Laos Off the Beaten Path 9 days

Arrive in Luang Prabang, the UNESCO-listed cultural heart of Laos. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in before enjoying a gentle introduction to this serene riverside city.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Start your day early to witness the Alms Giving Ceremony, a sacred ritual where locals offer sticky rice to Buddhist monks. After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Mai, and the iconic Wat Xieng Thong, one of the finest temples in Southeast Asia. In the afternoon, head to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls where you can swim in turquoise pools and visit the Bear Rescue Center. Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch surrounded by lush nature before returning to Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, transfer to the Luang Prabang Railway Station and board the scenic high-speed train to Nateuy, near the northern border. This comfortable rail journey offers beautiful views of mountains and rural life. Upon arrival in Nateuy, your driver will meet you for the 1.5-hour drive to Luang Namtha, a remote town surrounded by protected forest and ethnic minority villages. Check into your eco-lodge nestled in nature and enjoy a peaceful evening.
Train: approx. 2 hours | Drive: approx. 1.5 hours
Overnight in Luang Namtha

Begin a full-day eco-adventure into the Nam Ha National Protected Area, led by local Khmu guides. Trek through lush jungle, bamboo forest, and farmland as you learn about the forest’s medicinal plants and traditional survival skills. Enjoy a Lao jungle picnic lunch, cooked in bamboo over an open fire. Continue trekking to a remote Khmu village, where you’ll stay overnight and experience rural Lao life up close.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours | Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Overnight in a village homestay

Wake up to the sounds of the village and enjoy a simple breakfast. After a safety briefing, begin your kayaking journey along the Nam Ha and Nam Tha rivers. Paddle past riverside villages, jungle-clad cliffs, and local fishermen. Stop for lunch at a traditional Lao picnic spot, and visit Lantan and Khmu communities along the riverbanks. Return to Luang Namtha by late afternoon.
Kayaking duration: 5–6 hours | Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Overnight in Luang Namtha

After breakfast, drive south to Nong Khiaw, one of Laos’ most beautiful riverside towns. Nestled among dramatic limestone mountains on the Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw offers incredible scenery and a laid-back vibe. The scenic drive takes you through remote highlands, rice paddies, and small markets with plenty of chances to stop for photos or to meet locals. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your bungalow with river views.
Driving time: approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight in Nong Khiaw

Today, take a traditional longtail boat upstream to reach a secluded Khmu village where you’ll begin a light trek through jungle paths, farmland, and ethnic communities. Learn about local farming methods, medicinal herbs, and traditional forest life. Enjoy a local picnic lunch before returning.
Overnight in Nong Khiaw

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving back to Luang Prabang, arriving by early afternoon. On the way, stop at local markets and scenic viewpoints.
Driving time: approx. 3 hours
Overnight in Luang Prabang

After a final breakfast, enjoy free time to shop, relax at a café, or stroll along the Mekong River. Depending on your flight time, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure.