Day 1: Arrival - Vientiane
On arrival at Wattay Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to our centrally located hotel. The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is a small city conjuring up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. We start our half day city tour with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. Close to this masterwork is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Afterwards we continue driving to Patouxai. This imposing monument standing in Lane Xang Avenue, is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe and provides a stunning views of the city. We round off our day with a visit to the great sacred masterpiece and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. O/N in Vientiane.

Day 2 : Vientiane - Luang Namtha
The northbound journey begins as we board a flight to Luang Nam Tha, a base for next trekking days. This northernmost tip region is a land of rugged mountains, beautiful forest and rich river plain. 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 you are greeted by our guide and transferred to hotel. No activities are planned so you can stroll around the town or just relax at the riverside retreat until the briefing for our trekking days. O/N in Luang Namtha. (B)

Day 3 : Luang Nam Tha - Nam Ha Area Trekking
The remote and extremely beautiful mountain region of Luang Namtha is ideal for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition. Today we set off on a short drive north to the Khmu village of Don Sai. On arrival we meet our village guide and venture into the mountains of Nam Ha National Protected Area. The majority of trails follow picturesque river ways beneath a cover of native rainforest therefore our walk may involve some river crossings. The local guides will give information on wild herbs and vegetables we will savour in dinner. This protected area is home to a wide array of wildlife including leopard, serow, banteng, dusky langur; however most of these species are nocturnal. To look for wildlife you need to bring along a good flashlight or head lamp. O/N at Khmu Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : Nam Ha Area Trekking
Today we have an option to rise up early to admire the sunrise from a mountain top and watch the jungle bird life. Upon leaving the camp of previous night we follow the footpath across the tropical rain forest. The trekking is strenuous at times, with some steep uphill and downhill walking; however some physical preparation will enable you to fully enjoy this adventure. By end of afternoon we arrive at Nammat and have a walk around this charming village to understand a little more about the lifestyle of the Akha people. They are very poor but have an interesting local history and colourful culture. O/N at Akha Camp. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : Nam Ha Area Trekking - Luang Namtha
The trekking is not only activity on our trip. We can get up early and blaze a trail with Akha guide to the hunting grounds. The village guide will call birds and show you different species. The rich variety of birth life is also remarkable in this protected area. We come back to the camp for breakfast and spend a half day walking to Luang Namtha Town. Along the way we make several stops to learn the ancient form of agriculture and see a new village of the Akha ethnic minorities. The verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population has made for an unforgettable experience. O/N in Luang Namtha. (B,L)

Day 6: Luang Namtha - Muang Sing - Luang Namtha
An early morning start to drive towards Muang Sing. The road conditions are very poor ; however the stunning mountain landscape and the colourful hill tribe people make our trip all worthwhile. On arrival we embark on a short walk, using the local tracks and pass through the breathtaking mountain landscape to the seldom visited hamlets which are home of the Yao, Akkha and Lantern minority people. They are settled there longtime ago and still retain their traditional culture and habits. We also have time to catch a look of Muang Sing Town before we drive back to Luang Namtha. En route we can make stop as you please, to stretch our legs and catch some pictures. O/N in Luang Namtha. (B,L)

Day 7: Luang Namtha - Oudomxay - Nong Khiow
The following destination of our trip is Nong Khiow. This beautiful village set by the Nam Ou River, boasts a stunning limestone mountain backdrop and genuine local colour. We begin our day with a visit to Luang Namtha Market, an important trading hub of this mountainous area. The colorful hill tribe people are often seen in this conglomeration. Upon leaving Luang Namtha we catch our vehicle for an interesting drive though a beautiful mountain region to Nong Khiow. 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. By mid afternoon we arrive in Nong Khiow and spend the remainder of our day to walk around or simply relax. O/N at Nong Khiow. (B)

Day 8: Nong Khiow - Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang
Upon leaving the tranquil village of Muong Ngoy we board a boat cruising through the breathtaking mountain scenery to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. They are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various sizes, all brought there by devoted villagers. We visit these famous grottos and navigate on the Mekong River down 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.. We check in hotel and stroll around to catch our first look of town. There is little traffic on 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 exploration of this delightful town includes the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which is overlooking the Mekong River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes, doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang Prabang. We follow it with the national museum. This interesting mansion displays a lovely collection of treasures and artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. There are also plenty to see in this town, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai. We round off our day with a walk up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town center and the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N at Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 10: Luang Prabang - Khouang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang
The mountainous areas around Luang Prabang Town are also home of many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in secluded jungle. Today we catch a drive southwards to Phosi Market that sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts. Upon leaving this lively market we make our way through the verdant and rugged scenery to Ban Thapene , Ban Xom and Ban Namai which are conquered by the Lao Loum, Khmu and Hmong people. They are very poor but have interesting culture and colorful history. These tribal groups have originally settled in mountain side therefore it may involve some short walks to visit their villages. We arrives at Khouang Si Fall and spend the time relaxing in marvellous setting of waterfall and lush forest. The waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 11: Luang Prabang - 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 Luang Prabang Airport for departure. (B)