This tour offers the chance to experience the diversity of wildlife and the spectacular natural beauty of northern Laos. You start at Houai Xai across the border from Chiang Khong, Thailand, then travel to Luang Namtha and visit ethnic villages along the way. You travel deep into the Nam Ha Conservation Area, for a true eco-experience. You hike along clear forest streams into the pristine forest and beside soaring mountains, and learn about the plants and wildlife of the area. At camp dinner is cooked on an open fire, and you fall asleep listening to the sounds of the forest. You watch the sunrise from atop a hill, and explore the forest for bird and animal life, then home-stay in an ethnic Akha village. Learn about an ancient form of agriculture, and have a picnic in an upland field. The scenery on the drive to Nong Khiow is quite spectacular, and from there, you take a boat trip down the Ou River to Luang Prabang, stop at the Pak Ou Caves. In Luang Prabang you explore this marvelous city, and see ancient temples. Head out of town through verdant countryside, and walk through the green forest to Khuang Si Falls, and swim in the cool, clear pools. Next is Xieng Khouang, almost completely destroyed by bombing during the Vetnam War, and from Phonsavanh we explore the mysterious Plain of Jars. At Vang Vieng you see the spectacularly beautiful scenery of quiet rivers and huge limestone cliffs, and take a boat trip down the Nam Song River, and explore the famous Tham Jang Cave. Then it is on to Vientiane, and of course a tour of the sights of the capital is on the agenda. Then it is time to watch a spectacular sunset over the Mekong River, and reflect on your remarkable adventure in Northern Laos.
Day 1: Houai Xai Arrival
Day 2: Houai Xai - Luang Namtha
Day 3: Luang Namtha - Nam Ha Conservation Area (Trekking)
Day 4: Khmu Camp - Nammat Mai Village (Trekking)
Day 5: Nammat Mai Village (Trekking)
Day 6: Nammat Mai Village - Nong Khiow Village
Day 7: Nong Khiow Village - Luang Prabang
Day 8: Luang Prabang - Khuang Si Waterfall
Day 9: Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang Province (Phonsavanh)
Day 10: Phonsavanh - Vang Vieng
Day 11: Vang Vieng - Vientiane
Day 12: Vientiane City Tour
Day 13: Vientiane Departure