Scenic Laos

Discover the remote north of Laos

Scenic Laos

Spend a night in a tree house in the Bokeo Nature Reserve, trek the Luang Nam Tha hills, and meet the tribes of Muang La, on this 12-day overview of northern Laos that starts and ends in Luang Prabang.

Outline Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive Laos

    Your tour begins in Luang Prabang, northern Laos, where you’ll be met on arrival by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the town centre, the Villa Santi.

  2. Day 2: Luang Prabang to Huay Xai

    An early start this morning as you set out from Luang Prabang towards the town of Huay Xai, a drive of approx. 8-10 hours through the mountains, with plenty of time for stops en route.

  3. Day 3: Gibbon Experience

    A conservation project aimed at protecting the local reserve and its dwindling population of black-crested gibbon, the Gibbon Experience provides one of the best, most eco-friendly adventures to be had in Laos.

  4. Day 4: Gibbon Experience

    Enjoy a second day of activities at the Gibbon Experience, with options for trekking, birding tours, and waterfall visits.

  5. Day 5: Huay Xai to Luang Nam Tha

    Depart Huay Xai for the province of Luang Nam Tha, situated in the north of Laos on the border with China and Myanmar. This most remote region of Laos is a land of rugged mountains and dense woodland. It's also one of the most diverse regions of the country, home to over 20 different tribal groups.

  6. Day 6: Luang Nam Tha

    This morning you'll have the chance to explore some of the different villages surrounding Luang Nam Tha and learn about the varied hill peoples that populate them, including the Akha, Tai Lue, and Yao.

  7. Day 7: Luang Nam Tha to Muang La

    Depart Luang Nam Tha in the morning and drive to Muang La Resort (3-4 hours), arriving midday.

  8. Day 8: Muang La

    A fascinating day spent exploring the hills by 4x4 and in meeting with some of the local tribes, including the Ikho and Hmong. The track you will use is superb and offers an incredible climb up to 1,000m where there is a memorable viewpoint.

  9. Day 9: Muang La to Luang Prabang

    Set off early for Luang Prabang arriving in the afternoon. After checking back into your hotel, the Villa Santi, the rest of the evening is at leisure.

  10. Day 10: Luang Prabang

    An optional early start gives you the opportunity to participate in the morning alms-giving ceremony, which sees a procession of saffron-robed monks pass through the centre of Luang Prabang collecting alms (sticky rice, ubiquitously) from the more devout residents, in a daily ritual as ancient as some of the town's temples.

  11. Day 11: Luang Prabang

    Take a full-day boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to explore local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan, where you can sample a local specialty, rice whisky.

  12. Day 12: Departure

    Free until you transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane and connecting flight home.

Price guide

Price based on two travellers in shared double/twin accommodation and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pricing

12 days from £2530pp

Pricing

12 days from £2530pp

Stunning photos from Zambia

Sarah at Gane and Marshall organised with consummate skill and efficiency, what was a complex safari package.

Dr Mike Leary-Ohwin