Travel Style
Active & Adventure
Destinations
Pakbeng, Namkat Yorla Pa, Luang Prabang
Highlights Itinerary Accommodation Inclusions/Exclusions
A serene northern Laos itinerary to explore the tranquil, laidback town of Luang Prabang, combining with a pleasant cruise on the Mekong River, for you to visit Nam Kat Yorla Pa national park in Laos. This 7-day tour of northern Laos showcases its highlights and hidden gems, with inspiring architecture, culture, and nature.
Highlights of the trip include a visit to the town and temples in Luang Prabang, a hike to the gigantic Kuangsi Waterfall in the jungle, holy Pak Ou Cave, countryside villages of multiple ethnic groups, and especially a lifetime stay at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort with adventures in Laos.
Welcome to Luang Prabang, an ancient town situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers! Renowned as a spiritual city of 33 gilded temples, saffron-clad monks, Colonial-style villas, and fusion gastronomy, Luang Prabang is an intriguing and unique city to enjoy its serenity and nourish your peaceful mind.
Upon your arrival, your tour guide will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel in Luang Prabang for your check-in. Have free time for the rest of the day to recover from jet lag.
This morning, you will explore the iconic attractions of Luang Prabang. Beginning with the Royal Palace, built in 1904 and home to King Sisavang Vong, whose statue still stands outside the museum. The Royal Palace in Luang Prabang is now the National Museum, housing precious items that formerly belonged to the Royal family. Afterward, take a leisurely walk from the Royal Palace to Wat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang, which displays Laos' finest art. Next, have a hike up 328 steps to Phousi Mount peak for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang.
This afternoon, you will travel to the Kuangsi Waterfalls, a must-see attraction of Luang Prabang. From the entrance, you will visit a rescue center housing moon bears, an endangered species. There are 23 native, protected bears in this sanctuary. Following the trail, you will meet mesmerizing giant Kuangsi Waterfalls tumbling down many tiers, forming many pools of turquoise water. Afterward, head back to your hotel in Luang Prabang.
Embark on the Luang Say Cruise this morning, you will leave Auberge Calao Pier at 7 am for Pakbeng. Enjoy the tasty breakfast on the boat and contemplate the Mekong River this fresh morning. After about 1.5 hours of sailing, your cruise will stop at Pak Ou Cave, which plays a significant spiritual role for Laotian. Pak Ou Cave is also renowned as the cave of a thousand buddhas. There are two limestone cliffs with upper and lower caves that house over 4,000 Buddha statues in various poses, including sitting, lying, and standing.
Your journey on the Mekong river tour boat then continues, stopping at a local village for lunch featuring the delights of Laotian cuisine. After lunch, the boat will make another stop at the Baw hill tribe village, where you will learn about the local lifestyle and the famous Lao whiskey. Before the sun sets, you will arrive at Luang Say Lodge - a stunning Mekong riverside lodge in Pakbeng, Laos, offering a marvelous view of the river and exotic mountains. Chilling out at the lodge, you will have free time to refresh and enjoy the river and its surrounding peaceful landscape. Dinner with Laotian cuisine at the terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
Breakfast will be served early in the morning, when the mountains and river are still shrouded in mist. After breakfast, you will leave Luang Say lodge to Namkat Yorla Pa, a huge ecotourism attraction that is half resort and half adventure park. This place offers one of the most charming and beautiful hotels in all of northern Laos. After around 3 hours of pleasant cruising, you will visit the Ban Yor pottery and weaving village. You will arrive at Namkat Yorla Pa at noon and have lunch there.
In the afternoon, you can relax and enjoy the resort's surroundings, or book outdoor activities such as cycling, trekking, ziplining, rock climbing, and a visit to the Khmu minority village and its organic farms.
Today is a free and easy day at the resort in Namkat Yorla Pa. It's optional to book and pay the resort directly to participate in outdoor activities.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Resort in Namkat Yorla Pa
After breakfast, you will leave Namkat for Luang Prabang. On the way, pay a visit to Ban Lak 52, a Hmong tribe village in Udomxay. Here, you will learn more about this minority group, including how they organize their village, build houses, and so on. At noon, you will reach the pier, and then travel back to your property by the cruise’s van. The balance of this day will be on your own leisure.
Early this morning, you will meet your tour guide and take a tuk-tuk to the local temple to observe the holy Tak Bath ceremony. The local residents prepare food to make offerings to monks in saffron robes who walk by. You then stroll along the local market before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.
At a good time, you will meet up with your local guide and travel to Luang Prabang Airport for your flight to your next destination.
Inclusions:
Accommodation in a double/twin sharing
Daily breakfast at the hotel and meals as indicated in the program
Private air-conditioned transfer
Non-private Luang Say Cruise upstream the Mekong River
Excellent English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
Entrance fee, boat trip for sightseeing as mentioned
Exclusions:
International and domestic flights
Laos Visa
Tips and gratuities for guide, driver, etc.
Personal expenses and services not mentioned
BOOK THIS TRIP
17 days 16 nights
3 days 2 nights
3 days 2 nights
10 days 9 nights
4 days 3 nights
8 days 7 nights
30 days 29 nights
20 days 19 nights
6 days 5 nights
10 days 9 nights
5 days 4 nights
5 days 4 nights
12 days 11 nights
