Day 1 - Luang Prabang - Muang La

Take the scenic route from Luang Prabang to Muang La, traveling by road across winding mountain trails into a remote part of northern Laos. Home to endless rice fields, thousand-year-old hot springs and small hill tribe communities, Muang La offers an escape to the simple life, surrounded by the rolling hills and scenic farmland of northern Laos. The quiet, laid-back town rests on the edge of the Nam Pak River and offers options for relaxation as well as trekking, river cruises and mountain biking.

Admire the beauty of the Nam Ou River as you leave Luang Prabang and take the road less travelled, driving for three hours through undulating landscapes surrounded by rice paddy fields. Pass through Pakmong, which is a pleasant place to stop for lunch (on your own account). From here, the road begins to twist and turn and the scenery becomes increasingly mountainous. Explore some Hmong villages along the way, including Ban Xong Ja, and visit the market town of Oudomxay before arriving in Muang La by mid-afternoon.

In Muang La, we recommend Muang La Lodge, a boutique eco-retreat that offers a rustic escape with gorgeous mountain views and access to a natural hot spring.

Overnight: Muang La

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Muang La

Embrace the serenity of morning in Muang La, surrounded by quiet and peaceful countryside. Then set off on a 4WD adventure to explore remote hill tribe villages. The journey takes you into the mountains, 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, and delivers magnificent views of the surrounding valleys. Visit the small and isolated community of the Ikhor tribe who migrated here from Yunnan and Tibet. In this remote area of Laos, they have been able to maintain their extremely traditional way of life. Stop here for a picnic lunch with a magnificent view.

After lunch, continue on foot for about 45 minutes, walking along a scenic path to another remote village called Ban Tauser, home to a Hmong community. This ethnic group originated from the high steppes of Tibet and offers a glimpse into another world and a different way of life. Return to your Muang La hotel by 4WD.

Please note: During the rainy season, the mountain trail may be impassable.

Overnight: Muang La

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Muang La - Luang Prabang

Depart Muang La and drive to the riverside town of Muang Khua to begin a scenic river journey back to Luang Prabang. Travel about two and a half hours by boat down the Nam Ou River, taking in the view of the countryside along the way. Alight from the boat and cross over the recently built Nam Ou Hydropower Dam by vehicle. From there, board a second boat to continue your downstream journey. Pass through a particularly stunning stretch of river and observe life in the riverside villages, including Ban Sob Jaem, a Khmu and Hmong village that can only be accessed by boat. Arriving at Nong Khiaw in the late afternoon, alight from the boat and travel the rest of the way to Luang Prabang by private vehicle, approximately three hours’ drive.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B