Arrival at Vientiane International Airport, the capital of Laos, nestled in a peaceful bend of the Mekong River. Meet our local driver (without guide) and transfer to your hotel.

Vientiane is a fascinating city with understated charm, where traditional Lao culture blends with Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet, and American influences. This rich cultural mix is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and uniquely relaxed way of life.

Breakfast at the hotel, then set off to explore Vientiane.

First stop: Vat Sisaket, built in 1818, famous for its thousands of Buddha statues carefully arranged in wall niches. It is one of the few temples that survived the Siamese invasion of 1828.

Right across the street, visit Ho Phra Keo, a former royal chapel turned museum. This prestigious site once housed the Emerald Buddha, now revered in Bangkok. Its refined architecture makes it a gem of Lao religious art.

Make a short stop at Patuxai, the Lao-style triumphal arch built in 1959 as a tribute to war victims. From the top, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Continue to That Luang, the great golden stupa and spiritual symbol of the country. Founded in the 16th century by King Setthathirath, this sacred monument represents both the nation’s independence and the Lao people's Buddhist faith.

We'll head to the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures set in a peaceful meadow along the Mekong River, near the Friendship Bridge. The park features around 200 religious statues, created over 500 years ago by a visionary monk to convey his philosophical ideas about life and the universe.

We’ll travel to Oudomxay by high-speed train. Oudomxay Province is home to a rich blend of 23 ethnic minority groups.

Upon arrival at Oudomxay train station at 10:46 a.m., a driver will meet you and transfer you to Nam Kat Yorlapa, a stunning eco-tourism destination in northeastern Laos. Known for its breathtaking scenery, cultural diversity, and rich biodiversity, Nam Kat Yorlapa is one of the most sought-after eco-destinations in Laos and Southeast Asia.  

Immerse yourself in the area's natural beauty and serenity. Relax by the pool, take a complimentary bicycle ride along paved paths, explore the surrounding forest, or unwind on the restaurant balcony, listening to the soothing sounds of wildlife and the nearby stream.  

For those seeking more adventure, a variety of activities such as zip-lining, spider-net climbing, waterfall excursions, and ATV rides are available at an additional cost (these optional activities can be arranged on the spot).

Depart for Pakbeng via Muang Xay, the provincial capital of Oudomxay. Along the way, you may take a short tour of this small town, including a visit to its iconic landmark, Mount Phu That. The journey will take approximately 2 to 4 hours.  

On the way, stop to explore some hill tribe villages. First, visit Ban Pia Hoa Nam, a Hmong village where you can observe the local way of life. Next, head to Ban Ngor (Yor), a Tai Leu pottery village with a rich cultural heritage. Founded in 902, Ban Yor was established by a group of Tai Leu who settled in the fertile valley for its promising harvests and warm climate. Today, the village is home to 135 families, with a population of 682.  

Continue your journey with a visit to Ban Vangva, a Khmu village known for preserving its unique cultural traditions.  

You’ll arrive in Pakbeng by late afternoon and check into your hotel.

We will travel 17 km north of Pakbeng along a red-soil road to visit Khmu villages. Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of jungle-covered mountains, small rivers feeding the mighty Mekong, bamboo forests, and rice fields, where hardworking locals go about their daily routines.  

In the first village, Ban Lai, you'll experience rural life where buffalos, pigs, chickens, and dogs roam freely. Your guide will introduce you to the customs of the Khmu people and explain the differences among Laos' three largest ethnic groups. You'll have the opportunity to visit a cattle farm, explore small vegetable gardens, and interact with the curious locals as you capture photos of village life.  

Next, you'll visit Ban Kham, the last village along the red-soil road. This village is known for its traditional bamboo houses built on stilts. Families live on the upper floors, while the space underneath is used for animals and tools, including large wooden mortars and pestles for processing food—a tradition passed down for generations. Here, you can participate in hands-on activities like gold panning or rice peeling with the villagers.  

In the afternoon, you'll return to Pakbeng town for lunch. Afterward, you'll visit Wat Sichomjeng, a beautifully decorated temple adorned with colorful artifacts, ancient murals, and sculptures. Next, you'll explore Wat Kokkor, a 400-year-old temple offering both historic artifacts and stunning views of Pakbeng town.  

You'll stop by the local market, where residents from across the district come to shop. You'll find an array of local foods and products, including dried buffalo skin, local tea, saltpeter, fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, and poultry—everything essential to daily life in Laos. 

Transfer to the boat pier, where you'll board a traditional boat for a scenic six-hour cruise downstream to Luang Prabang. Lunch will be served on board as you sail along the Mekong River. Along the way, you may spot water buffaloes, goats, and even elephants.  

The boat will glide past numerous riverside villages on both banks of the Mekong. You'll stop to explore local villages, visit the famous Buddha Caves at Pak Ou, and discover the Lao rice wine-making village of Ban Xanghai.  

By late afternoon, you'll arrive in Luang Prabang and check in at your hotel.

Start the visits with the former Royal Palace, now transformed into the National Museum, which houses a precious collection of royal and religious artifacts tracing the history of Laos.

Continue to Wat Xieng Thong, the city's most iconic and photographed temple, remarkable for its elegantly sloping roofs and golden mosaics depicting scenes of Laotian life.

Next, visit Wat Visoun, recognizable by its watermelon-shaped stupa—a symbol of harmony—and one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang.

At Wat Aham, a small and intimate temple, you’ll discover the guardian spirits of the city and the animist elements that remain deeply rooted in local culture.

We’ll drive to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can cool off in its turquoise pools or stroll along scenic forest trails. You’ll also have the chance to visit the nearby bear sanctuary, managed by Free the Bears Fund Inc.

We’ll ascend Mount Phousi to explore its sacred gilded stupa and enjoy panoramic views of the city, the sunset, and the Mekong River.

Towards the end of the day, enjoy free time to stroll through the night market, where ethnic minorities display their handmade crafts. The peaceful atmosphere, hanging lanterns, and fragrant spices create an unforgettable setting.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to relax before being transferred to Luang Prabang airport for your departure.