Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Off the Grid, Tribal
Destinations
Laos

It’s time to head off the beaten path with this five-day tour of north Laos – one of the prettiest, yet seldom visited parts of the country. Start by getting to know the capital, Vientiane, before flying upcountry to Boun Neu – not too far from the Chinese border. From there, you’ll be spending the second night at a family homestay at Akha Nugui, all before heading on to the quaint town of Phongsaly. This, both the northernmost and highest town in the whole of Laos will be used as a base, as you venture on to to see untouched hilltop tribes, towering mountains, local villages ,and out-of-town excursions into the countryside. End the tour with a flight back to your starting point, Vientiane.

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

  • Vientiane: Get to know the complex story of Laos through the capital's mix of colonial, traditional and modern attractions.
  • Cultural Exchange: A homestay experience with a local family in Akha Nugui offers an authentic taste of Northern Laotian life.
  • Remote Phongsaly: Watch the sunset over Phongsaly Town, the northernmost and highest town in the country, at the stupa atop Phou Fa Mountain.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Vientiane

Depending on arrival time in the Laotian capital, you'll head out to some of the city's most magnificent temples and monuments, including That Luang Stupa and Sisaket Temple. Take time to refresh and reenergize yourself in your luxurious suite at Settha Palace Hotel before departure the following day.

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.

See Hotel
Settha Palace Hotel Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Akha Nugui

Fly out of the capital to the northernmost airport in the country at Boun Neu. From there, hit the dirt roads and make you way over the hills for 2.5 hours to the village of Akha Nugui, where accommodation with local families has been arranged. There's chance to see several hilltop tribes and ethnic villages on the way, and you'll arrive in time for a sunset dinner with your host family.

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.

Day 3

Phongsali

Say goodbye to your hosts of the previous night and hit the road again (in a 4x4) to Phongsaly, the northernmost and highest town in the whole of Laos. The 3.5-hour drive takes you on to the spectacular Phou Fa Stupa, which overlooks the town and boasts some memorable views as you watch the sun set over the hills of Northern Laos.

Hotel Options
About

Overlooking the pretty Northern Laotian town of Phongsali, this basic guesthouse provides simple rooms - good for a few nights of resting after exploring the region. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum (don’t expect any lavish swimming pools or 24-hour room service), the guesthouse does provide hot water, and some of the more modern room are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences.

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.

Phongsali
Phongsali

Day 4

Phongsali

This penultimate day has been set aside for further exploration of Phongsaly Town, as well as the gorgeous surrounding countryside. After breakfast, there's visits to the town's main museum, a local market and a neighboring village. An excursion in the afternoon will take you 15 miles out of town to a 400-year-old tea plantation and whisky village, before returning to your guesthouse in the evening.

Day 5

Departure

Fill up at breakfast before bidding farewell to Northern Laos. A morning drive takes you to the airport at Boun Neu where you'll catch an onwards flight to Luang Prabang. Arrival here marks the end of this five-day tour - you're now free to travel on to your next destination of choice.

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.

Suggested Hotel For Day 2

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.

Suggested Hotel For Days 3–4

 Sannaly Guest House

Sannaly Guest House

Overlooking the pretty Northern Laotian town of Phongsali, this basic guesthouse provides simple rooms - good for a few nights of resting after exploring the region. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum (don’t expect any lavish swimming pools or 24-hour room service), the guesthouse does provide hot water, and some of the more modern room are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences. The real draw here is the location: shared balconies afford some nice views of the town towards the front, and windows at the back face the rolling green mountains in the distance. The quiet yet ever-so-quaint town of Phongsali is the highest in the whole country, situated around 4,500 feet above sea level. 

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