Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

Spend eight days exploring the vibrant, colorful countryside and cityscapes of Northern Laos.  This tour offers a splendid balance of adventure, education, exertion and relaxation. You will have the opportunity to calmly open yourself to new sights, sounds and scents of the world around you on scenic tours by water and land. In an encounter with the majestic, gentle giants of the Asian jungle will give you the unique opportunity to get close to and ride on an elephant! And what better way to learn about a new and exciting place than completely surrendering to its harsh conditions. Challenge yourself and improve your survival skills on an exhilarating three-day trek through the jungle.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • River Cruise: Drift along the mighty Mekong to reach the ancient capital of Luang Prabang - the entire city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Hill Tribe Diversity: Laos is one of the world's most ethnically diverse countries and you can learn about distinct hill tribe cultures by visiting Hmong, Khmu and Lanten villages.
  • Great Outdoors: Deep in the forests of Nam Ha, you'll stay in wooden hut accommodation and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Vientiane

Upon arrival in Vientiane a car will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Check in, freshen up and take the rest of the day to enjoy the hotel or explore the surroundings. If you arrived on an early flight, our friendly guides will arrange a tour of some of the cities breathtaking temples and museums.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Based in the epicentre of the city, just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Vientiane's commercial district, there’s plenty to keep guests occupied while staying in Laos’ beautiful capital city. History: The building that houses Settha Palace was constructed in the earlier years of the last century, and has been restored to its former glory, maintaining its French Colonial appearance. The family who originally owned the hotel are back in possession of it, after the regime change in 1975, and have spared no expense in restoring it to its natural brilliance. Service: With 24-hour concierge service, plus a sophisticated limo service, guests will feel like the VIPs of Vientiane while staying at this hotel.

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Settha Palace Hotel Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Luang Namtha

With an afternoon flight, the morning is yours to either enjoy in the comforts of your hotel or with a guided tour of some of Vientiane’s famous sites. A short northbound flight will bring you to Luang Namtha where you will check into a local hotel. Take the rest of today to enjoy as you please, preparing for the action-packed days ahead!

Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha

Day 3

Luang Namtha

After breakfast, your friendly guide will prep you for a three-day trek through the Nam Ha National protected jungle. Today you will visit Sin Oudom and meet your local village guide who will assist in the river crossing of the Nam Tha. A steep hike up the mountains waits on the opposite bank. Learn of the local herbs, plants and species and assist the guides in gathering and preparing dinner over an open fire. Spend the night beneath the lush, green canopy in the heart of the jungle.

Day 4

Luang Namtha

Wake with the birds and beasts of the Nam Ha jungle. A traditional breakfast prepared by open-fire will give you the energy you need for the day ahead. Trek further up and into the forest, take in the sights and sounds, the jungle boasts an incredibly rich biodiversity. Begin a steep descent and arrive at a traditional village. Dine and interact with the locals and take a refreshing dip in the river. Experience village life to the fullest and spend the night in a comfortable wooden hut.

Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha

Day 5

Luang Namtha

Wake with the villagers and share breakfast before bidding them a grateful farewell. Today’s trek will take us along the river before returning to the jungle. Take in the incredible views of the low-lying valleys and scope out the distance you have traveled so far. The final descent to Ban Chaleunsouk begins after lunch. A songthaew will be waiting to take you back to the Eco-lodge. The remainder of the evening is yours. Relax, you deserve it!

Day 6

Pak Beng

After three days of excitement and physical exertion, day six provides a much-needed break. Today we begin our journey to Pak Beng, via the scenic 3.5-hour route. Veering off the beaten trail stopping at villages inhabited by Hmong, Khmu and Lanten ethnic groups. Arriving in Pak Ben check into the Pak Beng Lodge. Rest and refresh – you’ve earned it - before a meal at the lodge’s signature restaurant overlooking the river into the jungle beyond.

Hotel Options
About

Set along the banks of the Mekong River, Pakbeng Lodge is a charming establishment that will fulfill most travel desires. Featuring 30 comfortable rooms, each accommodation is equipped with complimentary bottled water, air-conditioning, a balcony or terrace and modern décor.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Pak Beng
Pak Beng

Day 7

Luang Prabang

Start the day with an early breakfast over a revitalizing view. Today you will have the unique opportunity to take an elephant ride along the Mekong River and the surrounding jungle. Next, hop on a boat that will slowly take you down the mighty Mekong to Luang Prabang, your final destination. Arriving in the city you will be escorted to your hotel. You have the rest of the evening to yourself.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Service: Like all other Aman holdings, Amantaka is a boutique property that features top-notch service in a contemporary, tasteful setting

History: Set in a former French hospital that was renovated, Amantaka combines yesterday's luxury with today's comforts

Location: Amantaka is located extremely close to Luang Prabang's myriad atractions, particularly its busy, atmospheric night market - accessible on foot from the grounds of the resort

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Amantaka Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The resort is located a stone's throw from UNESCO heritage site Luang Prabang, which is known for its unique combination of traditional Laotian architecture mixed with French colonial influences.

Nature: With streams running through it and a waterfall in its center, this resort is nestled amid breathtaking natural surroundings, and outside its grounds lie mountainous swaths of jungle and unspoiled wilderness waiting to be explored.

Luxury: From locally sourced gourmet dishes to its indulgent spa, the Rosewood Luang Prabang is a pleasure seeker’s dream come true.

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Rosewood Luang Prabang Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Luang Prabang

Spend the first half of your day visiting the former Royal Palace museum and monasteries of Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Saen and Vat Visoun. Learn of the fascinating history behind the city, Laos’ former capital. Following a lunch of Luang Prabang specialties, like Khai Pan, take a traditional Tai Lue through weaving roads of Ban Phanom, famed for textiles and weaving techniques. Next stop, the Kuang Si Waterfall, take a dip in the turquoise-blue pools. One more stop, the village of Ban Na Oun, before returning to Luang Prabang for a sunset cocktail atop mount Phousi, the perfect end to your tour.

Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang

Day 9

Departure

Enjoy your final morning in Luang Prabang. Take this as an opportunity to do some last minute shopping or just relax ahead of your departing flight. You will be transferred by private vehicle from your hotel to the airport.

Suggested Hotel For Day 1

Settha Palace Hotel
Preferred Hotel

Settha Palace Hotel

The historic Settha Palace Hotel is centrally located in Vientiane within walking distance of the Mekong River, Thatluang Stupa, Namphu Fountain, and other cultural highlights. Built in French colonial style circa 1932 and restored and reopened in 1999, the hotel has 22 rooms and three suites, all featuring rosewood four-poster beds and armoires, and WiFi connectivity. For dining, La Belle Epoque offers French cuisine, and the Sidewalk Café is a pleasant open-air venue offering Asian and international dishes. Amenities include a spa, pool and Jacuzzi; however there is no fitness center. Additionally, there is a business center with Internet and fax services. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Wattai International Airport and a 25-minute drive to Thadeua, where there is a border bridge to Thailand.

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Suggested Hotel For Day 6

Pakbeng Lodge

Pakbeng Lodge


Set along the banks of the Mekong River, Pakbeng Lodge is a charming establishment that will fulfill most travel desires. Featuring 30 comfortable rooms, each accommodation is equipped with complimentary bottled water, air-conditioning, a balcony or terrace and modern décor. Guests will have access to a variety of services, including free WiFi, a business center, meeting facilities, dry cleaning, shuttle services, a bar and lounge area and much more. After checking in, patrons can spoil themselves with a massage at the on-site spa and unwind outside in the spacious garden. In the evening, visitors can indulge in authentic Thai and Lao cuisine at the Moonlight and Sunset Restaurants. This delightful hotel is also conveniently-located in the heart of Pakbeng, Laos. Patrons will have easy access to the city’s must-see attractions, which include the famous Mekong Elephant Camp.


Suggested Hotels For Days 7–8

Amantaka
Preferred Hotel

Amantaka

Amantaka is set south of Phousi Mountain and close to the banks of the Mekong River and the Luang Prabang Night Market. The resort, an old French colonial building, is surrounded by a spacious courtyard, and has 24 suites – eight deluxe suites, four pool suites, eight Khan suites, two Mekong suites and two Amantaka suites, all with spacious interior and exterior living areas. Facilities include a spa, a fitness center, a library and a boutique art gallery. Amantaka is little more than a ten- minute drive from Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ).

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Rosewood Luang Prabang
Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Luang Prabang

Located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Nam Kham and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is known for its Buddhist temples and monasteries, preserved traditional architecture, and remaining vestiges of Laos’ French colonial period. These elements earned it the distinction of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The city of just under 60,000 continues to inspire awe in tourists to this day, and with the opening of the Rosewood Luang Prabang, luxury travelers have the option to visit this destination while enjoying the level of comfort that the Rosewood Hotels and Resorts brand has staked its reputation on. The 24-room, suite, villa, and tent accommodations are designed by celebrated architect Bill Bensley and combine world-class luxury with local aesthetics. Guests are invited to enjoy locally sourced Laotian meals at The Great House or a drink and view from the Elephant Bridge Bar. There is also an opulent spa on site and a centrally located swimming pool, around which guests can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in this haven of luxury.

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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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