Duration
8 DaysStarts In
Luang PrabangRoute
Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Nong Khiaw, Sam Neua
Explore the rural history of Laos, visiting significant sites of the Indochina War and spiritual centers. You will have the opportunity to meet local tribes and villagers, witness their incredible landscape, explore ancestral relics, and pay homage to the lives lost during the troubling war-torn years.
8 day/ 7 night package featuring Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Nam Nern Ecolodge, Sam Nuea, Vieng Xai, and Xieng Khouang. Explore the rural history of Laos, visiting significant sites of the Indochina War and spiritual centers. You will have the opportunity to meet local tribes and villagers, witness their incredible landscape, explore ancestral relics, and pay homage to the lives lost during the troubling war-torn years. This vacation is not for the luxury traveler; hotels will be based on the best available accommodations in the region. Experience true Laotian culture in the rural areas of the country, taking a lesson in simplicity and immersion in one's surroundings.
After breakfast, take a drive to Ban Son Khoua, also known as Ban Son Koua (approx. 220km, 5.5 hours). Stop for lunch en route at a local restaurant and head up river deep into the jungle to The Nam Nern Night Safari and Ecolodge for check-in. After a short rest, long-tail boats will take you adrift downriver, without engines, to allow for the best chances of spotting wild animals who make the river their home. Tonight, enjoy a campfire and traditional dinner, prepared by the local people. (B,L,D)
Note: Nature activities during the trip include bird watching, wildlife tracking, nighttime wildlife spotting, discovery of medicinal plants and an early morning hike.
Following breakfast, get an early morning start as you return to Ban Son Koua, an ethnic Khmu Village, and continue on the road to Sam Neua (approx. 100km, 3 hours). Stop along the way to admire virgin forests and for lunch at a local restaurant. The journey will take a good deal of time as the road twists and turns along a paved mountain road. Arrive in the evening and check-in to your hotel. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Note: Notice the distinctly cooler air here as you are almost 1km above sea level. Bring a light jacket as the mornings and evenings can be chilly.
After breakfast, take a walk through the morning market along the Xam River, perusing the interesting and exotic produce available in the region. Check out of your hotel and transfer with your guide by private vehicle to Vieng Xai (approx. 30km, 1 hour). Visit the Information Center to learn more about the interesting historical significance of the area during the Indochina War. With the help of a local guide, travel to some of the nearby caves to see how the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party lived during the war. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and then enjoy some free time to relax in this charming town on your own. Tonight, enjoy dinner at y our hotel. (B,L,D)
Note: Touring in Vieng Xai and Information Centre: 2 hours by walk
After breakfast, travel to the nearby Hospital Cave, formerly used as a hospital during the war. Inside you can see intact medicine bottles still strewn about the rubble. After the bombing raids ended, a new hospital was built in front of the cave, allowing the historical site to become a local school. Return to your hotel and enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure, including lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L)
Note: Touring Phathet Lao Caves: 3 hours by walk
The Northern Laos Adventure tour lasts for 8 days and 7 nights, starting in Luang Prabang and ending in Vientiane. The itinerary includes visits to Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Nam Nern Ecolodge, Sam Neua, Vieng Xai, and Xieng Khouang. Travelers will explore rural Laos, significant sites of the Indochina War, spiritual centers, and local villages.
The tour highlights include exploring the rural history of Laos, visiting significant sites from the Indochina War, and engaging with local tribes and villagers. Activities include a boat ride on the Nam Ou River, wildlife spotting at Nam Nern Safari, and exploring the Vieng Xai Caves and the Plain of Jars. Travelers will also experience traditional Laotian ceremonies and local dining.
The tour price includes accommodations as per the itinerary, meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified, entrance fees, and a travel funds escrow protection program. It also provides 24-hour emergency assistance. Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary, personal items, select local taxes, and alcoholic drinks are not included.
The tour involves some physical activities such as walking tours and hikes, including a 6km walk between Plain of Jars Sites 2 and 3. The terrain can be hilly and the climate varies, with cooler temperatures in areas like Sam Neua. Participants should be prepared for moderate physical exertion and bring appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions.
Accommodations on this tour are based on the best available options in the region, focusing on simplicity and immersion in local culture. This is not a luxury tour, so travelers should expect basic but comfortable lodging, such as bungalows and ecolodges, that reflect the rural and authentic nature of the destinations visited.
Travelers should pack comfortable clothing suitable for both warm and cooler temperatures, as some areas like Sam Neua are cooler due to their elevation. A light jacket is recommended for mornings and evenings. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring sites like the Plain of Jars and the Vieng Xai Caves. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera for capturing the scenic landscapes.
This tour is suitable for both families and solo travelers who are interested in history, culture, and adventure. It offers a unique opportunity to explore rural Laos, engage with local communities, and learn about the country's history. However, due to the moderate physical demands and the focus on cultural immersion, it may be more suitable for families with older children or travelers who are comfortable with active exploration.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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