Pak Ou buddhist caves Tam ting  and Mekong River

Best of the Emerald North: A Scenic Tour of Northern Laos

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Laos

Places Visited

Chiang Rai, Laos, Luang Namtha, Muang La...

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Suggested Duration

10 Days

Jungle trees shine like jade and rivers meander along the base of soaring mountains during your custom tailored Laos tour, immersing you in ineffable scenery. Children glide down mighty waters on shallow dugout canoes. Secluded villages add intricate embroideries to their colorful handmade textiles. Monks bathe in thermal springs situated near the base of their historical temple. Panoramas open to rice paddy fields and misty mountain summits. From caves filled with Buddha statues to flying through...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Visit local villages across northern Laos to learn about historical culture and traditions passed down through the generations
  • Sample handcrafted Lao Lao, Laotian Whiskey, after a tour of a small distillery in what locals refer to as Whiskey Village
  • Learn about the medicinal use of plants around Nam Ha National Protected Area while searching for leopards, birds, and elephants
  • Relax in the turquoise pools fed by the gorgeous flowing waters of Kuang Si Falls outside of Luang Prabang
  • Relish a cycling tour around the countryside of Muang La to view historical temples, hot springs, and glowing rice paddy fields
  • Revel in the tranquil ambiance of your luxurious hotel embellished with the lush landscape and rushing waters of the Nam Ou River in Nong Khiaw
  • Enter the renowned shrines of the Pak Ou Caves, known for housing thousands of Buddha icons within the two natural caverns etched into a cliff
  • Glide across the forest canopy over the course of six lines while zip lining over northern Laos
  • View the traditional morning procession in Luang Prabang, where locals offer alms to the passing monks in an act of piety

Detailed Description

Laos is a country that shines like a gemstone in the sun, casting a light over the lush jungle, verdant farmland, and silver karsts during your 10-day scenic tour. The journey begins with your arrival at Chiang Mai Airport in Thailand. Your private transfer greets you at baggage claim and escorts you to a luxurious hotel offering you a stunning, secluded view of the valleys, mountains, and exotic gardens. Enjoy a private tour of the city for an introduction into the culture of northern Thailand and the edges of the Golden Triangle, the point at which Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar converge. The next morning, your private transfer escorts you from your hotel in Chiang Mai to the border over the Mekong River.

Enter Laos through Huay Xai and briefly explore the town once known for its ties to the opium trade in the region, along with the remnants of ancient civilizations and French colonial architecture. Enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains to reach Luang Namtha. Next, your guide greets you inside the lobby of your luxury hotel eager to lead you on a full day trekking tour outside of the village. Discover ancient medicinal plants and follow fresh animal tracks in search of tigers, elephants, and barking deer before returning to town.

You have a private transfer through the countryside en route to Muang La. Visit the communities of ethnic minorities to learn about the distinctive histories and traditions continued in the village life. Once in Muang La, you can relax in the comforts of your luxury hotel overlooking the riverbanks. Mount a bicycle after breakfast for a private cycling tour around the countryside. Visit farmers, bask in hot springs, wander along temple complexes, and find unparalleled panoramas of the mountains and floodplains before returning to Muang La.

Make your way by private transfer to Nong Khiaw, following the bends of the Ou River before settling into a riverside bungalow, erected in the traditional Laotian style on stilts. Enjoy views of limestone karsts and blossoming lilies en route to town. Then, you have a spectacular full day tour around Non Khiaw and the surrounding landscape, finding the embodiment of exhilarating exploration in a full day zip line excursion. You cruise down the Mekong River towards Luang Prabang. Visit the famous Whiskey Village to learn about the distilling process and handmade textiles before visiting the marvelous shrines in the Pak Ou Caves.

Upon reaching Luang Prabang, you can trek up to the summit of Mount Phousi for a marvelous sunset view of the imperial city. The day is yours to discover the tranquil ambiance and fascinating history around Luang Prabang. Your guide leads you to the various temples and Kuang Si Falls to highlight the spiritual air in the manmade structures and natural wonders. On the final day, your private transfer greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Luang Prabang Airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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