribes in a landscape little touched by civilization. Overnight in the small town of Muang Khua.

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 5: Muang Khua - Sop Chem village

A wooden boat downstream on the Nam Ou River. Cruise through the beautiful valley past villages, with lunch along the way. On arrival at Ban Sop Chem village, stay with local people. We get to know the life of the highlanders up close and visit a home weaving workshop. Here we will not only be spectators admiring the skill of the local people, but this time we will also have the opportunity to show our skill. Will we weave a creation with our own hands? Overnight in the village of Sop Chem.

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 6: Sop Chem - Muang Ngoi

Continue south by boat along the Nam Ou River to the village of Muang Ngoi amidst the karst hills. Hike through the idyllic limestone landscape to Tham Kang Cave. It was used as a natural shelter by villagers during the bombing during the US-Vietnam conflict. Overnight in Muang Ngoi. 

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 7: Muang Ngoi – Luang Prabang

Hike through rice paddies from Ban Sop Kong village to the hidden Tad Mok waterfall. The possibility of swimming in its cool water. The last leg of the boat trip on the Nam Ou River to the town of Nong Khiaw under the limestone cliffs. Afternoon return by land transport back to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. ­­

Meal: Breakfast

DAY 8: Morning departure to the next destination

Meal: Breakfast

 Attentions

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, private transportation, a train ticket, and a meal as mentioned in the itinerary.

Tour Excludes: All entrance fees, Lunch, dinner, and tour activities at Nam Kat Yorlapa