Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

Head into the unknown with this five-day adventure through northern Laos. After arriving in the capital of Vientiane, you’ll make a beeline for the north - widely considered as having some of the most dramatic scenery and fascinating culture in the whole of Laos. The emphasis of this itinerary will be on the hilltop tribe visits, and there’s ample opportunity to visit these remote communities as you make your way from Luang Namtha to Muang Sing, with stops at the Ban Lao Neu, Kui Sang and Akha Pu Li tribes. There’s also chance to check out the capital, Vientiane, and its many charms for a day before ending the trip. 

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

• Hands-On Culture: Get your hands dirty making bamboo paper with the Lantern Tribe at Ban Sop Tou, dine with locals near Muang Sing and let them show you how to make traditional yellow noodles, then meet the Kui Sang tribe, known for their unique fashions and hairstyles.

• Road Trip: Snake your way through dense Lao jungle on the stunning mountain route to Muang Sing.

• Night Market Haggling: Go bargain hunting by the Mekong at Vientiane’s riverside night bazaar and pick up authentic handicraft souvenirs.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Luang Namtha

After meeting your guide at the airport, kick off this five-day tour of Laos with a riverside lunch in the capital, Vientiane, before heading on for the day's second flight to Luang Namtha in the north of the country. There's time for some hilltop tribe visits to Ban Sop Toup - the village of the Lantern hill tribe where you can take a stroll around and even participate in some of the villagers - activities, such as bamboo paper making. Back to Luang Namthai in the evening to stay at your riverside resort.

Hotel Options
About

Cozy teak guesthouses can be found throughout the Lao landscape, offering accommodation to travelers venturing off the beaten track. Ranging from basic to mid-tier, most Laos guesthouses feature clean beds, private bathrooms with hot and cold shower, cable TV, air-conditioning, and onsite-restaurant and bar.

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.

About

Phou Villa is a top choice accommodation in Luang Namtha. Boutique and centrally located in town, Phou Villa offers comfortable rooms with twin or king beds, hardwood floors, and private bathrooms.

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.

Day 2

Muang Sing

This second day will see the tour move an hour away to Muang Sing, a picturesque village 1 hour away on the Laotian-Chinese border. On the way, there's chance for more hilltop tribe visits, as well as an interesting stop-off to see a Hmong kindergarten at Ban Paknamwa, and the Leu Temple in Muang Sing town. A host family will serve you a traditional lunch, and you can also try your hand at making yellow noodles (Kao Soy) at Ban Lao Neu. Take a look round the town's museum and visit the Yao tribe before bedding down for the night at your resort in Muang Sing.

Hotel Options
About

Phou Iu Resort is a basic eco-lodge in the mountainous Muang Sing District of northwest Laos, near the borders of Myanmar and China's Yunnan province. The simple guesthouse, surrounded by landscape traditionally occupied by forests and upland swidden farming, has clean and comfortable bungalow rooms built in the style of local ethnic groups, including the Tai Lue, Khmu and Akha.

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.

Muang Sing
Muang Sing

Day 3

Muang Sing

The morning excursion out of Muang Sing takes you to Muang Long Town to see the Kui Sang tribe - the only one of its type in Luang Namtha Province, and one which showcases some unique styles of dress, accessories and hairstyles. Take lunch in Long Town before heading on to see the famous Akha Pu Li tribe on the way back to your resort.

Day 4

Vientiane

Enjoy an inclusive breakfast at Phou Lu 2 Resort in preparation for the short flight back to the capital, Vientiane. You'll arrive in good time for lunch in the city, and the rest of the day can be spent exploring the best of what Vientiane has to offer -don't miss the lively night market by the river, and be sure to sample some of the exquisite French-Laos restaurants and cafes that line the pretty streets of the compact city centre.

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
Vientiane
Vientiane

Day 5

Departure

An inclusive breakfast is served at Settha Palace, your hotel for the previous night. Afterwards, it's time to pack your bags and head for the airport (via private transportation), which marks the end of this five-day tour of Northern Laos.

Suggested Hotels For Day 1

Guesthouse

Guesthouse

Cozy teak guesthouses can be found throughout the Lao landscape, offering accommodation to travelers venturing off the beaten track. Ranging from basic to mid-tier, most Laos guesthouses feature clean beds, private bathrooms with hot and cold shower, cable TV, air-conditioning, and onsite-restaurant and bar. Laundry service, WiFi and rentable bicycles may also be available.  These quaint lodgings allow guests to relax in comfort while enjoying the languid Lao countryside.

Phou Villa

Phou Villa

Phou Villa is a top choice accommodation in Luang Namtha. Boutique and centrally located in town, Phou Villa offers comfortable rooms with twin or king beds, hardwood floors, and private bathrooms. Its in-house dining room serves continental and local cuisine and large windows open to the scenic landscape.

Suggested Hotel For Days 2–3

Phou Iu Resort

Phou Iu Resort


Phou Iu Resort is a basic eco-lodge in the mountainous Muang Sing District of northwest Laos, near the borders of Myanmar and China's Yunnan province. The simple guesthouse, surrounded by landscape traditionally occupied by forests and upland swidden farming, has clean and comfortable bungalow rooms built in the style of local ethnic groups, including the Tai Lue, Khmu and Akha. The bungalows utilize local materials and come with their own verandah looking out to the grassy resort garden. Rooms have modern bathrooms, with hot water and free Wi-Fi. Phou Iu Resort offers bicycle rental and laundry services.


Suggested Hotel For Day 4

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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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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Ralph & Orn - New York, NY

Ralph & Orn - New York, NY

Sixteen days, four countries, eight flights, and six hotels without a hitch.

Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand

Couple from New York City

Couple from New York City

It was the guides you selected in each city that made our trip so memorable. Each was superbly knowledgeable and extremely personable. They made our trip the most special event that we will cherish.

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia

Family from Houston

Family from Houston

We had a wonderful time and pretty much every detail of the trip logistics went like clockwork... I am very appreciative to everyone on the Remote Lands team.

Vietnam, Laos, Thailand

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