Laos Cross Border Adventure – 9 Days

Duration: 6 Days
Start/ End: Vientiane/ Houayxay
Tour Type: Explorer
Tour Route: Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang – Oudomxay – Pakbeng – Houayxay
Tour Customizable: Definitely!
Guide: Local experienced English speaking guide
Transportation: Local transport with a skillful driver

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane
Day 2: Vientiane – Vang Vieng
Day 3: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang
Day 4: Luang Prabang
Day 5: Luang Prabang
Day 6: Luang Prabang – Oudomxay
Day 7: Oudomxay
Day 8: Oudomxay – Pakbeng
Day 9: Pakbeng – Houayxay

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane

Upon arrival in the capital, our team will welcome you and take you to your hotel. Vientiane is a fascinating city blending Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After resting, we’ll tour major sites like Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. We’ll also visit the iconic That Luang Stupa and stop for photos at the impressive Patuxay Monument.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.

Day 2: Vientiane – Vang Vieng

After breakfast, we board the express train to Vang Vieng, a serene town nestled along the Nam Song River. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, we venture to the renowned Tham Jang caves, once a refuge from Chinese invaders. Then, we drive through picturesque paddy fields to Tham Phoukham caves, stunning limestone caverns amidst lush forest. Along the journey, interact with local villagers to understand their daily lives.

Spend the night in Vang Vieng.

Day 3: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we hop on an express train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. Renowned as ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’ by UNESCO, Luang Prabang awaits. After a brief rest, we visit The National Museum housed in the former Royal Palace, showcasing a delightful array of artifacts reflecting Lao culture’s richness. Next, we ascend Mount Phousi for a sunset view of the city and explore its sacred stupa. Then, we browse the Night Market, offering handmade textiles by local and hill tribe artisans.

Spend the night in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang

Today, we embark on an upstream cruise along the Mekong River, treating you to scenic countryside views. Our first stop is the Pak Ou Caves, housing thousands of Buddha images. We’ll pause at villages like Ban Muangkeo, known for its rice wine, and Ban Xieng Mene. At Wat Chomphet, we’ll climb for a breathtaking view of Luang Prabang. Upon returning, we’ll visit Ban Xang Khong and Ban XiengLek, famed for silk weavings and Saa papermaking.

Spend the night in Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we’ll head to Ban Long Lao. We’ll visit the Khmu village of Ban Longlao Nong and then the nearby Hmong village of Ban Long Lao Song to see their unique lifestyles and how they collaborate, even sharing a school.

Next, we’ll journey to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, stopping at the Buffalo Dairy Farm for a guided tour. Afterward, we’ll visit ethnic minority villages to learn more about their way of life.

Finally, we’ll reach the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can swim in the turquoise pools or stroll through forest paths. On our way back to the city, we’ll pause at Wat Phabath to catch the sunset.

Spend the night in Luang Prabang.

Day 6: Luang Prabang – Oudomxay

After breakfast, we’ll take the express train to Oudomxay, known for its diverse ethnic groups. Upon arrival, our team will greet you and transfer you to the Namkat Yolapa jungle resort. After check-in, we’ll embark on a brief jungle trek to the Namkat waterfall.

Spend some leisure time there before heading back to the hotel for the night.

Day 7: Oudomxay

In the morning, we’ll depart Namkat Yolapa for Pak Khai, soaking in scenic views of the Nam Pak River. Along the way, you’ll meet local farmers tending to their rice fields and learn about their traditional practices, including hunting and fishing in the stream. After about 1.5 hours, we’ll reach Ban Phavie, a picturesque Khamu village atop a hill, where we’ll enjoy lunch. Then, we’ll head to nearby waterfalls for a refreshing dip and relaxation, weather permitting. We’ll return to Namkat Yolapa around 2:30 PM, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 8: Oudomxay – Pakbeng

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Northern Laos, heading to Pakbeng. Along the way, we’ll stop to meet friendly hill tribe people from the 23 ethnic groups in Oudomxay province, including visits to Ban Yor pottery village and other tribal villages. We’ll notice variations in housing styles and customs among the ethnic groups, including rituals like adulthood initiation, marriage, work, and celebrations. Arriving in Pakbeng by late afternoon, you’ll have the evening free after checking into your hotel.

Spend the night in Pakbeng.

Day 9: Pakbeng – Houayxay

After breakfast, we’ll head to the boat pier to start our luxury upstream Mekong River cruise. Our first stop will be at a hill tribe village along the river, where our guide will share insights into their way of life and origins. We’ll pause at Pak Tha for necessary boat documents. Lunch will be served onboard, and you’ll have the afternoon to unwind, enjoying local snacks and drinks. The cruise will reach Huayxay before sunset, where we’ll drop you off at your downtown hotel or Lao customs to conclude the tour.