Laos Overland Tour from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Nong Khiow, Oudomxay, Pakbeng, Houeisay 7 Days

After breakfast, we set off from this charming town for a northward journey along Route No. 13. The drive offers stunning views as we traverse the picturesque countryside and approach the mountainous areas. Along the way, we will stop at Vang Xang, an archaeological site dating back to the 11th century. In the afternoon, we arrive at our destination, Vang Vieng, a quaint town located along a bend in the Nam Song River. Despite recent tourism developments, its natural beauty with dramatic limestone formations remains largely untouched.

Upon arrival in Vang Vieng, we will cross the Nam Song River to visit the Tham Jang Caves. We will then embark on a short trek through the breathtaking mountain landscape to explore the Tam None Cave and visit some nearby hill villages. The day concludes with a stunning sunset view over the Nam Song River.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Today, we begin our journey early, driving north on Route 13TH towards Luang Prabang, widely regarded as one of the best-preserved traditional cities in Southeast Asia. The well-paved roads ensure a smooth trip as we traverse through captivating landscapes of terraced fields and hill villages. We’ll make several photo stops at various hill tribe villages along the route. Each village offers a unique glimpse into local life, with some being more prosperous than others but all bustling with activity. Our next stop is Muang Xieng Nguen, where we’ll take a brief look at the local way of life before continuing to Luang Prabang.

Upon arriving in Luang Prabang, we’ll have time to visit notable landmarks, including the impressive Wat Visoun stupa, the shrine at Wat Aham, the ancient Wat Sene temple, and Wat Mai, known for its distinctive five-tiered roofs. No visit to Luang Prabang is complete without climbing the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill. Here, you’ll enjoy a stunning sunset view over the city and the Mekong River. The ascent offers views of various temples, leading to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. In the evening, we’ll explore the Night Market, where you can find a delightful array of souvenirs and handmade textiles crafted by local and hill tribe artisans.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

An optional early start offers you a unique chance to witness the daily morning ritual where saffron-clad monks collect alms, typically sticky rice, from local residents. This tradition is distinctive to Laos, the only Buddhist country that maintains this practice. Following this, we will explore the vibrant Phosi Market, where you'll encounter a variety of goods, including dried buffalo skin, local tea, saltpeter, chickens, vegetables, and traditional hill-tribe textiles.

Today’s itinerary also includes visits to several Lao ethnic minority villages, such as Ban Ouay, home to the Hmong Hill tribe; Ban Ou, inhabited by the Lowland Lao; and Ban Thapene, where the Khmu people reside.

In the afternoon, we head to the stunning Kuangsi Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or take a stroll along the forest trails. Afterward, we return to Luang Prabang and visit Ban Phanom, a renowned weaving village. We end the day with a sunset observation at Wat Siphouthabath before heading back to the city.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Today, we embark on a guided tour of Luang Prabang, starting with the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene, and the stunning Wat Xieng Thong. At Wat Xieng Thong, you'll be captivated by the intricate "tree of life" mosaic crafted from colored glass, while the temple’s traditional architecture, with its low-sweeping roofs, exemplifies classic Laotian design.

Next, we board a boat for a serene cruise upstream on the Mekong River, offering splendid views of the peaceful countryside. We will visit the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves, two interconnected caves filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various forms, left by devoted pilgrims. En route, we’ll stop at Ban Xang Hai, renowned for its production of Lao rice wine. From there, we continue our journey by boat to Nong Khiaw.

On the way to Nong Khiaw, we visit the Thai Lu village at Ban Pak Jak and explore the weaving villages of Ban Nongkham and Ban Muang Souen. We arrive in Nong Khiaw by late afternoon. This remote village, set along the riverbank and nestled in a dramatic valley, is surrounded by breathtaking mountainous landscapes.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

After breakfast, we depart from Nong Khiaw and head towards Oudomxay, a region renowned for its mountainous terrain. The journey may be challenging due to varying road conditions, but the scenic drive through the undulating landscape and numerous hillside villages adds to the adventure. Oudomxay is home to 23 ethnic minority groups, and along the way, we will make several stops to experience the diverse cultures of the Hmong, Khmu, Black Thai, and Lu people. At Ban Songja and Ban Jarong, you'll encounter the welcoming Hmong hill tribe, known for their warm smiles and friendly waves.

Upon reaching Oudomxay, we continue our journey to Pakbeng. En route, we visit additional villages of the Khmu, Tai Dam (Black Thai), and Hmong communities. Once in Pakbeng, we explore the vibrant evening hill tribe market before checking into your hotel.

Overnight in Pakbeng.

Today, we set off on a traditional boat journey up the enchanting Mekong River. This stretch of the river is narrow, flanked by stunning mountain ranges and verdant forests on both sides. As we travel, we get a glimpse of serene river life and make a stop at Ban Houeilampen to meet the Hmong hill tribe. Despite their modest means, they have a distinct and fascinating culture. Upon reaching Houei Say, we take a ferry across the Mekong to Chiang Khong, Thailand, where our tour concludes.