Example Itinerary
Remote Lands of Laos: Phongsaly & the Far North
- Duration
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Price Per Person
-
Terms & Conditions
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
- Interests
- Off the Grid, Tribal
- Destinations
- Laos
This loveable, landlocked country has fast become a popular stop along the Southeast Asian backpacking route thanks to its gorgeous scenery, rich culture and air of mystery that its tropical neighbors lost long ago. But for most, visiting Laos involves making a beeline to either Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng, with the northern region – one the most spectacular parts of the country – missed altogether due its sheer remoteness. This quick four-day tour takes you where others don’t. You’ll explore the charming capital of Vientiane before flying upcountry to Boun Neu – not too far from the Chinese border. From there, the quaint town of Phongsaly will be used as a base to visit untouched hilltop village tribes, scale towering mountains and experience authentic, local life at markets and restaurants.
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: Southeast Asia's most unassuming capital, Vientiane's attractions include the Arc-de-Triomphe-inspired Patuxai monument, the sacred That Luang Stupa and a night bazaar along the Mekong.
- Phongsaly: Stay in Phongsaly, the northernmost and highest town in the country, then scale Phou Fa Mountain in a 4x4 for epic views of the town below.
- Really Remote Lands: Journey far up north to meet remote hilltop tribes at Akha Nugui and Ban Gnoy Neu, and learn about their enduring way of life.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
MapVientiane
The sleepy Laotian capital has plenty in the way of charm and sights to keep the steady flow of visitors happy. Waste no time in checking out the city with cultural visits to the magnificent That Luang Stupa, Sisaket Temple and a museum (depending on arrival time). Enjoy the luxuries of your suite at Settha Palace Hotel and prepare for departure the following day.
Hotel Options
Day 2
MapPhongsali
Time to head upcountry – out of the capital and to the remote town of Phongsaly near the Chinese border. The two-hour flight takes you to a nearby town (Boun Neu) where there’s time to explore the local market. Afternoon visits go to a local village as well as Phou Fa Mountain; make your way up to the top in the all-terrain car for a stunning panoramic view of the town below.
Hotel Options

Day 3
MapPhongsali
On this third day you’ll be going even further off the beaten track as the tour makes its way out of Phongsaly to Akha Nugui, one of the most interesting and picturesque hilltop tribes in the region. This is a real chance to witness the long-lasting northern Laotian culture, sampling the food and traditions of this particularly remote part of the world. Stop off for another taste of hilltribe life at Ban Gnoy Neu on the way back to your guesthouse in Phongsaly Town.
Day 4
MapDeparture
Enjoy an inclusive breakfast before making the short drive to the airport in Boun Neu. From there, it’s a two-hour flight back to the capital, Vientiane, where this short four-day tour ends, and you are free to journey on to your next destination of choice.

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.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Laos Silk Weaving Up Close
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
Lao people have been weaving these colorful threads for more than 1,000 years with silk made from mulberry leaf-fed silk worms.
Dinner at the Rosewood Luang Prabang with Chef Sebastien Rubis
- Author
- Tyler Roney
If you’re talking about fine dining in Luang Prabang, you’re talking about Rosewood Luang Prabang — and most certainly about culinary director Sebastien Rubis.
Southern Laos: Tribal Secrets Unlocked
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Southern Laos offers rarely seen and almost epic tribal adventure. The Brao, Alak, Katu or “Katang” and Ta Oi tribes all offer fascinating cultural insights.
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