Northern Laos Explorer

It’s a scenic drive to Sam Neua through fascinating villages. You’ll stop at Ban Tha Jok to see houses built of bomb fragments, and Ban Saleuy where the locals weave traditional Lao skirts. You’ll also pass a spectacular 100m waterfall and Tham Piu, an old cave hospital. Sam Neua is the province capital, and your base to reach Vieng Xai, a network of caves at the foot of limestone karsts. Between 1964 to 1973, 20,000 people sheltered in the caves, including some of the country’s future leaders. An audio tour will walk you through tales of life in the hidden city, layered with stories of the survivors.

Nong Khiaw is jaw-droppingly beautiful. At the bottom of a fertile valley, the Nam Ou River swoops a curved line between two triangular mountains draped in mist. The town itself clusters around two main streets on either side of the river bend connected by bridges. You’ll have a full day here to explore the caves and villages of the surrounding countryside. Hop in a kayak to paddle downstream – it’s a gentle journey as the river meanders past limestone karsts and jungle. Disembark at Sopkong village for a walk through the rice paddies to reach Tadmok Waterfall where you can cool off with a swim. A boat will take you back to your riverside room in Nong Khiaw.

Your trip reaches a climax in Luang Prabang, the most beautiful city in Asia. Get up early to join the townsfolk in the daily ritual of giving alms to long lines of orange-robed monks. Afterwards, see the temples where they live on a walking tour of the old town. All Lao men commit to a spell as a monk, and your guide will talk you through his experience in a Buddhist monastery. There’s time for scenery too, on a picnic at Kuang Si Waterfall and a sunset cruise down the Mekong. Finally, there are animals: you’ll visit a buffalo dairy, meet retired elephants in a sanctuary and see rare Asiatic black bear at a rescue centre. All in all, a great finale to your Laos adventure.