Northwest Laos Experience 13 days

Welcome to Houayxay, the ideal starting point for those exploring Laos's northern regions. 

Our guide and driver will be ready to pick you up and escort you directly to the Gibbon Experience office for completing the necessary border formalities. Here, tourists will reconfirm and receive valuable information for the upcoming days.

There is no planned schedule today, enjoy your free day to explore the city on your own.

Houayxay A Mix Of Natural Beauty And Cultural Experiences

Following your breakfast, you will embark on the journey to the jungle for the Gibbon Experience. 

At 11:30 we arrive at Ban Toup, where a local English-speaking guide will take over. Lunch will be served in the village.

After lunch, a 2-hour hike will be set off for you to get accustomed to the cable network, ultimately reaching our tree house.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy, you can choose to continue hiking or experience some thrilling ziplining. Dinner will be served between 17:00 and 18:00, and you spend the night at your tree house.

Try Gibbon Experience

This morning, you have the opportunity to listen to the melodious song of gibbons while sipping on your morning tea and coffee, then have breakfast at 08:00.

Around 09:30, we join a 2-hour trek to reach the next treehouse. Upon arrival, head to the waterfalls to dip in the refreshing water at 12:00.

After lunch, you can participate in optional activities like hiking and ziplining on your return. Your dinner will be served between 17:00 and 18:00, and you will have free time to enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Join The Most Exciting Zip Lining Journey

Begin the day by waking up early to enjoy the enchanting melodies of gibbons in the jungle, then enjoy a delicious breakfast at 08:00. Continue on the journey to Ban Toup, and have a sumptuous lunch there. 

Afterward, we board a private minivan for a direct transfer to Luang Namtha, one of the most ethnically diverse regions in Laos. This 140-km route might take 3 hours with driver only.

During your journey, you'll have the opportunity to visit local villages and soak in the breathtaking panoramic vistas of northern Laos. As the day draws to a close, visitors will arrive in Luang Namtha just in time to witness a stunning sunset.

After checking in, you will be free to explore the town for the rest of the day.

Luang Namtha A Gateway To The Stunning Natural Beauty

Around 07:00, drive to Ban Meutorkhao, an Akha village known for its unique culture, traditions, and distinctive attire. Along the scenic route, we stop to savor a traditional lunch. 

Following that, our next destination is Ban Jakhamleu, another Akha village. We then embark on a 1.5-hour walk to reach Ban Sompanmai. We will also visit Sopley School, an educational hub for many Akha students from nearby villages.

At 17:00, tourists will arrive at Ban Sompammai. Upon reaching, tourists are free to take a stroll through the village to observe the daily life of the locals or marvel at the breathtaking sunset while waiting for dinner. 

After dinner, you can indulge in a traditional massage, a gesture of hospitality extended to guests who spend the night in the village.

Explore Cultural Diversity In Akha Villages

Around 09:00, our journey begins with a 2-hour walk to Ban Jakhatan. From there, we continue for another 2 hours to reach Ban Phangoa, another Akha village. During the visit, tourists spend approximately 30 minutes exploring these villages and conversing with the residents to gain insights into their daily lives.

A picnic lunch will be arranged for you to enjoy along the trail.

Following up, you will head to the Mekong River. A boat will be waiting to transport us to Ban Xiengkhaeng. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the village and become better acquainted with the local people.

Golden Triangle A Blend Of History, Culture And Natural Wonders

After having a tasty breakfast, visitors trek up to the enchanting Ban Jainta (another Akha village) and take a closer glimpse into the daily life of the Akha people. 

Following that, we will hop on an approximately 4-hour jungle trek to guide us to a captivating Ban Japhouthone. Here, tourists will be transferred back to Muang Sing, allowing you to relish the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, a delicious lunch will be served. 

Around 16:00, you will reach Muang Sing and continue on a 1-hour drive to Luang Namtha, where you spend the rest of the day.

Trek Through The Lush Jungle

As an optional activity, visitors have the opportunity to start the day early by strolling to the nearby morning market. Here, you can witness the local people from neighboring villages engaging in the age-old practice of bartering.

After breakfast, we will have a journey to That Luang Namtha, a charming northern Laos town beckoning travelers with its enchanting mix of nature and culture.

Then, visit the Luang Namtha Museum which showcases exhibits related to the various ethnic groups, their traditional clothing, tools, and artifacts. 

On the way to Ban Nambotakaiy, there will be ample chances to pause your drive and explore the charming Khmu and Hmong villages, offering unique cultural encounters.

Continue to take another 20-km route to reach Ban Chom Ong, a village with stunning natural scenes. Strolling through the village, you witness numerous locals crafting handmade goods, and you might even catch a blacksmith fashioning traditional Lao machetes. 

Later, we stop by a shop for a cold beer before sharing dinner with the welcoming host family.

That Luang The Iconic Religious Monument

After having breakfast, our cave exploration adventure begins with a 1-hour trek from the village, following a narrow path that leads to the cave entrance. 

As you venture further into the Chom Ong cave, you can encounter a mesmerizing display of stalactites and stalagmites. It's a fascinating glimpse into the underground landscapes of Laos.

Firstly, we will enter the cave via the lower entrance. This is one of the most stunning parts of the entire cave, as the light from outside reflects off the river and paints the inside of the walls with an orange glow.

We walk up the river a few hundred meters and then turn around to go to the main entrance which leads to 18 km of tunnels. The cave almost immediately opened to massive cathedral-like chambers nearly 50 meters high.

The adventurous travelers can continue deeper into the main chambers of the cave, going further than the regular tour allows, where you can explore some more several large chambers full of unique formations.

You can take a refreshing dip in the natural pool before making your way back to the village. Have dinner and overnight in the homestay.

Take A Refreshing Dip

After breakfast, drive to Nong Khiaw, a town surrounded by breathtaking limestone karst mountains and lush forests. Our journey includes various incredible stops, allowing you to take many natural photos and interact with diverse ethnic minority groups. 

• Stop at Nam Hin Lake, the serene and unspoiled environment, which we can see on a short boat ride, makes it an ideal experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
• Take a short visit to the hill tribe villages of the Hmong at Ban Jarong, Ban Songja.

Transfer to Nong Khiaw for an overnight. 

Learn About The Diverse Culture In Hill Tribe Villages

Our adventure starts with a serene boat ride along the scenic Nam Ou River, allowing you to discover a Lao village nestled along the riverbanks.

Following the boat ride, we embark on the exhilarating “100 Waterfalls Adventure Trail”. Visitors will be accompanied by our experienced guide, who are well-versed in the region’s terrain. They lead you through the jungle, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.  

This trekking experience rewards you with breathtaking scenery that you might not encounter through other means of travel. The views are awe-inspiring, from majestic mountain peaks to pristine lakes and remote villages. In the middle of the beautiful scenery, tourists have a traditional lunch carefully prepared by our tour guide. 

Moving on, trekking back to the Nam Ou riverside village. 

After the tour, return to Nong Khiaw by boat.

Admire The Amazing Sunset In Nam Ou River

Following breakfast, visitors head to Muang Soune, which locates 65-km far from the center of the north Luang Prabang and next to the Nam Ou River. It is possible to consider this place as a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, making it a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic cultural experience in Southeast Asia.

Upon arrival, you can stroll around the village to gain insights into the daily life of the residents. Subsequently, we will pay a visit to the village chief's house, engaging in conversations about the village's living conditions, history, and various aspects of life there.

After lunch at the homestay, you have the choice to unwind or participate in agricultural pursuits like seasonal rice planting and harvesting, traditional fishing with the chance to enjoy your catch for dinner, or simply take a stroll around the farm and rice fields.

Continue on the journey to the enchanting Nam Ou River, and take a dip of instant relief from the heat. It's the perfect way to beat the sweltering temperatures.

Next, tourists will have a great chance to participate in the most sacred tradition: the Baci Ceremony. In Laos, it is a traditional gathering to seek blessings, creating a unique cultural and spiritual experience.

While enjoying dinner, tourists will listen to captivating folk tales narrated by the host family, with our guide providing translations.

Free to stroll around and stay overnight in a local homestay.

Experience The Most Sacred Tradition The Baci Ceremony

After breakfast, you'll have the opportunity to participate in fishing on the picturesque Nam Ou River, where you can learn traditional fishing methods. Then, embark on a boat trip to explore the beautiful surrounding areas.

We will come back to the village at 11:00 to transfer back to Luang Prabang and get ready for the departure flight.

Fishing On The Picturesque Nam Ou River