Northern Laos in Style

8 days from £4,430 for 2023 per person

• Pakbeng
• Muang La
• Nong Khiaw
• Luang Prabang

Northern Laos is one of the most pristine and unspoilt areas of Southeast Asia, and often feels as though it's one big village. It is in fact home several distinct tribal lineages, such as the Ikhor (originally from Tibet) and the H'Mong who are spread across Northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Discover unique local customs and culture whilst traversing beautiful river and lime karst landscapes.

Start your exploration by completing immigration formalities and taking a boat down the Mekong from Huay Xai to Pakbeng with stops at villages en route. Be driven onto Muang La the following day and enjoy a restful afternoon sipping champagne, nibbling foie gras and enjoying the sunset views.

Enjoy another boat cruise and village stops on the way to Nong Khiaw, another scenic gem with a beautiful lime karst backdrop. There is an optional bike ride to the local limestone caves for those who don't mind dodging a few potholes!

Continue the adventure with a drive through the countryside and paddy fields with a stop at Pak Ou cave of a thousand Buddhas en route to Luang Prabang. This town is a jewel at the heart of Asia with beautiful temples such as Wat Xiengthong reached along old French colonial streets, and Mt Phousi at its centre. There are a number of charming restaurants on the colonial main street and along the river. Give alms to the orange-robed monks, enjoy a Baci traditional ceremony and bathe in the beautiful pools of nearby Kuang Si falls. We'd be willing to wager you'll fall in love with the way of life and gentle pace of Laos.

This tour is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own tailor-made holiday. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of Laos itineraries.

The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling