Highlights of Northern Laos

You will be met by guide at Laos border and transferred to the boat pier where you will board your comfortable private traditional boat for the trip down the Mekong River. The scenery along this part of the Mekong is arguably at its most beautiful. As you journey downriver you will stop at some tribal minority villages such as Ban Houy Nokhom, a Hmong village and Ban Kon Toum, a Thai Lu weaving village. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, you will be transferred to your hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure (Duration;6.5 hrs, Private boat, Lunch included onboard)

Enjoy a scenic cruise down the Nam Ou River, while traveling from Oudomxay to Nong Khiaw, a picturesque village in Northern Laos. Drive to Muang Khua, a small town at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Nam Phak rivers. Once you arrive at the riverside town, board a wooden motorboat and sail along the Nam Ou, a tributary of the mighty Mekong. During this leisurely journey, observe local life along the riverbanks and soak up lovely views of the steep, jungle-clad limestone peaks. Afterwards, disembark and take a drive in a minivan to the Nam Ou Hydropower Dam. The Nam Ou Cascade Hydropower Project is a series of seven hydroelectric dams along the Nam Ou River. Once past the hydel site, board a second boat and continue your voyage downstream. Glide at a steady pace, passing by tiny remote hamlets. Stop at the weaver’s village of Ban Sob Joem, which is accessible only by boat, before reaching Nong Khiaw.(En route activity; Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Best time to travel: Oct-Mar)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before you set off on a fascinating exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin your day at the Royal Palace Museum with its collection of antiques and period furniture. Travel along quiet alleyways to the century old Heuan Chan Heritage House, which is a rare surviving example of pre-colonial Lao style of architecture. Stroll around the museum and sip a glass of refreshing iced tea in the gardens. Walk over to the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the country. Wander around the temple grounds as you take in views of the exquisitely crafted low sweeping roof of the temple. Saunter across the road to Wat Khili, an 18th century temple that now houses Buddhist archives, including a historic photo exhibit. In the early afternoon, make your way to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center for an in-depth understanding of the ethnic heritage of the nation before heading out of town for a closer look at the weaving and textile traditions of Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek villages. Return to town and stop by the unique Wat Visoun also known as the watermelon stupa due to its uniquely shaped dome. For your last stop of the day, pick from one of three options. Choose to climb up Mount Phousi located at the heart of the old town and enjoy panoramic views of the city as well as the mighty Mekong River topped off with a glorious sunset vista. Or, if walking is not your cup of tea, transfer to What Prabath Tai monastery and settle in to savor the spectacular sunset views over the river. Alternatively, head to the serene premises of the Wat Aham monastery where you can soak in the spiritual ambiance enhanced by the chants of monks engaged in their evening prayers. (Full Day; Time: 0930 hrs; Duration: 6 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy. Please note that the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center is closed on Mondays).