Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

Finding a perfect balance between relaxation and adventure, this four-day trip around Northern Laos lets you soak up the culture - as well as the sun - at and around the stunning Muang La Resort. Start with a city tour of the capital, Vientiane, famous for its majestic Buddhist temples, bustling riverside night market and quality dining scene. Waste no time on the morning of day-two in heading upcountry; you'll be catching a flight to the northern town of Oudomxai before checking-in at the stunning Muang La Resort, nested in the dramatic Laotian mountainscape. You'll be using this as a base to explore the surrounding region, with visits to hilltop tribes including Akha Djepia, Akha Loma, and the Black Tai tribe. There's also time for temple visits and river rafting before flying back to the capital on the fourth day.

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

• History: A tour of Vientiane provides lessons in the country's colonial past, independence and enduring Buddhist heritage.

• Hill Tribes: Meet just a few of Laos' many tribal groups - Hmong, Khmu, Akha Djepia, Black Tai - to appreciate why this country is one of the most ethnically diverse on the planet.

• Bamboo Rafting: For a landlocked country, Laos has an abundance of waterways. Take a bamboo rafting excursion down the Nam Pak River to explore the jungle from the water.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Vientiane

This mini-tour of Northern Laos kicks off in the south in Vientiane, situated on the Mekong River bordering Thailand. After checking-in to the splendid Settha Palace Hotel, take a quick tour of the city, with visits to That Luang stupa (National Monument), Hor Pra Keo Museum and Sisaket temple. Don't forget to have a look at the charming riverside night market in the evening too.

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

Muang La

Time to leave the capital behind and really start the tour. Head to the airport and catch an onwards flight to Oudomxai town. Lunch is then served at a local restaurant before the tour heads on to the gorgeous Muang La Resort, around 2.5 hours away - nestled in a beautiful mountain landscape. Along the way, there's time for two village stops to see the fascinating Hmong and Khmu ethnic groups. Afternoon activities present a choice between bamboo rafting down the river, or visiting a nearby temple.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Located within the lush tropical landscape of Laos along the Nam Pak River.

History: Discovered some years ago, the resort was created in the perfect location boasting a hot natural spring, a river rich in local life, a traditional salt mine, and a small mountain village.

Service: Privacy and five-star service including all dining, activities and experiences tailored to your needs with butlers when required.

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Muang La Lodge Preferred Hotel
About

The historic Oudomxay Province, located in one of Southeast Asia’s most scenic river basins, is an excellent locale for travelers wishing to experience the exotic beauty and meditative tranquility of this area known for its lush rainforests and jungles. It is an ideal home base from which to embark on activities and tours, and visitors will find all they seek at Nam Kat Yorla Pa — a protected forestry area along the Nam Kat River featuring both resort facilities and the capacity to outfit and guide guests on numerous adventures.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Muang La
Muang La

Day 3

Muang La

Wake up to the gentle sound of the river flowing past, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery any resort in the country has to offer. Although you might feel like you have to drag yourself away from the tranquility of the resort, day-three's itinerary is well worth it. Set off in a 4x4 en route to Ban Pi Jer Mai, visiting different hill tribes along the way such as the Akha Djepia, Akha Loma, and the Black Tai tribe. Head back in the late afternoon and enjoy one last drink on the veranda as the sun sinks below the Laotian mountainscape.

Day 4

Departure

Regrettably, it's time to pack your bags after two nights at the memorable Muang La Resort and head back to the capital. After breakfast, private transportation will drop you off at the airport in Oudomxai town where you'll catch a flight back to Vientiane. Arrival in the capital marks the end of this four-day excursion through Northern Laos.

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 Hotels For Days 2–3

Muang La Lodge
Preferred Hotel

Muang La Lodge

This boutique lodge offers a private and authentic Laos experience with only five wooden villas and 10 bedrooms, designed with traditional architectural features and created to be a retreat away from it all within a lush tropical landscape. Tropical gardens, rivers, rice fields, numerous and varied local tribes, butterflies, incredible rich fauna and flora, this secluded hideaway offers the best in rest and relaxation. With a natural hot spring, a beautiful flowing river and private corners at every turn, leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind and step into a world of traditional culture. Dine on Laos cuisine or foray into fine dining on a private island, take excursions to discover the local tribes and culture or enjoy massages, hot springs and everything a retreat should offer. Eat, sleep, drink and relax.

See Hotel
Nam Kat Yorla Pa

Nam Kat Yorla Pa

The historic Oudomxay Province, located in one of Southeast Asia’s most scenic river basins, is an excellent locale for travelers wishing to experience the exotic beauty and meditative tranquility of this area known for its lush rainforests and jungles. It is an ideal home base from which to embark on activities and tours, and visitors will find all they seek at Nam Kat Yorla Pa — a protected forestry area along the Nam Kat River featuring both resort facilities and the capacity to outfit and guide guests on numerous adventures. The core ideology of Nam Kat Yorla Pa is built around the promotion of responsible eco-tourism and the financing of future conservation; this ethos is manifested in such outings as helicopter tours, jungle tours, and rainforest treks in which many fascinating species of the native flora and fauna can be observed in their natural habitat. From an accommodations standpoint, guests of Nam Kat Yorla Pa in Oudomxay will find an impressive array of options, with everything from a full-immersion Tent Safari offering to an ultra-luxe Executive room complete with a private balcony and an ensuite bathroom. Dining options at Nam Kat Yola Pa resort incorporate fresh, organic produce that is grown on-site into traditional Thai and Lao dishes.

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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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An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

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