LAOS Vang Vien Huts On The River Logo Laos (1)
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Northern Laos in Style

8 days from £4,960 for 2025 per person

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.


Itinerary details

8 days from £4,960 for 2025 per person

  • Day 1 - Pakbeng Lodge - Pakbeng
    Arrive in Luang Prabang and take a private boat ride to Pakbeng, before your eveing dinner at the hotel.
  • Day 2 -
    Drive from Pakbeng to Muang La, and enjoy a sunset dinner with champagne in a private sala.
  • Day 3 -
    Spend the day exploring local tribal villages by jeep with your private guide and driver.
  • Day 4 - Nong Khiaw Riverside - Nong Khiaw
    Take a private boat from Muang La to Nong Khiaw to explore the limestone caves.
  • Day 5 - Satri House - Luang Prabang
    Transfer from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang by private car and boat, via the Pak Ou caves.
  • Day 6 - Satri House - Luang Prabang
    Take a private tour of Luang Prabang and enjoy an evening game of pétanque.
  • Day 7 - Satri House - Luang Prabang
    Guided tour of Luang Prabang including Alms giving, Kuang Si Falls excursions and a traditional evening Baci ceremony.
  • Day 8 - In transit.
    Private transfer to the airport and departure home via Bangkok.
Nong Khiaw Laos 1 Nong Khiaw Laos 1
Nong Khiaw Riverside Nong Khiaw Laos 3 Nong Khiaw Riverside Nong Khiaw Laos 3
Nong Khiaw Laos 3 Nong Khiaw Laos 3
Nong Khiaw Laos Nong Khiaw Laos
Nong Khiaw Laos 2 Nong Khiaw Laos 2
Nong Khiaw Riverside Nong Khiaw Laos Nong Khiaw Riverside Nong Khiaw Laos
Muang La Resort Muang La Laos 10 Muang La Resort Muang La Laos 10
Muang La Resort Muang La Laos 1 Muang La Resort Muang La Laos 1
Muang La Laos 2 Muang La Laos 2
Muang La Resort Muang La Laos Muang La Resort Muang La Laos
Meandering Down The Mekong Itinerary Meandering Down The Mekong Itinerary
Gems Of Angkor Luang Prabang Itinerary 3 Gems Of Angkor Luang Prabang Itinerary 3
Gems Of Angkor Luang Prabang Itinerary 1 Gems Of Angkor Luang Prabang Itinerary 1
Gems Of Angkor Luang Prabang Itinerary Gems Of Angkor Luang Prabang Itinerary
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Client Testimonials

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
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Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
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I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
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Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
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We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
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We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
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