Laos Beyond the Crowds

Day 1: Houay Xay – Cruise to Pakbeng

Cross the border from Thailand and board the Shompoo slow boat for a scenic Mekong River cruise. Enjoy a traditional Lao lunch and an onboard cooking class making local desserts. En route, visit Ban Pak Sith to learn about rural village life and traditional rice alcohol production before arriving in Pakbeng.
Overnight: Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge (Superior room) or similar
Meals: Lunch

Day 2: Elephant Camp & Khmu Village Walk

Cross the Mekong to an elephant camp to learn about these gentle giants and walk alongside them in their natural forest habitat (no riding permitted). After lunch at the camp, enjoy a guided walk through Pakbeng to a local Khmu village to learn about their ethnic culture, ending with a visit to the region's oldest temple.
Overnight: Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge (Superior room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Pakbeng to Namkat (Overland)

Depart Pakbeng for a scenic drive through wild, mountainous terrain home to Tai Leu, Khmu, and Hmong ethnic groups. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of untouched landscapes on the way to Oudomxay, before transferring to your peaceful eco-resort in Namkat.
Overnight: Namkat Yorla Pa Resort (Superior river cottage) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Namkat – Forest Immersion & Waterfalls

Embark on a morning jungle adventure, crossing over 13 suspension bridges through the dense, vibrant rainforest to reach the stunning Namkat Waterfall. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters or simply relax in nature's tranquility. The afternoon is free to unwind at your resort.
Overnight: Namkat Yorla Pa Resort (Superior river cottage) or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Namkat – High-Speed Train to Luang Prabang

Transfer to Oudomxay station for a high-speed train journey to the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to your boutique hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the serene streets of this cultural hub at your own pace.
Overnight: Sanakeo Boutique (Deluxe room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Luang Prabang – Tuk-Tuk City Tour

Meet your guide for a fun morning exploring Luang Prabang by tuk-tuk. Start at the bustling Morning Market for an immersive look at local food culture. Visit Wat Mai, climb Phou Si Hill for panoramic views, and explore Wat Xieng Thong, the peninsula's most magnificent ancient temple. The afternoon is at your leisure.
Overnight: Sanakeo Boutique (Deluxe room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Kuang Si Waterfalls & Authentic Local Life

Drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls for a morning swim in the turquoise pools. Afterwards, take a scenic 3km walk through the forest to a local farm for a simple lunch, where you'll try traditional rice-farming techniques and noodle making. Visit a Hmong community at Ban Na Ouan, then relax with a drink at the Ock Pop Tok craft centre overlooking the Mekong.
Overnight: Sanakeo Boutique (Deluxe room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Luang Prabang – Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel with the morning free at your leisure. Check out by noon and transfer to Luang Prabang airport with your guide for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast

Included services:

Accommodation in private bathroom in twin-share base
Meal: as per mention as program
Transfers and tours with local English speaking guide in private air-conditioned vehicles
All entrance fees as mentioned in the programed
Boat fee
Bottled water available on the vehicles
Train ticket Oudomxay - Luang Prabang (second class)

Recommended travel period:

All year

Excluded services:

International airfare to / from Lao (quoted separately, if requested)
Optional tours
Surcharges for other language guides
Personal travel insurance
Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.
Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme
Drinks with meals
Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme

Image source: LCC DTH Travel Vietnam
Image source: LCC DTH Travel Vietnam
Image source: LCC DTH Travel Vietnam
Image source: LCC DTH Travel Vietnam
Image source: LCC DTH Travel Vietnam
Image source: LCC DTH Travel Vietnam
Image source: LCC DTH Travel Vietnam
Image source: LCC DTH Travel Vietnam