Code:	LAD 02
Routes:	Vientiane - Luang Nam Tha - Muang Sing - Oudom Xay - Phong Saly - River Cruise - Muong Khoua - Nongkhia - Luang Prabang
Duration:	11 Days

Itinerary in brief

Day 1   : ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE
Day 2   : VIENTIANE - LUANG NAM THA - MUANG SING
Day 3   : MUANG SING
Day 4   : MUANG SING - LUANG NAM THA - OUDOMXAY
Day 5   : OUDOMXAY - MUONG LA - MUONG BOUNTAI
Day 6   : MUONG BOUNTAI - BAN HOUE YO - PHONSALY
Day 7   : PHONGSALY - HATSAT - MUONG KHOUA
Day 8   : MUONGKHOUA - NONGKHIA - LUANG PRABANG
Day 9   : LUANG PRABANG
Day 10 : LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE
Day 11 : VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE

We travel right around the north of Laos and use a wide variety of local transport , including flight, bus, truck, boat. This TRIP is strenuous as we drive through the area less visited. But it is a great chance to encounter rarely visited minorities and explore the magnificent temples of Luang Prabang and also the world's sleepiest capital, Vientiane.

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1 :ARRIVAL  - VIENTIANE
On arrival at Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. On the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the charming and fascinating capital of Laos. This small city conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. After a short rest, we start our city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. The following sight is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the imposing Patouxai Monument well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triomphe on our way to the great sacred structure and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. O/N in Vientiane.

DAY 2 : VIENTIANE - LUANG NAM THA - MUANG SING
The journey northwards begins as we board our flight to Luang Namtha, a land of rugged mountains, beautiful forest and rich river plain. This mountainous region is also sharing the border with China and Myanmar. There are over twenty ethnic groups who are settled in Luang Nam Tha, making it one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Laos. On arrival we travel by roads to Muang Sing, stopping along the way at the Akha hill tribe village. This ethnic group was originally in China but immigrated into Laos down centuries. They are very poor , but have an interesting culture and a colorful history. O/N in Muang Sing. (B)

DAY 3 : MUANG SING
The remote and extremely beautiful mountain region of Muong Sinh is ideal for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition. After breakfast we have time strolling round this town where many ethnic minorities are frequently seen on the main street and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. This morning we take a short drive north before we set off on a half day walk, using the local tracks. We pass through the breathtaking mountain landscape to the Yao, Akkha and Lantern hill tribe villages, and are sure to attraction attention as this part of the country receives very few visitors. O/N at Muang Sinh. (B,L)

DAY 4 : MUANG SING - LUANG NAM THA  - OUDOMXAY
An early morning start to drive towards Oudomxay. These back roads are a perfect way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is difficult at times; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for a memorable experience. On arrival we check in a very simple hotel and enjoy a walk to explore this timeless hill town. O/N in Oudomxay. (B)

DAY 5 : OUDOMXAY -  MUONG LA - MUONG BOUNTAI
The local market also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the surrounding mountainsides or valley to barter and trade their goods. We explore this congregation before making our way along the Nam Phak River to Muong La. Here is a chance to visit Pra Xack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. This 400 year old statue legendary possesses many supernatural powers which are widely worshipped among local people. Upon leaving Muong La , the roads begin to deteriorate; however many villages dot the hillsides and the undulating terrains make for an interesting journey. O/N in Muong Bountain. (B)

DAY  6 : MUONG BOUNTAI - BAN HOUE YO - PHONSALY
Today we continue our exciting expedition into northern Laos with the next stop being Phongsaly. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of this province although conditions are basic. We drive on very rough roads and make stopover at Ban Km 35 to visit the bee breeding and the rice wine distillation. There is also possibility to take a short walk towards Houei Yo village which is home to the Ikhor minority people, originally called Akkha. On arrival in Phongsaly, we stroll around the town before ascending the Phoufa Mountain. The scenery from the peak is one of the most beautiful views imaginable. O/N in Phongsaly. (B)

DAY  7: PHONGSALY - HATSAT  - MUONG KHOUA
The following destination of our trip is Hatsa. After a few hour drive we arrive at this small riverside village and board a traditional boat for our wonderful exploration of the Nam Ou River. This branch of the Mekong River flows through a mountainous area until reaching the Pak Ou Cave. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe rural life close up. We make stopover at Muong Samphan and Ban Kana village to see some traditional houses, which are very different from the current structure with a mix of traditional and modern architecture. O/N in Muang Khoua. (B)

DAY 8 : MUONGKHOUA - NONGKHIA - LUANG PRABANG
Upon leaving the tranquil village of Nongkhio we set off on scenic cruise towards Luang Prabang. The river journey will give us a taste of the tranquil countryside and an enjoyable visit to Pak Ou Caves. They are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various sizes, all brought there by devoted villagers. After seeing this sight, we continue to Luang Prabang. This tranquil town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be  "the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia". There is little traffic on Luang Prabang roads and monks in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas to shade themselves from the Sun. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

DAY  9 : LUANG PRABANG
The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We visit this sight as well as the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways. We also have enough time this day to explore other sights, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city's oldest temple of Wat Wisunalat and Wat Mai. Our tour ends with a walk to the top of Phousi Hill for a  sunset view of the Mekong River. The zigzag path crosses over various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N at Luang Prabang. (B)

DAY 10: LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE
After breakfast we have time to visit the  local market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts then enjoy a walk through the charming streets  for last minute shopping. Upon leaving Luang Prabang we board a flight,  taking us over the mountainous regions back to the capital city. On arrival  we transfer out to explore the Buddha Park, a blend of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures created by mystical monk on a parkland located by the Mekong River,  and the impressive Friendship Bridge which links Laos and Thailand. A perfect way to round off the day is to watch the spectacular sunset over the Mekong River from one of riverside bars. O/N in Vientiane. (B)

DAY 11: VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE
There is a free time for your own exploration of the city or strolling around the shopping areas. The trip ends after your transfer to Wattay Airport or Friendship Bridge for departure. (B)

HOTELS USED ON  THIS TRIP
CITY/ AREA	Standard  Class	First Class	Superior Class
Vientiane	Lanexang hotel	Novotel hotel	Lao Plaza hotel
Luang Prabang	Phousi hotel, Manoluck hotel	Villa Santi hotel, Villa Santi Resort	Phouvao Pansea hotel, Grand Luang Prabang hotel
Other area	Guesthouse or mini hotel
HOTEL NOTES	The hotels in Xieng Khouang, Khong Island and Pakse do not match tour classification since some of them are simple but remember Lao is a developing country.