Example Itinerary

Peak Laos: Heights of Phongsaly

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

Map

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

Day 2

Map

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

Day 3

Map

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
Phongsali
Phongsali

Day 4

Map

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

Map

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.

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.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, 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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