An Unknown Vientiane

An early morning departure at 7:30am 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 9:30am where you will be joined by two local guides 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 follow narrow, shaded trails and discover the different types of forest in the park: semi-deciduous, tropical and bamboo – extraordinary, unspoilt habitats.

You have the chance to learn about the medicinal uses of the forest plants and also 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 and see some the colourful butterflies and birds that live 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 embarking 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 embark on a brief jungle journey, kickstarting your day of adventure.

Next, we'll embark 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 in to 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 the charming local fishing villages. This kayaking adventure is easy-going and enjoyable, requiring no special skills. 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 commence by passing through the local primary school, bustling with activity during school hours. From there, we'll meander along the charming village roads, immersing ourselves in the daily life of the local residents.

At one of the villages, we'll take a break to savor a cup of coffee or tea and engage in conversations with the villagers, gaining insights into their daily routines.

Our route will also lead us to a scenic viewpoint, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding landscape.

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. The resort boasts an inviting pool overlooking the lake, providing the perfect setting for you and your family to unwind.

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

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

At about 09:30AM, our guide and driver will come to pick you up and transfer to the boat pier to join a lunch boat on the beautiful 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 quality 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 directly to Vang Vieng.

Like a rural scene from an old Asian silk painting, Vang Vieng crouches low over the Nam Song (Song River) with a backdrop of serene cliffs and a tapestry of vivid green paddy fields. Thanks to the Lao government closing the river rave bars in 2012, the former party scene has been driven to the fringes and the community is rebooting itself as an adrenaline-fuelled adventure destination.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Free for the rest of the day for your own 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 by the 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 and admire the beautiful nature in the surrounding area.

In the early hours of the morning, we'll embark on a hike to reach the captivating Nam Xay Viewpoint. This vantage point treats you to an awe-inspiring panoramic vista of the encompassing karst mountains, winding river, and the town below, all while the sun gracefully ascends.

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. Here, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Laos, surrounded by pristine landscapes.

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 embark on a short journey to reach a floating house nestled along the serene Nam Song River. Here, a unique and meaningful morning alms giving ceremony awaits us.

As the local community assembles on the floating house, a boat carrying monks clad in saffron robes will gracefully approach. They pause to accept offerings of food from the devout individuals gathered there, reciprocating with their blessings and melodic chants, bestowing their well wishes upon all in attendance.

This enchanting experience is sure to leave an indelible mark in your memory, a cherished moment from your journey through Laos.

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 and embark on a journey 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. Today, it also extends a warm welcome to tourists eager to explore its spiritual and cultural richness.

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, ready to savor your final moments in this remarkable destination or continue directly to the airport to take the departure flight for the next destination.