Northern Laos Rivers and Tribes 11 days

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the UNESCO-listed heritage town. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a walk along the peaceful riverbank or explore the nearby night market, where ethnic communities sell traditional crafts and handmade textiles.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Rise early this morning to witness the sacred Alms Giving Ceremony, as monks in saffron robes collect offerings from locals along the quiet streets. After breakfast, take a guided tour of Luang Prabang, visiting the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, and Wat Mai, key landmarks reflecting the city’s spiritual and colonial legacy. In the afternoon, drive out to the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you can swim in turquoise pools, visit the Bear Rescue Center, and walk scenic jungle trails.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, drive north through the rural heart of Laos toward Nong Khiaw, a quiet town nestled between towering limestone cliffs on the Nam Ou River. Along the way, pass through local villages and lush rice paddies. Upon arrival, check in to your riverside lodge and enjoy some free time to explore the area or hike up to the Pha Daeng viewpoint for a panoramic view of the valley.
Driving time is approximately three and a half to four hours
Overnight in Nong Khiaw

Today, cruise upstream on the Nam Ou River, passing through breathtaking karst scenery. Disembark at a remote village and begin a light trek through forests and farmland to visit a Khmu ethnic community, where you will learn about traditional rural life. Enjoy a local picnic lunch before continuing your exploration. On the return trip, you may stop to explore the Pha Tok Caves, once used as shelters during wartime.
Overnight in Nong Khiaw

Depart in the morning for Luang Namtha, a region rich in biodiversity and cultural diversity, home to multiple ethnic groups including the Akha, Khmu, and Lanten. Arrive in Luang Namtha by afternoon. Driving time is approximately six to six and a half hours
Overnight in Luang Namtha

Set off on a full-day trekking adventure in the Nam Ha National Protected Area, one of Laos’ most important eco-regions. Hike through dense primary forest, across streams and hilly terrain, accompanied by an expert local guide. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to native plants and forest survival techniques used by local tribes. Stop for a jungle picnic lunch cooked in bamboo, then continue to Nalan village, home to the Khmu people, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional homestay.
Trekking duration: 4–5 hours
Overnight in a Khmu village homestay

After a village breakfast, start your kayaking journey down the Namtha River, navigating through gentle rapids and jungle landscapes. Pass by local villagers fishing and visit Nalan Tai, another Khmu village, where you stop for a delicious Lao picnic. Continue paddling through beautiful gorges and steep forested hills, stopping at Nam Roy village of the Lanten people to learn about their bamboo paper making and natural dyeing traditions. Finish your adventure at Houy Leuat village, then return to Luang Namtha.
Kayaking duration: 5–6 hours
Overnight in Luang Namtha

After breakfast, depart Luang Namtha for Huay Xai, a riverside town on the Mekong River and gateway to northern Thailand. The journey takes you through remote mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and sweeping valleys. Arrive in Huay Xai by late afternoon and check in to your hotel overlooking the Mekong.
Driving time is approximately six to seven hours
Overnight in Huay Xai

Board the boutique Shompoo Cruise for a relaxing and scenic journey down the Mekong River. As you glide past forested mountains, riverside farms, and stilted villages, enjoy a Lao-style lunch served on board. Along the way, stop at a traditional ethnic village to learn about local customs and handicrafts. Arrive in Pakbeng in the late afternoon and settle into your lodge nestled along the riverbank.
Cruise time is approximately six to seven hours
Overnight in Pakbeng

Continue your Mekong River journey as the cruise heads downstream toward Luang Prabang. Today’s highlights include a visit to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of sacred Buddha images, and a stop at Ban Xang Hai, a riverside village famous for its Lao-Lao rice whiskey. Enjoy lunch on board as you pass through some of the most scenic stretches of the Mekong. Arrive in Luang Prabang by late afternoon and transfer to your hotel in the old town.
Cruise time is approximately six hours
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Luang Prabang. You may choose to explore the morning market, take a stroll along the Mekong riverside, or visit a local café before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
End of your journey