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.
- Duration
- 6 days / 5 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
Adventure and Laos go hand-in-hand. This stunning, landlocked country boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of Southeast Asia, yet much of it - particularly in the north - goes undiscovered due the sheer remoteness and difficulty of terrain. This six-day tour takes on the best of what the region has to offer; you’ll scale mountains and tackle dense jungles in a 4x4, visit almost untouched hilltop village tribes and take time out to relax and rejuvenate at a gorgeous spa resort. Start with some cultural visits in the charming capital of Vientiane, before flying on to Boun Tai, which will be used as base for exploration around the region, all before flying back to the capital six days later.
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
• Road Trip: Tackle Northern Lao's challenging terrain in a 4x4, scaling mountains and winding through jungle.
• Hill Tribes: Learn about some of Laos' ethnic groups and their lasting traditions by meeting members of remote Akha Djepia, Akha Erpa, Akha Loma and Black Hmong communities.
• Hot Springs: After so much adventure, rejuvenate tired muscles in Muang La's natural thermal baths, then swim in the nearby lake.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
Vientiane
The charmingly laid back capital of Vientiane has plenty in the way of attractions and activities, showcasing some of the country's grandest temples and monuments. Depending on arrival time, you’ll hit a few of the capital’s most important sights, such as That Luang Stupa (the National Monument), Hor Pra Keo and Sisaket temple - all before returning to your hotel.
Hotel Options
Day 2
Ban Boun Tai
Depart the capital, catching a short two-hour flight upcountry to the northernmost airport at Boun Neu. There’s time for you to take a local lunch in the town, before continuing on to the remote Boun Tai village (stops on the way to Akha Nuqui, Lao Sang and old an French military base).
Day 3
Ban Boun Tai
Hit the dirt in a 4x4 SUV, crisscrossing the Laotian countryside on the way to several fascinating hilltop tribes such as the Akha Djepia, Akha Erpa, Akha Loma, and Black Hmong. It's a long trip, but the gorgeous mountain scenery along the way more than makes up for the time spent on the road (or dirt path). Return to your guesthouse for your second night in Boun Tai.
Day 4
Muang La
Perhaps a highlight of the tour, day four takes you on to some of the country’s most remote, untouched village tribes hidden deep in the dense, tropical jungles of northern Laos. The 4x4 all-terrain car leaves early, with the tour heading to Ban Pi Jer Mai, Akha Djepia, Akha Loma and Akha Erpa. The trip finishes at the pretty Muang La Resort (your hotel for the night), around 5 hours away and situated right next to a natural hot spring.
Hotel Options
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.
Day 5
Muang La
After scaling mountains, trekking over hills and winding through dense jungles for the last few days, it’s time for a rest. Day-five has been set aside for relaxation and rejuvenation; the stunning Muang La resort you’re staying at offers spa and massage treatments, and you can even dip your feet into the nearby hot spring or bathe in the surrounding lake.
Day 6
Departure
Enjoy breakfast on the last day of this tour before checking out and making your way (via private transportation) to Oudomxai, which is where you’ll be catching your onwards flight back to the capital, Vientiane. This marks the end of the trip, and you'll be free to travel on to your next destination of choice.
Suggested Hotel For Day 1
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 Days 4–5
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.
Similar Itineraries
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $8,700
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $4,700
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $4,200
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $3,400
- Duration
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $4,300
- Duration
- 20 days / 19 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $21,000
- Date
- Nov 10–20, 2024
- Price Per Person
- $74,888
- Duration
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $6,100
- Duration
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $3,300
- Duration
- 12 days / 11 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $93,100
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.
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
Dinner at the Rosewood Luang Prabang with Chef Sebastien Rubis
- Author
- Tyler Roney
Southern Laos: Tribal Secrets Unlocked
- Author
- Jay Tindall
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
Party of four from Missouri & Tokyo
We appreciated traveling in remote areas...the slice-of-life experiences made the trip worthwhile.