GETAWAY IN NORTHERN LAOS BY BOAT AND TRAIN

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL – LUANG PRABANG (- / - / D)

We journey back in time with a visit to UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang, an ancient kingdom of former Laotian kings, a stately royal palace and abundant glittering temples all reasons why it is the country’s biggest tourism destination. Luang Prabang is situated on a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and it features smart tree-lined riverbanks and abundant golden stupas in close walking distance. Although King Setthathirat moved the power base to Vientiane in 1563, Luang Prabang remains the country’s cultural capital.

After arrival at the airport, our guide will supervise our transfer to the hotel and our check-in.

A set dinner is included at Le Calao Restaurant located on the banks of the Mekong River. This fine dining establishment serves traditional Laotian family dishes, as well as global cuisine. The team of cooks have acquired expertise from their parents and grandparents and this legacy is passed on through exceptional taste and presentation.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 2 : LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR & INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHIST TRADITIONS- (B / L / -)

One of the best ways to experience local culture is to cycle around town and see a destination from a different perspective. We depart the hotel and ride to Wat Xieng Thong. This is one of Luang Prabang’s most palatial shrines and it is where kings were crowned up until 1975.

We continue to the former Royal Palace which is now a museum. Facing Mount Phousi and the banks of the Mekong River, the National Museum houses the country’s most sacred Buddha image, Phra Bang.

Next door, we visit Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, one of Luang Prabang most lavishly decorated temples. A short journey of 2.1 km takes us to Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre, a non-profit organisation that seeks to preserve traditional weaving techniques. Lunch at Ock Pop Tok restaurant.

After lunch, we head to Wat Pa Phai to learn about and practice meditation techniques.

Option 1 :

For those seeking more cultural immersion, one excellent optional tours are available. The option is participation in a mysterious baci ceremony. This ritual is believed to bring good fortune and peace to those present.

Dinner is to our own account

Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 3 : LUANG PRABANG – PAKBENG BY BOAT BY LE GRAND CRUISE (B / L / D)

We are ready to welcome you on board and your boarding time at 07:00 am, we expect your arrival earlier by 06:30 am at Le Calao pier.

Today, the Le Grand Cruiser will take you upstream the Mekong to Pakbeng, we estimate your journey by 8-9 hours. Your continental breakfast is served while the boat is cruising to Pak Ou Village, at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, where you will visit Tam Thing Caves of a Thousand Buddha. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board then stop at a hill tribe village where you can watch the traditional process of Lao whiskey production.

Arrive at Pakbeng around sunset and check-in at Le Grand Pakbeng.

Dinner is served on a terrace overlooking the Mekong River

Overnight in Pakbeng

DAY 4 : PAKBENG – HOUAYXAY BY BOAT (B / L / D)

Very early morning breakfast, you will be transferred you to Pakbeng Pier. Your boarding time at 7:00am. You will board the second leg of the cruise upstream the Mighty Mekong River. Enroute one stop is made to observe rural life along the Mekong and minorities such as Hmong, Yao and Khmu ethnic minority villages.

Buffet lunch will be served on board and then continue to Houayxay where you will arrive around 5:00pm

You will meet your guide and transfer to check in at the hotel.

Dinner at local restaurant

Overnight in Houayxay

DAY 5 : HOUAYXAY – LUANG NAMTHA  (B / L / D) 

After breakfast,

08:30 we leave the small town of Houayxay and take a 3.5h drive to Luang Namtha nestled in the mountainous northern region and close to the Chinese border. Surrounded by lush, forested hills, this is a popular base for exploration of an eco-tourism wonderland. The wider province has astounding ethnic diversity and is home to over 20 tribal groups. The Akha, Black Tai, Lahu and Yao are some of the colourful hill tribes visitors can learn about and a village homestay is a great way to do this.

On the way, we will make a stop at Vieng Phoukha and will have the chance to visit small villages.

On arrival, we check in and have some time to rest before going for a stroll in the alleys of the new night market offering food and retail options.

A local lunch and local dinner are included.

Overnight in Luang Namtha

DAY 6 : LUANG NAMTHA – OUDOMXAY BY TRAIN – FREE (B / L / -)

This morning, we rise early to get the chance to visit Luang Namtha’s daily fresh market that sells abundant locally produced fruit and vegetables after what we return to our hotel for breakfast.

10:00 We then visit the Provincial Museum which features hill tribe artefacts, costumes and weaponry

Lunch at local restaurant

Following lunch, head to Nateuy train station to catch the train by C81 @ 15:28 – 15:58 to Oudomxay.

Located in the beautiful region of Oudomxay, in the north of Laos, Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort is situated on the edge of a protected forest area and the Nam Kat River. It is the perfect place for lovers of the great outdoors. Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike will find a wide range of activities to enjoy. This idyllic destination also offers a variety of relaxing activities including swimming and massage.

Dinner is to our own account

Overnight in Oudomxay

DAY 7 : OUDOMXAY (B / - / -) 

Today we enjoy a day at leisure with the opportunity to partake in several outdoor optional tours.

Option 2 :

The first is a trek through spectacular countryside towards Namkat Waterfall and along 13 sky bridges, to enjoy a picnic at this idyllic site. We then continue walking for 1.5 km to see giant trees. Another option involves half-a-day of cycling, trekking, viewing the sky bridges and the waterfall. We leave from the Tour Information Centre and cycle towards Namkat Waterfall 5 km away. When we reach the entrance, we will walk over the 13 sky bridges and spend time at the waterfall before a combined trek and cycle ride back to the Tour Information Centre.

Option 3 :

A further option involves a similar itinerary with a car journey. This includes trekking to see the giant trees, the sky bridges and the waterfall. We leave from the Tour Information Centre before 12 pm and drive towards Namkat Waterfall 5 km away. On reaching the entrance, we will trek through the jungle to reach the giant trees and walk over the 13 sky bridges to get to these natural wonders. We spend time at the waterfall before the trek back.

Meals is to our own account

Overnight in Oudomxay

DAY 8 : OUDOMAXAY – LUANG PRABANG BY TRAIN (B / - / -)

Today’s journey takes us back to Luang Prabang by train from Oudomxay. We leave the lush scenery of our eco-resort in the late morning to catch the train by C81 @ 15:58 – 16:51 to the formal royal capital city where we arrive one hour later. On arrival we enjoy free leisure time.

Option 4 :

For those seeking some inspirational culinary discovery, an excellent excursion is on offer. An after dark foodie tour reveals delicious dishes in the country’s gastronomic capital. Luang Prabang is the best place to savour a wide range of fresh and tasty local food styles. With French influences from a bygone colonial era evident, Luang Prabang’s culinary foundation has also embraced cooking styles from neighbouring countries. We journey from street stalls and hidden restaurants to the Night Market. The is a haven for local dining establishments with a speciality for sausages, fried mushrooms, coconut dumplings and the almighty papaya salad – cooked Laotian style with a lot of heat! This tour runs from 6 pm to 9pm.

DAY 9 : LUANG PRABANG – DEPARTURE (B / - / -)

We are collected from the hotel and transferred to the airport for the onward flight to our next destination.. 

End of our services.