Ethnic Getaway in Luang Prabang
In the heart of northern Laos, between ancestral villages and turquoise waterfalls.
Duration
10 days
From
€1,085/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
The north of Laos is discovered through its natural landscapes, ethnic villages and cultural heritage. This tour invites you to explore the region between Buddhist temples, local markets, caves, waterfalls and hikes in the heart of mountainous landscapes. Your journey begins in Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You discover its Buddhist temples, its museums dedicated to culture and craftsmanship as well as its day and night markets.
The itinerary then takes you to meet the Hmong, Lao Loum and Khmu communities, particularly in the villages of Ban Houay Lo, Ban Pha Peung, Ban Mok Chung, Ban Nasavang, Ban Mok Meung and Ban Long Lao. You also discover Ban Chan, a village known for its pottery craftsmanship. This journey places great emphasis on walking, with several hikes through forests, mountainous terrain and karst formations. You also enjoy a boat ride to reach the Pak Ou caves, which house many Buddha statues. Finally, your journey takes you to the Kuang Si waterfalls, where you discover the natural pools and the Asian black bear preservation center.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Laotian Land: Luang Prabang
In the morning, you land at the international airport of Luang Prabang according to your flight reservation, the date and time of which remain to be confirmed. After entry formalities, you are welcomed by your English-speaking local guide.
You have lunch at Khaiphen restaurant (included), for a first taste of Laotian cuisine. Young people train there and offer creative local cuisine.
Depending on your arrival time and room availability, the transfer to your hotel takes place before or after lunch. Rooms are generally available from 2pm. You then have free time to rest and recover from jet lag. At 7pm, you head to the Mekong Sunset View Restaurant, located opposite the Vat Chompet pagoda, for your dinner (included).
You then return to your hotel for your first night in Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang
You start the day with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology and Traditional Arts, which allows you to better understand the ethnic traditions of Laos and the diversity of its minorities. The museum is closed on Mondays.
You continue to the Boutique Ock Pop Tok, a center dedicated to local textiles and the transmission of Lao craftsmanship. You discover an exhibition around artisanal weaving and natural dyeing, as well as the techniques associated with them. At noon, you have lunch at the Silk Road Café (included). Depending on the working days and rest days determined by the lunar cycle, you may share your table with the weavers from the center. In the afternoon, you board a ferry to reach Ban Chan, a village of potters. After taking time to discover the village, you set off for a walk of about an hour along the Mekong. You then climb a hill to reach the Vat Chompet, from where you enjoy a view over Luang Prabang. Your walk continues to the Vat Longkun, a peaceful temple surrounded by mango trees. You can exchange with the monks about Buddhism, their knowledge and their approach to this philosophy. Renovated by France after the war conflicts, the temple is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In late afternoon, you can visit the Vat Pha Bat Tai to watch the sunset over the Mekong. You will also have the opportunity to share a game of pétanque with local players, in a moment of meeting and conviviality. Another option: visit the Wat Xieng Thong, then climb Phou Si mountain to enjoy the panorama of Luang Prabang at dusk.
Dinner at the restaurant Luang Prabang Kitchen (included) and return to the hotel
Hiking around Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang → Ban Houay Lo
You are starting today a 3-day and 2-night trek in the Luang Prabang region, an adventure through natural landscapes and local villages. The route evolves in the mountains and alternates between moderate and more difficult sections. You are first transferred about forty kilometers north of the region to Ban Houay Lo, the starting point of your trek. As you progress and gain altitude, you cross through two Khmu and Hmong villages, an opportunity to observe the daily life of the communities you encounter along your itinerary.
Picnic lunch on the way.
Ban Houay Lo → Ban Pha Peung
Your itinerary first takes you to Ban Pha Peung, a small town that you take time to discover during your hike
Ban Pha Peung → Ban Mok Chung
You continue your hike to Ban Mok Chung, a Hmong village where you spend the night. Once there, you take time to stroll through the streets and share the daily life of the residents. You participate in local activities and lend a hand to villagers, an opportunity to experience a moment of exchange within the community.
Dinner included and night with a local family, in basic accommodation.
Trek between bamboo forest and karst formations
Ban Mok Chung → Ban Nasavang
After breakfast in the village of Ban Mok Chung, you resume your hike towards the Nam Ou river watershed.
You progress through steep mountainous areas, in the heart of a vast bamboo forest and karst formations that punctuate the journey. At lunchtime, you enjoy a picnic in the jungle, before continuing your hike to the village of Ban Nasavang.
Dinner included and night in the village of Ban Nasavang.
Trekking at altitude to the village of Ban Mok Mueng
Ban Nasavang → Ban Mok Mueng
You start the day by sharing breakfast with the villagers of Ban Navasang (included), before resuming your hike.
You continue to gain altitude and, after approximately 1h30 of walking, enter the jungle. You continue your progression for another 2 hours before reaching the village of Ban Mok Mueng.
Lunch on site.
Ban Mok Mueng → Ban Houay Lueng
You continue your hike with a descent of approximately 3 hours, punctuated by viewpoints overlooking the landscapes dominating the Nam Ou River.
At the end of this walk, you reach the village of Ban Houay Lueng.
Ban Houay Lueng → Luang Prabang
At Ban Houay Lueng, a vehicle awaits you to take you back to Luang Prabang, the former Lao capital. Upon arrival, you settle into your hotel before enjoying a dinner in the local way. You have the opportunity to taste sindat, the Lao barbecue. The meat is grilled on a metal dome while a broth made of vegetables, vermicelli and spices simmers simultaneously around the dome.
The Caves of Pak Ou
Optionally, you can wake up early to participate in the alms-giving ceremony to the monks of Luang Prabang, between 5:30 and 6 AM. Before returning to your hotel, you can also take a detour to the morning market. You then set off by bicycle to discover the main monuments of Luang Prabang. Your route takes you to the National Museum, former Royal Palace (closed Mondays), to Vat Mai temple, to the craft training center for monks at Vat Xieng Mouane, and then to the Heritage House.
You have lunch at Atsalin restaurant (included), a place with the feel of a canteen frequented by local officials. They serve quick dishes, mainly stir-fried dishes, such as yellow noodles with duck. In the afternoon, you board a cruise to the Pak Ou Caves. These caverns house numerous Buddha statues and are an important pilgrimage site for Laotians during Pee Mai Lao, the Lao New Year celebrated in mid-April. After the visit, you sail back to Luang Prabang. Optionally, you can stop at Ban Xang Hai, also called Whiskey Village, known for its rice alcohol production. In the evening, you stroll through Luang Prabang to The House restaurant, located in the city center, on the banks of the Nam Khan river. Dinner included.
You then have free time and can browse the night market to discover souvenirs and travel gifts.
Free Day in Luang Prabang
You have an entire day free in Luang Prabang to discover the city at your own pace. You can stroll around as you wish and take time to enjoy the atmosphere of this former Laotian capital.
From Luang Prabang to the village of Ban Xeng Mouk
Luang Prabang → Ban Xeng Mouk
After breakfast, you leave the city center at 8:30 AM by local transport to reach Ban Xeng Mouk, a village inhabited by Lao Loum and Hmong communities. After approximately 40 minutes on a bumpy road, you arrive at Ban Xeng Mouk and set off to discover the village.
Ban Xeng Mouk → Ban Long Lao
You start your moderate level hike with approximately 30 minutes of walking through vast pineapple plantations and rice paddies. You then enter a dense jungle composed of different tree species, alternating between uphill and downhill sections. After approximately 2 hours of hiking, you reach a viewpoint offering a clear panorama of the surrounding area. You take advantage of this stop to enjoy your lunch in the Lao style. In the afternoon, you resume your trek through the terrain and cross a more sparsely forested area. You will be able to observe traces left by animals and learn more about wildlife.
Along the way, you stop at the small Hmong village of Ban Nong Touk, before continuing your walk to Ban Long Lao, a locality where Hmong and Khmu communities live.
Hiking and swimming at Kuang Si Waterfall
Ban Long Lao → Kuang Si Falls
After breakfast in the village of Ban Long Lao, you resume your easy level hike through the forest. A few steep climbs lead you to a cave, which once served as a refuge during the Second Indochina War and is also a pilgrimage site for Laotian Buddhists. After exploring the cave, you continue hiking for approximately one hour to reach the summit of the Kuang Si waterfalls. You then descend along the cascade following a marked trail to its base.
Lunch on site.
The afternoon continues with a moment of relaxation and swimming in the natural pools of Kuang Si. You then visit the Asian black bear conservation center.
Kuang Si Falls → Luang Prabang
You join Luang Prabang by local transport and return to your hotel.
In the evening, you head to Tamarind restaurant for dinner (included). You discover traditional Lao cuisine, prepared from fresh ingredients and inspired by ancestral recipes.
Last moments in Luang Prabang
You have your last breakfast in Laos at the hotel, then enjoy your final moments in Luang Prabang freely. You are then transferred to the airport to take your flight and continue your next adventures.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Visa for staying in Laos
- Domestic and International Flights
- Beverages, tips, personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Services and meals not indicated in the program
- Extended visit and discovery fees
- Additional peak season charges
- Bank fees
Included
- Accommodation in double/twin room in selected hotels
- Tourism bus with A/C or minivan with A/C
- Private cruise as mentioned in the itinerary
- Activities listed in the itinerary
- Meals with mention included
- English-speaking local guide
- Trekking fees and site entrance fees
- Permissions and local taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Laos for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Laos, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa affixing.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Unlike some Southeast Asian destinations, Laos does not offer visa exemptions for nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada for tourist stays. A visa is therefore mandatory and can be obtained through several methods.
Visa on Arrival: available at most international entry points (airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, as well as certain land border crossings). It allows stays of up to 30 days and is issued in exchange for payment of approximately 30 to 42 USD depending on nationality. A recent identity photograph is generally required.
e-Visa: it is also possible to submit an electronic visa application online before departure through the official portal of the Laotian authorities, for a tourist stay of up to 30 days.
Embassy Visa: the application can be submitted to the embassy or consulate of Laos in your country of residence before departure.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of an accommodation reservation.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Laos from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (depending on activities and areas visited),
Japanese encephalitis (for extended stays in rural areas).
A preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain regions, particularly rural and forested areas. Consult your doctor or a travel medicine center before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire at the embassy or consulate of Laos in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance-repatriation and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, obtainable on arrival at major entry points (Visa on Arrival, approximately 30-40 USD depending on the entry point) or online (e-visa). Valid for 30 days, extendable. A valid passport required for at least 6 months beyond entry, and two blank pages required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €130 and €210 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. Laos is a preserved and charming destination, often combined with Cambodia or Vietnam.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor every itinerary to our travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Northern Luang Prabang
Ambassador for a gentle Laos, based in Vientiane
In Laos, you need to embrace slowing down. It's often when you take the time that the most beautiful encounters and moments reveal themselves.
— Lay
