An Unknown Vientiane

An early morning departure at 7:30 AM for the National Park at Phou Khao Khuay, the closest national protected area to Vientiane.

You will discover the National Park under the expert guidance of our local guide who will tell you all about the different plants and wildlife.

You arrive in the village of Ban Hatkhay at around 9:30 AM where two local guides will join you with your freshly made Lao picnic.

The Orchid Trek begins at Pha Say with its stunning view across a 40m deep gorge and the dense jungle.

You can learn about the medicinal uses of the forest plants and the other plant types that abound in the forest. You take your picnic lunch in a dry river bed (depending on the season).

Your afternoon continues with a pleasant stroll to the waterfall at Tad Say before making your return to the village. You may be lucky to see some of the colorful butterflies and birds in the forest.

We come back to Ban Na where we will spend the night at a local homestay.

Following an early morning meal, we'll make our way to the trekking starting point aboard a Songthaew.

Before taking on the trek through small jungle paths, we'll make a brief stop at the Visitor Center, where you can find valuable insights into the NPA's rich flora and fauna. The Tad Leuk Nature Trail will also introduce you to intriguing botanical facts. Our midday meal will be enjoyed at Tad Leuk.

In the afternoon, the trek will lead us along the Nam Leuk, guiding us to the picturesque Tad Sang waterfall—an ideal spot for swimming and unwinding. As we journey, especially during the wet season, you'll encounter a profusion of orchids adorning the landscape.

We then return to Tad Leuk and transfer back to Ban Hatkhay before continuing further to Nam Pien Yorla Pa.

The transfer will take around 1 hour and you arrive at the resort just before sunset.

Overnight at Nam Pien Yorla Pa.

Following your morning meal, we'll kickstart your day of adventure.

Next, we'll take on a short trek through the jungle, including traversing flying bridges spanning approximately 600 meters. This leads us to the launch point for our exhilarating jungle zipline experience, featuring 8 zipline courses.

Post-zipline adventure, we'll make our way to the water park, offering a refreshing pool for your relaxation and enjoyment.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure, with a multitude of on-site activities available, including cycling, quad biking, and rollerblading.

You'll spend the night at the comfortable accommodations of Nam Pien Yorla Pa.

You'll have a leisurely morning to bask in the resort's stunning natural surroundings, nestled amidst lush jungle greenery.

Around mid-morning, we'll embark on a car journey to Ban Thaheua, situated on the northern shores of Nam Ngum Lake, often referred to as the "sea of Laos".

Upon arrival, you'll check into your room before indulging in a delightful lunch at the resort's restaurant (expenses on your own).

In the afternoon, we'll set out on a captivating 2-hour kayaking excursion across the waters of Nam Ngum Lake, exploring its picturesque islets and charming local fishing villages.  We'll also make a stop at Huay Samom village, where you can engage in friendly conversations with the local host family and discover their weaving techniques.

Later, we'll return to the resort, where you can unwind by the pool and savor the breathtaking sunset as it gracefully dips behind the mountainous horizon. You'll spend the night at the tranquil Sanctuary Nam Ngum Beach Resort.

Optional: For those early risers, don't miss the opportunity to witness the tranquil sunrise casting its gentle glow over the serene lake. Our guide will accompany you to a nearby spot where you can observe the local villagers as they begin their bustling day.

Following a hearty breakfast, we'll kick off our cycling adventure, venturing out to explore the neighboring villages and the renowned Nam Ngum dam.

Our journey will start by passing through the local primary school, bustling with activity during school hours. From there, we'll meander along the charming village roads to see the daily life of the residents.

At one of the villages, we'll take a break to savor a cup of coffee or tea and talk with the villagers.

There will be ample time to unwind at the dam before we pedal back to the resort. If time allows, we may make a brief stop at another village to witness a 30-minute rooster-fighting event.

We'll return to the resort around noon, granting you the entire afternoon to relax and relish the picturesque views.

Your overnight stay awaits at the welcoming Sanctuary Nam Ngum Resort.

You have a leisurely morning to relax after a long journey in northern Laos.

At about 09:30 AM, our guide and driver will come to pick you up and transfer you to the boat pier to join a lunch boat on Nam Ngum Lake.

The boat set off at 10 AM, as the day’s excitement unfolds. Begin with a warm reception featuring refreshing Welcome Drinks.

Immerse yourself in a captivating Demonstration of Fishing Techniques, where you’ll uncover the secrets of the trade. Take a leisurely break for some swimming time, letting the cool waters refresh your senses.

Finally, indulge in culinary delight with a diverse Lunch Menu, brimming with exquisite options to satisfy your palate.

After the cruise, our guide and driver will pick you up again and transfer you directly to Vang Vieng.

Like a rural scene from an old Asian silk painting, Vang Vieng crouches low over the Nam Song River with a backdrop of serene cliffs and a tapestry of vivid green paddy fields.

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. Free for the rest of the day for your exploration of this small town of Vang Vieng.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding the resort complex of Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns.

The most famous of these caves is Tham Jang, which was used by the local people as a refuge from Chinese invaders 200 years ago.

From there, we will drive further to Tham Nangfa or Angel Cave, which is filled with huge limestone formations and has spectacular stalactites in various unique formations.

You have ample time to visit Blue Lagoon, which is a great spot to relax and cool off before transferring back to Vang Vieng.

Take a local long-tail boat (2 people per boat) to cruise for approximately 30 minutes upstream on the Nam Song River, enjoying the beautiful scenery as you go.

You will then be driven back to your hotel, with the option to stop at local villages and a market along the way.

Late afternoon, join the hot-air balloon ride over the mountain of Vang Vieng whilst the sun is setting.

In the early hours of the morning, we'll take on a hike to reach the captivating Nam Xay Viewpoint.

Afterward, we'll return to your hotel to savor a delightful breakfast. The remainder of the morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure, whether you choose to relax or take a refreshing dip in the pool.

In the afternoon, we'll once again board our vehicle for a journey to Muang Feuang, a tranquil gem nestled away from the tourist hotspots, along the serene banks of the Nam Song River.

By mid-afternoon, we'll arrive at Muang Feuang, where you'll check in to your chosen hotel.

You'll spend the night in the tranquil haven of Muang Feuang, far from the bustling tourist crowds.

Early morning, we'll start a short journey to reach a floating house nestled along the serene Nam Song River. Here, a unique and meaningful morning almsgiving ceremony awaits us.

As the local community assembles on the floating house, a boat carrying monks clad in saffron robes will gracefully approach.

Following this heartwarming ceremony, we'll return to your hotel for a nourishing breakfast.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore as you please. You have a variety of activities to choose from, including tubing, kayaking, or rafting, allowing you to shape your day to your preferences.

You'll spend the night in the tranquil embrace of Muang Feuang, ready for new adventures on the horizon.

Following a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, it's time to say goodbye to the tranquil enclave of Muang Feuang to head to Vientiane, following the scenic road along the majestic Mekong River.

En route, we'll make a stop at the Sinxayaram Temple, a revered sanctuary often referred to as the "Kingdom of Buddhism". This temple compound, recently renovated and expanded, has been a focal point for the devout from across Laos and northern Thailand for many decades.

Our arrival in Vientiane is anticipated for mid to late afternoon, contingent on road conditions and the time spent at some of the captivating viewpoints along the way.

You can either spend another night in the vibrant city of Vientiane or continue directly to the airport to take the departure flight for the next destination.