The Phongsaly Loop

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, guests are welcomed for the short transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is to settle in and enjoy the first impressions of this charming UNESCO town.

A full day is dedicated to exploring Luang Prabang’s rich cultural heritage, and the nearbye artisan villages.  The day ends with a peaceful evening monk chanting experience.

A private boat journey across the Mekong reveals a quieter side of Luang Prabang, with visits to Ban Xieng Mene, Wat Chom Phet, and the former royal meditation temple of Wat Long Khoun. The journey continues downstream to Ban Chan, a traditional pottery village, before returning to Luang Prabang for an afternoon at leisure.

Guests travel by train through the dramatic karst mountains of Northern Laos, crossing bridges and tunnels along the modern Laos-China Railway. Upon arrival in Oudomxay, they are transferred to their accommodation in a peaceful natural setting.

The day begins with a guided forest trek through Nam Kat, led by a biodiversity specialist who introduces the area’s rich plant life, wildlife habitats, and seasonal orchids. Afterwards, a visit to the Nam Kat Biodiversity Museum offers deeper insight into the fragile rainforest ecosystem and its rare and endangered species.

The journey continues deep into Phongsaly Province, followed by a trek to a remote Mouchi village, one of only six in the province. The evening is spent with local villagers, with an overnight stay in a very basic family homestay.

The morning offers more time to observe village life before trekking onward to an Akha Eupa village. The journey then continues by road to Phongsaly, with a climb up Phoufa Hill for views over the town and surrounding mountains.

After exploring Phongsaly old town, the route continues to Hatsa for a local private boat journey on the wild upper Nam Ou River. The day follows remote river scenery, hydropower dams, and rarely visited villages before reaching Muang Khua.

The journey continues down the Nam Ou River through one of the most scenic stretches in Northern Laos. Remote riverside villages and dramatic limestone landscapes make this a memorable approach to Nong Khiaw.

A boat journey leads to Ban Don Khoune, the starting point for the impressive 100 Waterfalls trek through cascades and forest. A Lao-style picnic lunch is enjoyed with beautiful views before returning by boat to Nong Khiaw.