Hidden Treasures of Northern Laos: An Experience of Stillness & Wonder
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Tour Type: Private
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Duration: 10 Days
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Departure Dates: Daily, upon your request.
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Destinations: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang
Send your inquiry without any payment.
This Trip At a Glance
Embark on a soul-soothing journey through Northern Laos, where sacred temples, emerald rivers, misty peaks, and ancient rhythms reveal the country’s quiet power and poetic beauty. This 10-day experience invites you to slow down and reconnect with culture, nature, and yourself through timeless villages, spiritual rituals, and landscapes that speak in silence. Let Seniworld guide you to the hidden treasures that leave a lasting impression.
What Makes This Trip Special
- Explore Vientiane’s most iconic landmarks, from ancient temples and royal stupas to French-inspired monuments with panoramic city views
- Explore Vang Vieng by kayak, on foot to Angel Cave. Hike to the iconic Nam Xay Viewpoint, paddle the Nam Song River, or fly above limestone peaks at sunrise
- Join the dawn almsgiving ceremony, one of Laos’ most sacred and timeless Buddhist traditions
- Uncover Luang Prabang’s spiritual soul through vibrant markets, royal heritage sites, and a stunning sunset from Phou Si Hill
- Refresh at Kuang Si Falls and visit Free the Bears Rescue Center, where nature and compassion meet
- Cruise the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, and stop at local artisan villages to discover traditional weaving, Lao whisky, and handmade Saa paper
- Kayak beneath limestone cliffs in Nong Khiaw and hike to hidden viewpoints, caves, and hilltop panoramas far off the tourist trail
- Live slowly in Muang Ngoi, a car-free village only accessible by boat, where nature and silence offer rare moments of true disconnection
Welcome to Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos! Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Your room will be ready from 2:00 PM, giving you time to rest or begin exploring at your own pace.
In the afternoon, we suggest taking a relaxed walk along the Mekong riverside promenade, where locals gather for sunset and street vendors serve up savory snacks. You might stop by Chao Anouvong Park, admire the colonial architecture, or sip a cool drink at one of the riverside cafés.
As evening falls, explore the nearby night market, where handmade crafts, textiles, and street food stalls bring a lively close to your first day in Laos.
NOTE: A surcharge will be applied if you wish to check in early.
Prepare a full energy breakfast and complete your hotel check-out. This morning is yours to uncover the subtle charm of Vientiane, a capital where history and spirituality quietly coexist.
Visit Vat Phra Keo, once home to the Emerald Buddha and still one of the most atmospheric temples in town.
Continue to Vat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest temple, admired for its graceful architecture and thousands of Buddha statues tucked into its cloistered walls.
No visit to the city is complete without a stop at Pha That Luang, the iconic golden stupa and spiritual heart of Laos.
End your cultural exploration at Patuxay Monument, often called the “Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane,” where a climb to the top rewards you with sweeping views over the capital.
Later in the day, depart Vientiane and enjoy a scenic drive to Vang Vieng, where limestone peaks rise dramatically from green fields. Once you arrive, check into your hotel. Your room will be available from 02:00 PM, overnight in Vang Vieng.
Enjoy breakfast surrounded by the promise of outdoor adventure and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Then get ready for your first full day set against the dramatic backdrop of Vang Vieng’s limestone peaks and lush countryside.
Begin your morning with a peaceful kayaking journey along the Nam Song River. As you paddle through gentle waters, take in panoramic views of towering karst cliffs, emerald-green rice fields, and the serene rhythm of rural Laos unfolding around you.
Your next stop is the Angel Cave, a hidden gem nestled within the region’s iconic karst formations. After a short walk, step inside to explore quiet cave chambers and fascinating rock formations that offer a peaceful retreat beneath the shimmering limestone backdrop.
Optional: For those craving a burst of adrenaline, an optional zipline experience awaits, costing around USD 25/pax. Fly across approximately 1.35km of treetops and riverbanks, enjoying open, sweeping views of the countryside.
Following your cave exploration, grab a local lunch at a nearby restaurant (at your own expense), where you can refuel with fresh Lao flavors.
As the afternoon unfolds, wind down your active day with a leisurely boat ride along the Nam Song River. Float past scenic cliffs, bamboo huts, and golden fields, with the soft afternoon light casting a magical glow over the landscape.
Return to your hotel feeling exhilarated and refreshed, with unforgettable memories of Vang Vieng’s wild beauty.
For those who wish to join a magical optional hot air balloon ride (subject to weather conditions), the first flight departs at 06:00 AM and lasts approximately 30 minutes, providing sweeping views of limestone peaks, the Nam Song River, and the breathtaking beauty of Vang Vieng at sunrise.
Optional price: Approx. 100–200 USD/pax (not included in the package)
Takeaway breakfast can be arranged through your hotel reception the day before.
Finished breakfast, lace up your shoes for a light yet rewarding hike to the Nam Xay Viewpoint. Wander through bamboo groves and rocky limestone paths as you ascend toward a panoramic lookout to touch the summit, you’ll be met with sweeping views of green valleys, winding rivers, and the majestic karst peaks that define Vang Vieng’s beauty. This is truly a dream spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Return to your hotel to freshen up and pack. Your room is available until noon.
By early afternoon, our driver will accompany you to the train station for a smooth and scenic high-speed train ride to Luang Prabang (Suggested train: C82 Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang)
You’ll settle in at your hotel after arriving and enjoy a peaceful evening at your leisure. Feel free to check in anytime after 02:00 PM.
Awaken your senses in the early morning by witnessing the sacred ritual of alms-giving (Tak Bat), a centuries-old Buddhist tradition still alive in Laos today. Those wishing to participate can easily purchase sticky rice and a traditional sash known as Sabai from vendors along the main street, allowing you to respectfully join the local community in offering food to passing monks. If you prefer to observe instead, please do so quietly from a respectful distance and refrain from taking photos that may disturb the solemn spirit of the ceremony.
From there, take a walk through the bustling local morning market, where vibrant scenes of daily life unfold, before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.
Afterward, join a guided tour that delves into the spiritual and cultural heart of Luang Prabang.
Begin at Wat Sene, one of the city’s oldest temples, then admire the intricate mosaics and elegant architecture of Wat Xieng Thong, home to the famous “Tree of Life” glass mural.
Continue to the National Museum, once the Royal Palace, where royal artifacts and cultural treasures offer insight into Laos’ rich historical legacy.
Lunch is at your arrangement.
Continue this journey with a transfer by car to the dock and take a cruise upstream along the Mekong River toward the revered Pak Ou Caves, a sacred pilgrimage site tucked within dramatic limestone cliffs. These spiritual caverns, known as Tham Ting and Tham Phum, house thousands of Buddha statues in varying sizes and styles, lovingly placed by worshippers over generations. On the cruise,, visit two traditional riverside villages:
- First, explore Ban Xang Hai, where locals continue the age-old tradition of distilling Lao Lao, a potent rice whiskey deeply rooted in Lao heritage.
- The second stop is Ban Xang Khong, a village renowned for its finely woven Lao textiles, crafted on hand-operated wooden looms, as well as its exquisite handmade Saa paper, made from mulberry bark.
Cruise back along the Mekong River to Luang Prabang’s dock and head to the last stop of this productive day, Phousi Hill, by car. As the sun begins to set, ascend the 328 steps to conquer the summit and take in sweeping views over Luang Prabang, with the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers glimmering below. This hilltop sanctuary is one of the most iconic sunset viewpoints in Laos, a tranquil and awe-inspiring way to end the day.
Spend your pure morning ready trek to the enchanting Kuang Si Falls. Our driver and guide will accompany you at the scheduled time. At the falls, whether you wander along the lush forest trails, dip your toes in the vibrant turquoise pools, or pause to admire the cascading falls, every moment promises to refresh your body and uplift your spirit.
Before reaching the main falls, make a stop at the Free the Bears Rescue Center. Located within the park, this sanctuary protects endangered Asiatic black bears rescued from illegal wildlife trade, and a brief but inspiring visit that adds depth to your journey.
Optional: For those craving adventure, Kuang Si Zipline (USD 25/pax) invites you to glide across five thrilling lines ranging from 130 to 352 meters, offering a bird’s-eye view of the forest and waterfall from high above the canopy.
As the day winds down, return to Luang Prabang with vivid memories of culture, nature, and heartfelt local encounters.
Have a full breakfast and finish the check-out process. Today, your journey leaves behind the charm of Luang Prabang and sets off to Nong Khiaw, taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours drive through the misty mountains and countryside of northern Laos. As you arrive, check in to your accommodation and take a moment to settle in will be available from 02:00 PM.
Later in the afternoon, embark on a peaceful kayaking experience along the Nam Ou River, one of Laos’s most scenic and serene waterways.
Paddle through calm stretches of river flanked by towering limestone cliffs, dense forests, and tranquil traditional riverside villages. This gentle yet immersive activity invites you to slow down and truly connect with the quiet beauty and rhythm of local life in northern Laos.
After your time on kayaking, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, perhaps watching the sun set behind the mountains or simply relaxing in this riverside retreat.
Relish the last morning in idyllic Nong Khiaw, the journey ahead deep into the heart of northern Laos, where life flows with the river and time seems to slow.
Begin with a peaceful cruise upstream along the Nam Ou River, a journey that winds past soaring karst cliffs, misty jungle ridges, and riverside hamlets tucked into the landscape. As the scenery unfolds, you’ll arrive at Ban Sopkong, a quiet village accessible only by boat, where simplicity and nature live side by side.
From here, set off on a gentle trek through forested trails to reach the beautiful Tad Mok Falls. Depending on the season, the falls offer a refreshing retreat which is perfect for a moment of stillness, a splash in the cool stream, or a photo framed by cascading water and wild foliage.
Back on the river, your boat glides onward to Muang Ngoi, a secluded village cradled between dramatic mountains and the Nam Ou River. With no roads leading in, this peaceful town invites you to truly unplug and slow down.
When reaching the village, check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon as you please. Whether lounging in a hammock, wandering quiet village paths, or simply soaking in the view over a cup of coffee, the peaceful rhythm of Muang Ngoi will settle over you like a soft mist, the kind that stays with you long after the journey ends.
Following breakfast, bid farewell to the peaceful rhythm of Muang Ngoi and board a boat that carries you gently downstream along the Nam Ou River. As jungle-covered cliffs and riverside life drift past, the journey shifts from water to road, winding through rural valleys and remote hamlets en route back to Luang Prabang.
By midday, you’ll reach the city once again. While your room becomes available from 02:00 PM, the afternoon is entirely yours.
You may wish to relax at your hotel, wander the atmospheric lanes of the Old Town, browse for handcrafted souvenirs at local markets, or indulge in a traditional Lao massage. However you spend it, the soft rhythm of Luang Prabang provides the perfect backdrop for reflection, rest, or one last layer of discovery.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight time, your driver will transfer you to Luang Prabang International Airport. End of services, and hope you have safe travels!
NOTE: The Room is available until noon only. Meals today are not included.
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Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room with daily breakfast
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Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle
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Local English-speaking guide
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Meals where mentioned (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner)
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Entrance fees
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Kayaking Fee
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EMU Train Ticket VV – LPQ (Second Class)
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Rice For Alms Ceremony
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Local Trail Guide
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Drinking Water 1-2 bottle per day
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Domestic & International flight tickets
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Laos visa
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Single supplement surcharge
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Early check in & late check out surcharge
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Other meals than mentioned
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Other services without mentioned
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Drinks
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Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip…)
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Travel insurance

- Breakfast: 9

Private car
Train
Boat

Accommodation is flexible and tailored to your preferences. We’ll suggest suitable options and can adjust upon request.
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Tour Type: Private
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Duration: 10 Days
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Departure Dates: Daily, upon your request.
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Destinations: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang
Send your inquiry without any payment.
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All itineraries are hand-picked for you and by you
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Exceptional service from first contact to return
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info@seniworld.com