Overview
Embark on a 9-day guided adventure through the breathtaking north of Laos, exploring the Nam Nern River Safari in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Plain of Jars (listed in 2019). This journey blends nature, wildlife, history, and culture, offering authentic experiences with local communities, sacred sites, and memories of the Indo-China war.
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| Laos Map |
Detailed Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1 – Luang Prabang → Muang Ngoi by boat cruise.
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| Luang Prabang → Muang Ngoi by boat cruise |
After breakfast, meet your local guide and depart from Luang Prabang at 7:00 AM. Travel approximately 2 hours by van to the Nam Ou Second Dam, where you will board a slow boat for a scenic cruise upstream to Muang Ngoi. Enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery along the river before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore the charming riverside village of Muang Ngoi and hike up Phanoy Viewpoint to admire the stunning panoramic landscape of the Nam Ou Valley. After descending from the viewpoint, return to the boat pier and continue your boat journey downstream to Nong Khiew, a peaceful town surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Overnight in Nong Khiew.
🗓️ Day 2 – Nong Khiew → Muang Hiem Hot Springs.
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| Nong Khiew → Muang Hiem Hot Springs |
Wake up early to climb up Phou Somnang Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views over Nong Khiew town and the surrounding limestone mountains. After taking in the scenery, walk back down to your hotel for breakfast.
Following breakfast, check out and begin your cultural exploration with a visit to Pha Tok Historical Cave, an important hideout used during the Vietnam War, and then continue to Manda Cave and the War Museum to learn more about the region’s wartime history.
After your morning visits, drive approximately 5 hours to Muang Hiem, stopping en route for lunch. Upon arrival, check in to your guesthouse and visit the nearby Muang Hiem Hot Springs, renowned for their naturally boiling temperatures—hot enough to cook an egg in seconds!
Return to town in the evening for dinner and overnight in Muang Hiem.
🗓️ Day 3 – Nam Nern River Safari | 24-Hour Wildlife Adventure.
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| Nam Nern River Safari | 24-Hour Wildlife Adventure |
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM to Ban Son Koua Village, gateway to the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park.
Meet the National Park’s English-speaking ranger and local guides. Learn about Khmu and Hmong culture and their spiritual traditions before boarding a long-tail boat for a 2-hour journey into the Total Protection Zone.
Enjoy a Lao-style lunch at the jungle camp and an orientation session on wildlife conservation efforts. In the evening, embark on the Night Safari, drifting silently downriver to spot nocturnal wildlife such as deer, civets, otters, and rare wild cats.
Overnight in bamboo bungalows within the national park.
🗓️ Day 4 – Nam Nern Safari → Tam Piu Cave → Phonsavan.
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| Nam Nern Safari → Tam Piu Cave → Phonsavan |
After breakfast, return by boat to Ban Son Koua Village and say farewell to your park guides.
Continue by van to Tam Piu Cave, a tragic memorial site where 374 villagers perished during a U.S. airstrike in the Indo-China War.
After visiting, continue to Phonsavan in the Xieng Khouang Plateau, the most heavily bombed region in the world. Dinner and overnight in Phonsavan.
🗓️ Day 5 – UNESCO Plain of Jars & Napia Village and Muangkhoun Old town.
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| UNESCO Plain of Jars & Napia Village and Muangkhoun Old town |
After breakfast, explore three main sites of the Plain of Jars 1,2,3 a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2019). Learn about the mysterious origins of these ancient stone vessels scattered across the plateau.
Then visit Napia Village, where locals transform bomb fragments into spoons, jewelry, and tools — a powerful symbol of peace.
Continue to Muang Khoun Old Town and Wat Pia Temple, Dust stupa, one of the few surviving structures from the war. Return to Phonsavan for dinner and overnight.
🗓️ Day 6 – Phonsavan → Vang Vieng via Phou Khoun
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| Phonsavan → Vang Vieng via Phou Khoun |
After breakfast, depart early for Vang Vieng, an 8-hour scenic drive through mountain passes and valleys. Stop for lunch at Phou Khoun Local restaurant, and enjoy beautiful photo stops along the route.
Arrive in Vang Vieng in the late afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner with your guide.
🗓️ Day 7 – Vang Vieng Water Adventures and kayaking.
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| Vang Vieng Water Adventures and kayaking |
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of outdoor adventure.
Travel by Tuk-Tuk to the kayak starting point and receive a safety briefing before paddling down the Nam Song River.
Stop to go tubing through the Water Cave, explore lush jungles, Angle cave and enjoy a traditional BBQ picnic lunch along the riverbank.
In the afternoon, visit the Blue Lagoon for a swim or rope jump, then trek to a mountain viewpoint before returning to your hotel for dinner.
🗓️ Day 8 – Vang Vieng → Vientiane City Tour.
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| Vang Vieng → Vientiane City Tour |
After breakfast, visit Tham Jung Cave before driving to Vientiane, the capital of Laos (approx. 2 hours).
Visit the COPE Centre to learn about Laos’ recovery from war, followed by major landmarks such as the Buddha Park, Pha That Luang Stupa, and Victory Gate (Patuxay Monument).
Check into your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Vientiane.
🗓️ Day 9 – Vientiane | Optional Morning Tour & Airport Transfer
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| Vientiane | Optional Morning Tour & Airport Transfer |
Depending on your flight schedule, visit Haw Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple) and Sisaket Museum, Lao Art museum followed by lunch.
After the tour, transfer to Wattay International Airport for your onward flight.
End of Tour – Khob Chai!
Tour Highlights
Guided by experienced English-speaking local tour experts
Trek to the Phou Somnang Viewpoint in Nong Khiew for a panoramic sunset
Visit Pha Tok Cave, a Vietnam War hideout (1968–1973)
Relax at Muang Hiem Hot Springs, a fascinating natural wonder
Experience a 24-hour wildlife adventure at Nam Nern River Safari
Explore Tam Piu Cave, a tragic historical site of the Indo-China war
Visit UNESCO Plain of Jars, one of Laos’ most mysterious heritage sites
Discover Napia Village (recycling bomb scrap metal into crafts)
Enjoy water adventures – kayaking, tubing, and blue lagoons in Vang Vieng
Explore Vientiane’s capital landmarks – Buddha Park, COPE Centre, Pha That Luang, and Victory Gate
Included
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English-speaking local guide
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Private van transportation
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Boat transfers and National Park permits
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Accommodation (8 nights)
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Meals as specified in itinerary
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All entrance fees and government taxes
Excluded
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Personal expenses & drinks
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Tips for guide & driver
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Travel insurance
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Domestic flights (optional)
What to Bring
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent spray.
- Cap or hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Comfortable trekking shoes or sandals.
- Light jacket or raincoat (depending on season).
- Reusable water bottle.
- Camera or smartphone.
- Personal medications (if needed).
- Small backpack for daily activities.
- Power bank for charging devices.
- Swimming suit and towel.
- Dry clothes for changing after swimming.
- Cash for personal expenses (some villages have no ATMs).
- Travel documents and passport copy.
Tour Price (Per Person)
| Group Size | Price (USD) per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 3250.00 USD |
| 2 people | 2500.00 USD |
| 3 people | 1950.00 USD |
| 4 people | 1525.00 USD |
| 5 people | 1395.00 USD |
| 6+ people | 997.00 USD |
