DAY 01: LUANG PRABANG – ARRIVAL (-/-/-)
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel. The rest of the day is your own time at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 02: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES (Nava Mekong) (B/L/-)
Today, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then embark on the Nava Mekong cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. The authentic Lao lunch will be served on the leisurely cruise back to Luang Prabang
On arrival back in the city, we will visit magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Siphouthabaht to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 03: LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALLS (B/-/-)
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there, we will take a short visit to the morning local market near the Royal Palace. At the market, you can find anything from rice, to fresh vegetables, to steamed fish, frogs, and anything else that might be the day’s catch, just set up on the ground, this is what the locals do every day. This is really the chance for you to get a real flavor of the local culture.
After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat (Visoun), this is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas.
We then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.
Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed on Tuesday), one of the must-visit spots, where you can have an optional 15 minute tour to learn about butterflies and local flora.
Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where you will have a short tour so you get information about Silk, about weaver, about the Women that work in the Centre.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

DAY 04: LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG (B/-/-)
In the morning, we travel by road south to Vang Vieng. Our intrepid journey will be strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic, but also a road that is pot holed in places. Along the way, we will make some stop to visit local villages of H’Mong ethnic groups. We will stop over at to enjoy the panoramic view over the region at the peak of Sala Phoukhoun, the highest peak of the northern Laos. Our next photo stop is Phatang Mountain view point to admire the beautiful scenery. From there, we visit Organic Farm Vang Vieng (OFVV), which specializes in refreshing mulberry tea as well as having a range of livestock and organic crops.
During the visit, you will enjoy a rewarding experience at Organic Farm, which promotes the preservation of ecological diversity and provide people with accessible and sustainable ways to earn a living. Profits from the Farm are used to provide training and employment, support and education to the local villagers through various projects.
Check in your hotel to take some rest before having dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight in Vang Vieng

DAY 05: VANG  VIENG - VIENTIANE (B/-/-)
In the morning, we will first stroll around the town to visit the local market to catch a glimpse of everyday life in a typical Lao rural area.
We then visit Organic Farm Vang Vieng (OFVV), which specializes in refreshing mulberry tea as well as having a range of livestock and organic crops.
This morning, you will enjoy a rewarding experience at Organic Farm, which promotes the preservation of ecological diversity and provide people with accessible and sustainable ways to earn a living. Profits from the Farm are used to provide training and employment, support and education to the local villagers through various projects.
The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding the resort complex of Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns. The most famous in Vang Vieng is the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. We also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngae, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different local lifestyles. We bid farewell to Vang Vieng and drive to Vientiane.
Located on the banks of the Mekong River, this capital conjures up exotic images, with a curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. Overnight in Vientiane

DAY 06: VIENTIANE – LUANG NAMTHA (B/-/-)
Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. Today, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national icon, the precious and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
We then transfer out to the airport to take the flight to Luang Namtha, the most North-western part of Laos. QV601 VTE LXG 12:30 13:25
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to take some rest. Free for the rest of the day for your own exploration. Overnight in Luang Namtha

DAY 07: LUANG NAMTHA – HUAYXAY – CHIANG KHONG – LANJIA LODGE (B/-/D)
The local market also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the surrounding mountainsides or valley to barter and trade their goods.
After that, we will transfer directly to Huayxay, the bordering town with Thailand. Along the way, we may make some stops to visit the local hill tribe villages in Muang Phoukha.
Once reaching the Huayxay, we will cross the border to Chiang Khong (Thailand), where our driver will pick you up with the sign the LANJIA LODGE.
Arriving at the lodge, and enjoying your welcome drink, there will be the short presentation of the lodge manager together with the video about the various tribal people residing in Thailand, with the main focus on the Hmong and Lahu tribes, for them being your hosts at Lanjia Lodge.
Another presentation will give you insights on the various activities affecting the lives of people living by and from the Mekong River over decades and on the famous Giant Catfish (locally known as Pla Buek), the world’s largest freshwater that can still be found in the Mekong.
In the evening, you enjoy a sumptuous dinner with local delicacies, followed by a performance of both, Hmong and Lahu music and dances.
Overnight at Lanjia Lodge

DAY 08: LANJIA LODGE EXPERIENCE (B/L/D)
You prepare yourself for an adventurous day with a nearly-morning breakfast in the lodge. A local guide will then guide you through the Hmong and Lahu village adjacent to the lodge, called “Baan Kiew Karn”.
You will learn about the many traditions, beliefs and the daily way of life of these two tribes, and also enjoy a hands-on experience of the local Batik making, which you will be taught by an extremely skillful Hmong woman. Afterwards, the Shaman of the village will be pleased to answer all your questions regarding the local belief in Shamanism.
Later, we will transfer you in a local truck to the close-by village of Baan Muang Karn, from where you will board a local boat and cruise down the famed Mekong River to the city of Chiang Khong. You will enjoy your lunch today in a local restaurant right by the river.
After lunch, our guide will walk with you through parts of this charming border town, and you will visit two temples on the way, before heading to the village of Ban Had Krai, where you will meet with local fishermen who have seen and caught the famed Giant Catfish, and who will be pleased to share their unique stories with you.
As a last stop before arriving back to the lodge, you will visit the temple Wat Phra That Jom Meng on a mountain top with a most scenic view over the Mekong River basin and Laos.
Arrive back in the lodge in time to relax and prepare for another meal showcasing the unique flavors of the local cuisine.
Overnight at Lanjia Lodge

Note: You can also switch the today visit to Golden Triangle Experience
After breakfast, (07h45) depart for the Thailand-Burma border at Mae Sai District for a visit (on your own expense, you can cross the border to Burma to visit Takhilek Market). Then drive along the border via Baan Pha Mee to visit Wat Prathat Doi Tung, Doi Chang Mub arboretum garden and Doi Tung Palace
Lunch served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon drive to the Golden Triangle to visit the Hall of Opium (closed on Monday). Board a long-tail boat for a cruise on the Mekong River down to a fisherman village of Baan Had Bai. Then return to the lodge. Dinner and overnight at Lanjia lodge.

DAY 09: LANJIA LODGE – CHIANG RAI – DEPARTURE (B/L/-)
After breakfast, we will take a local truck and visit a small waterfall, where you have the opportunity to swim in your own pool in the middle of a tropical forest. We will bring along a wonderful picnic lunch for you to enjoy, before returning to the lodge in the early afternoon, we will take a short visit to the Organic Tea Farm, producing the famous Oolong tea, said to heaven array of healing effects on your body.
We will serve you refreshment at Lanjia Lodge, before the transfer to the airport in Chiang Rai to take the departure flight