Northern Laos Discovery: Houay Xay to Vientiane  10 Days  

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Pakbeng
Pakbeng
Nam Kat Yorlapa
Nam Kat Yorlapa
Luang Prabang Handicraft
Luang Prabang Laos
Luang Prabang Laos
Luang Prabang Laos
Vientiane Laos
Vientiane Laos
Vientiane Laos
Overview
vientiane-1.webp
  • Start/End: Houay Xay/Vientiane
  • Route: Pakbeng - Nam Kat - Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Vientiane
  • Duration: 10 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Mountain & Minority, Culture and Heritage, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français
Highlight

Embark on a 10-day adventure through Laos, blending breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant local culture. Begin with a scenic cruise along the Mekong from Houay Xay to Pakbeng, visiting hill tribe villages and relaxing at a luxury resort. Discover ethnic traditions, trek to hidden waterfalls, and zip-line through lush forests in Nam Kat. In Luang Prabang, explore the Kuang Si Waterfall, ancient temples, and Mount Phousi. Travel by train to Vang Vieng for kayaking and cave exploration, then continue to Vientiane to visit iconic temples, the Patuxay Monument, and the serene Buddha Park. This journey offers the perfect mix of adventure and cultural discovery.

Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Cruise from Houay Xay pier to Pakbeng, enjoy spectacular views and visit to hill tribe villages.

    Your journey begins at 10:00 am from the Houay Xay pier, where you’ll board a shared cruise along the mighty Mekong River. This scenic 6-7 hour cruise takes you on a slow, relaxing journey to the charming town of Pakbeng. As you glide downriver, you'll pass traditional scenes of daily life—locals farming, fishing, and building wooden houses—while spotting water buffaloes, goats, and other animals along the way. The cruise offers breathtaking views of mountainous jungle landscapes.

    Onboard, enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, tea, and coffee. You can also purchase local snacks and alcoholic beverages. A buffet lunch featuring freshly prepared local delicacies is included.

    During the cruise, you'll stop at a small hill tribe village, where you’ll observe villagers going about their daily routines—washing clothes, caring for animals, and preparing rice for evening meals. This self-sustained community thrives through mutual support, exchanging goods like rice, eggs, and vegetables for labor on farming or house-building projects.

    Upon arrival at Pakbeng Pier, you’ll disembark and transfer by local transportation to Le Grand Pakbeng Resort, where you'll stay for two nights.

     

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: L
    Boat: Houay Xay - Pakbeng
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Le Grand Pakbeng Resort(Mekong Villa)
    Ban Donkham, Pakbeng district, -/-, Laos
  • Discover hill tribes villages, ancient temples, and local market of Pakbeng

    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. 

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Le Grand Pakbeng Resort(Mekong Villa)
    Ban Donkham, Pakbeng district, -/-, Laos
  • Travel to Nam Kat, discover diverse flora and fauna, experience ethnic culture, and optional bike ride.

    We’ll head to Muang Xai, a provincial town in Oudomxay.  On the way, we'll stop at Ban Yor, a model Lao village with a rich cultural heritage. Founded in 902 by Thai Leu settlers who chose the area for its fertile valley and warm climate, Ban Yor is now home to 135 families and 682 residents. Despite having electricity, the village retains its traditional charm and way of life. Here, you'll see villagers immersed in their daily routines—women spinning and weaving cotton grown nearby and men skillfully knitting fishnets.  

    Northern Laos has a long history of pottery-making, thanks to abundant clay deposits. Though pottery production has declined in recent decades, villagers still craft simple bowls and jugs using traditional methods, without electricity or modern machinery.  

    You can choose to have lunch in Oudomxay or enjoy a simple meal at a local restaurant in Muang Xai before continuing to Namkat Yorla Pa, a luxury eco-resort.  

    Namkat Yorla Pa is a protected forestry area along the Nam Kat River in Oudomxay province, one of the most stunning and sought-after eco-tourism destinations in Laos and Southeast Asia. Here, you’ll experience the wonders of nature, diverse flora and fauna, ethnic culture, and thrilling adventures, all in a serene, picturesque setting.  

    Spend the afternoon at your leisure—relax by the pool, take a complimentary bike ride along paved trails, explore the surrounding forest, or unwind on the restaurant’s balcony, listening to the sounds of nature and watching the gentle stream flow by. 

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Namkat Yorla Pa Resort(Superior Room)
    Faen Village, Oudomxay, Oudomxay, Laos
  • Trek, visit waterfall, enjoy spectacular views, and experience zip-line

    We’ll depart from the resort by car and take a short walk to the Information Centre. From there, you’ll begin a trek to the stunning Namkat Waterfall, crossing suspension bridges along the way and enjoying spectacular views of the Namkat River below.  

    At the waterfall, we’ll take a break for a relaxing lunch amidst the natural surroundings.  

    Afterward, the adventure continues with an exhilarating zip-lining experience. Feel the thrill of soaring through the trees at high speed! For those who prefer not to zip-line, an alternate walking route back to the meeting point will be arranged.   

    If you're interested, you can also choose other optional activities, payable on-site.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Namkat Yorla Pa Resort(Superior Room)
    Faen Village, Oudomxay, Oudomxay, Laos
  • Take the train for Luang Prabang

    Transfer to the train station at 11:00 am. The train departs from Oudomxay to Luang Prabang at 12:34 pm, with a travel time of approximately one hour.  

    1:23 pm: Arrive at Luang Prabang station, where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Train:Train (Oudomxay - Luang Prabang) / - -/- / 02 tickets
    Villa Chitdara(Superior Room)
    Khounsua Rd., Ban Vat Nong, Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Laos
  • Discover Kuangsi waterfall, explore Luang Prabang city, enjoy panoramic views from Phousi Mount, and stroll at the night market.

    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.

    Visit the Royal Palace Museum, which houses fascinating artifacts from the city's royal era. Discover Luang Prabang’s oldest and most impressive temples, including Wat Xiengthong, famous for its sweeping, low-hanging roof that exemplifies classical Lao architecture, the striking stupa of Wat Visoun, and the peaceful shrine of Wat Aham.

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

    Visit to the vibrant Night Market, offering a beautiful array of handmade textiles crafted by local artisans and hill tribe communities around Luang Prabang.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Villa Chitdara(Superior Room)
    Khounsua Rd., Ban Vat Nong, Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Laos
  • Experience the early morning ritual, visit a fresh market, take the train for Vang Vieng, and explore the Tham Jang cave.

    Start your day early to witness and take part in the serene morning ritual of saffron-robed monks collecting alms—typically sticky rice—from devoted locals. This unique tradition is a treasured cultural practice, found only in Laos, the last Buddhist nation to preserve it. 

    You will visit and experience the vibrant early morning fresh market, where locals come to do their daily shopping. These markets offer an authentic glimpse into the local culture and way of life. Unlike supermarkets, which are rare in this region, the local markets are prized for their fresh, natural ingredients and lively atmosphere.

    You’ll be transferred to the Luang Prabang train station, where you'll board a train to Vang Vieng. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

    Pickup at the train station and transfer to your hotel in Vang Vieng.

    Vang Vieng is a charming town nestled along a bend of the Nam Song River. Despite recent tourism developments, its breathtaking scenery remains unspoiled, with tranquil river waters and dramatic limestone formations creating a stunning backdrop. 

    We'll visit the famous Tham Jang Cave, once used by locals as a refuge from Chinese invaders.

    The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You can explore Vang Vieng on foot or by bicycle, take a boat ride up the river, or simply unwind by the pool at your hotel.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Train:Train (Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng) / - -/- / 02 tickets
    Silver Naga Hotel(Deluxe Room)
    Ban Savang Nam Song Riverside, Vang Vieng, Vang Vieng, Laos
  • Kayaking on Nam Son river, take the train for Vientiane.

    We begin the journey just 8 km outside of Vang Vieng, where you’ll arrive at our kayaking site. An experienced, English-speaking guide will provide a safety briefing and demonstrate kayaking techniques to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

    Paddle along the tranquil Nam Song River, surrounded by breathtaking scenery—majestic mountains rise on one side, while rice paddies and traditional villages stretch out on the other.

    Take a break and relax as a light lunch with fresh fruits is served on the riverbank, set against a stunning backdrop of tropical forests and towering peaks.

    You’ll be transferred to the Vang Vieng train station, where you'll board a train to Vientiane. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

    Upon arriving at Vientiane Railway Station, you'll be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in town.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Vang Vieng
    Train:Train (Vang Vieng - Vientiane) / - -/- / 02 tickets
    Lao Orchid Hotel(Superior Room)
    Chao Anou Road, Watchan Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane, Laos
  • Discover Vientiane's major attractions including Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument, Buddha Park

    We begin our tour of Vientiane's major attractions. Our first stop is Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest temple, home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, we visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which once housed the renowned Emerald Buddha. On the way to That Luang Stupa, Laos' most sacred national monument, you’ll have the chance to photograph the impressive Patuxay Monument, often referred to as Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe.

    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.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Lao Orchid Hotel(Superior Room)
    Chao Anou Road, Watchan Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane, Laos
  • Transfer to airport

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

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Boat: Houay Xay - Pakbeng
  • Transportation
  • Train: Train (Oudomxay - Luang Prabang),Train (Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng),Train (Vang Vieng - Vientiane)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 09, Lunch: 04
  • Kayak: Vang Vieng
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program
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Prices are for a private tour and depend on the size of your group.

  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room$2,330
  • Adult in single room $2,824

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