This ‘Northern Laos Explorer’ tour gives you time to immerse yourself in traditional Laotian life with visits to traditional minority villages, giving you the opportunity to see how real day to day life is lived and see the people’s relationships with their animals. Along your exploratory journey, you have time to reflect and relax at the fabulous Muang La hot springs resort, a treat for any intrepid traveller.
From the north to the UNESCO capital of Laos, Luang Prabang; you have time to take it all in by cruising down the picturesque Nam Ou River. A true highlight of any holiday to Laos as you take in the fabulous scenery following the flow downstream.
The adventure doesn’t stop there, pausing at villages and the mysterious Buddha laden caves of Pak Ou before arriving in style in Luang Prabang. Once here you have time to soak up the incredibly relaxed atmosphere that the town expels. There is time to uncover some of the secrets of the town, as well as a day trip to the nearby turquoise pools of the Kuang Si Waterfall. If this is not enough, embrace the food culture of the town, get some good restaurant recommendations and fall in love with Laotian cuisine.
Highlights
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Explore Chiang Rai
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Visit the hill tribes of the Khmu & Lu minorities
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Walking / Trekking in Luang Namtha a local lunch
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Boat Cruising down the Mekong
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Hot Springs at Muang La
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4×4 Hill Tribe Adventure
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Nam Ou River Boat Trip
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Pak Ou Caves
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Whisky Village
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Luang Prabang City & Temple Tour
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Morning Alms Ceremony and Market Tour
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Mount Phousi birds eye views
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Artisans of Lunag Prabang
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Free The Bears Sanctuary visit
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Kuaung Si Waterfalls
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Upon arrival at the airport in Chiang Rai you will be met by a ‘See Asia Differently’ representative and transferred to your hotel. You can then relax after your flight and settle into your new surroundings, or we can arrange a tour for you to explore the town on an afternoon introduction to the area.
Overnight in Chiang Rai (Meals: _/_/_)
Day 2
Luang Namtha
Chiang Rai to Luang Namtha | Drive: 6 hours
Early this morning you will transfer to the Lao border and then head to the town to Luang Namtha. Once there you will visit a couple of hill tribe villages including the Khmu and Lu minorities as well as the Kao Rao Cave with its impressive limestone formations before arriving in Luang Namtha.
Overnight in Luang Namtha (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 3
Luang Namtha
Minority Villages & Trekking
Today you start by climbing up to Phoumpok Stupa to a great wonderful viewpoint, offering panoramic views of Luang Nam Tha town. You then head into the jungle stopping for a traditional lunch cooked in a bamboo pipe. From here you visit the minority villages of Ban Nammutmai, where you will learn about local traditions, before ending the day at Luang Nam Tha market.
Overnight in Luang Namtha (Meals: B/L/_)
Day 4
Muang La
Luang Namtha to Muang La | Drive: 3.5 hours
This morning you will journey south to the picturesque village of Muang La stopping at the Lantern village of Namdeng Nua along the way. After lunch in Oudomxay, you continue to the intriguing Pra Xack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. Then you arrive in Muang La famous for its natural hot springs. Here you can relax by taking a traditional massage or enjoy the natural hot springs.
Overnight in Muang La (Meals: B/_/D)
Day 5
Muang La
4×4 adventure
Today you go on a 4×4 adventure to visit both Ikhor and Hmong village, two typical minority communities in Laos. On the journey you cover some fantastic roads, offering incredible views as you climb. You will discover the habits and the way of life of these interesting ethnic groups and the importance of the animals that feature in their lives. After taking in the stunning views one more time you then return back to your spa resort.
Overnight in Muang La (Meals: B/L/D)
Day 6
Nong Khiaw
Cruise to Nong Khiaw
Today you will board a local private boat for an unforgettable cruise down the Nam Ou River to Nong Khiaw. This particular stretch offers incredible scenery and remote villages that can only be accessed by boat. Once in Nong Khiaw, you have the option of exploring your new surroundings and limestone caves by hiring a bike or on foot.
Overnight in Nong Khiaw (Meals: B/L/_)
Day 7
Luang Prabang
Cruise to Luang Prabang
Continuing your cruise down the Nam Ou River you will enjoy the lush green forests and a stunningly beautiful towering landscape of the limestone hills. Along the way, you will stop at the mysterious Buddha laden caves of Pak Ou and have a sip of the local whisky in the nearby village before arriving at the picturesque UNESCO town of Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 8
Luang Prabang
City Tour
You have an optional early morning start (5.30 am) to witness monks’ alms ceremony before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Alternatively, your city tour starts with a visit to charming Wat Visoun and Wat Xiengthong. You also visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre, which gives you a great insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. Finishing off at the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 9
Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Waterfall
After breakfast you will visit the local Phousi Market and the Ock Pop Tock silk weaving centre. You then drive out of the town to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can cool off and take a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools, or walk along the nearby forest trails. Along the way to the falls you have time to visit the Bear Rescue Centre, which does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear before returning to Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 10
Luang Prabang
Departure
Today you have plenty of time to enjoy the town as you wish before being picked up and transferred to the airport for your departing flight home.
(Meals: B/_/_)
Tour includes
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Airport pick up and drop off
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Overnights as mentioned
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Excursions as mentioned
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Transportation in private A/C vehicle
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English speaking guide
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Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner – excludes drinks)
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All taxes
Tour excludes
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All flights unless included in itinerary & Visa fees
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International airport tax (Included in Airline Ticket)
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Meals, unless mentioned differently
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Beverages and personal expenses
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Other excursions and entrance fees
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Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation and evacuation in the event of accident of illness)
Please note: You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining on it as well as bringing with you 4 passport size photos with you for your visa, as well as having a couple spare.
Call us on 0208 150 5150, for International callers 004420 8150 5150, send us an e-mail [email protected] or just use the form opposite.
Your next steps:
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Get in touch and talk to our specialist Asia travel team
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We then craft a unique and tailor-made itinerary just for you.
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We will stay in touch with you all the way through your holiday experience
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Pack you bags and get ready for your Asia holiday of a life time
On arrival in Asia we will meet you at the airport, transfer you to your hotel and then sit down to run over your holiday program again. We then introduce you to your local guides and give you some helpful local travel tips; such as local restaurant and bar suggestions and some cultural insights.
Towns & Cities in Laos
Laos has no shortage of captivating destination to visit on your holiday. Refer to our Towns & cities guide to plan the perfect trip.
There are so many beautiful hotels to choose from in Laos. So we have selected a few of our most favourite and characterful hotels; giving you a taste of what you can expect.
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