Note: – Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels, and operating conditions. Swimming or kayaking excursions may be canceled due to poor weather. Unused services are not subject to a refund. – Meals onboard are fusion: Vietnamese, seafood & international. Guests should advise of any special food preferences, allergies or dietary requirements at least one (1) week prior to the cruise date. – Advance registration is required with full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date for all passengers. A valid passport is required upon check-in. Otherwise, boarding may be denied by port authority.

Grand Laos Expedition – 19 Days / 18 Nights

The definitive journey for the serious explorer. This 19-day expedition covers the full length of Laos. Trek through the remote Akha and Yao villages of the far north, cruise the breathtaking Nam Ou River, and uncover the mystery of the Plain of Jars before relaxing in the 4000 Islands.

Locations
Laos
Trip Duration
19 Day(s) 18 Night(s)

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Keywords : 4000 Islands , Adventure & Culture , Akha Hill Tribe , Boloven Plateau , Don Khone , Hill Tribes , Laos , Luang Prabang , Muang Sing , Nam Ou River , Nong Khiaw , Phongsaly , Plain of Jars , Vang vieng , Wat Phou

Trip code :WT-CODE 1179

Overview
Itinerary in Detail
Gallery

Day 1: Houay Xai – Luong Namtha -Muang Sing
Day 2 : Muang Sing
Day 3 : Muang Sing – Luang Numtha – Oudomxay
Day 4 : Oudomxay – Bountai – Phongsaly
Day 5 : Phongsaly
Day 6 : Phongsaly – Pak Namnoy – Mouang Khoua
Day 7 : Mouang Khoua – Nong Khiaw
Day 8 : Nongkhiaw – Luang Prabang
Day 9 : Luang Prabang
Day 10 : Luang Prabang – Kuangsi – Luang Prabang
Day 11 : Luang Prabang – Elephant Village – Luang Prabang
Day 12 : Luang Prabang – Xieng Khoang
Day 13 : Xieng Khoang
Day 14 : Xieng Khoang – Vang Vieng
Day 15: Vang Vieng – Vientiane
Day 16 : Vientiane – Pakse – Bolovens – Tadlo
Day 17 : Tadlo – Wat Phou – Khong Island
Day 18 : Khong Island – Khone Island – Phapheng – Pakse
Day 19 : Pakse – Depature

DAY 01: HOUAY XAI – LUANG NAMTHA – MUANG SING (L/D)

Meet your local guide in Houay Xai and begin your scenic journey northeast toward Luang Namtha. The road has been recently upgraded, ensuring a smooth drive through lush mountains and quiet villages such as Muang Phouka.

Stop along the way to meet Akha hill tribe villagers, known for their colorful dress and vibrant traditions. Continue to Muang Sing, once the first capital of the Lu principality and still a crossroads of cultures bordering China and Myanmar.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Muang Sing.

DAY 02: MUANG SING – TREKKING ADVENTURE (B/L/D)

After breakfast, explore Muang Sing’s morning market to watch hill tribe families trade handmade textiles, herbs, and crafts.

Take a half-day trek into the surrounding mountains, passing through Yao, Akha, and Lanten villages. Few travelers reach this remote area, where traditional lifestyles and warm smiles remain untouched by modernity.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Muang Sing.

DAY 03: MUANG SING – LUANG NAMTHA – OUDOMXAY (B/L/D)

Depart after breakfast for Oudomxay, traveling through stunning mountain scenery. Along the way, stop to meet Hmong, Khmu, Akha, and Taidam communities. Their genuine hospitality and fascinating customs make this day an enriching cultural encounter.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Oudomxay.

DAY 04: OUDOMXAY – BOUNTAI – PHONGSALY (B/L/D)

After breakfast, visit Oudomxay’s lively local market before continuing north. Stop at several ethnic minority villages — Ikor, Yao, Hmong, and Khmu — to observe daily life.

En route, visit Wat Phra Xack Kham, home to a revered Buddha image, then pass through Muang La, Pak Namnoy, and Bountai Ban Yo. Arrive in Phongsaly, the northernmost town in Laos, by late afternoon.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Phongsaly.

DAY 05: PHONGSALY – TEA PLANTATIONS & ETHNIC VILLAGES (B/L/D)

Explore the charming old town and Phongsaly Market, then head into the surrounding hills to discover lush tea plantations — among the highest in Southeast Asia.

Visit remote villages of the Phounoi, Akkha, and Laoseng people to experience their ancestral traditions.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Phongsaly.

DAY 06: PHONGSALY – PAK NAMNOY – MUANG KHOUA (B/L/D)

Drive south through dramatic mountain landscapes toward Pak Namnoy, then continue to Muang Khoua, a peaceful riverside town on the Nam Ou River.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Muang Khoua.

DAY 07: MUANG KHOUA – NONG KHIAW (BY BOAT) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, embark on a private boat journey along the Nam Ou River — one of Laos’s most breathtaking routes.

Pass soaring limestone karsts and remote riverside villages such as Sob Jaem, home to Khmu and Hmong families. Stop to visit local communities before reaching Nong Khiaw.

In the afternoon, enjoy a short bike ride or walk to nearby limestone caves.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

DAY 08: NONG KHIAW – LUANG PRABANG (B/L/D)

After breakfast, drive south toward Luang Prabang, stopping for lunch along the way.

Arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city and explore the night bazaar, where artisans from nearby hill tribes sell intricate handwoven textiles and silverwork.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 09: LUANG PRABANG HERITAGE SITES (B/L/D)

Visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, housing royal artifacts and treasures of the Lao kingdom. Continue to Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Wat Sene, Wat Mai, and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, renowned for its golden mosaics and sweeping roofs.

Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the city and the Mekong River glowing at sunset.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 10: LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALL (B/L/D)

Begin the morning at Phousi Market, alive with local produce, spices, and handmade goods. Visit nearby ethnic villages: Ban Ouay (Hmong), Ban Ou (Lao Loum), and Ban Thapene (Khmu) before continuing to Kuang Si Waterfall.

Relax and swim in the turquoise pools or stroll the forest trails before returning to town for a sunset view over the Mekong.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 11: ELEPHANT VILLAGE EXPERIENCE (B/L/D)

After breakfast, travel 15 km out of town to the Elephant Village Sanctuary, set in lush jungle by the Nam Khan River. Learn about elephant conservation and enjoy a scenic one-hour ride through the forest, supporting ethical tourism and elephant care.

Return to Luang Prabang for a relaxing afternoon.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 12: LUANG PRABANG – XIENG KHOUANG (B/L/D)

Drive east toward Xieng Khouang, home of the mysterious Plain of Jars. Along the way, stop at scenic viewpoints like Houi Hei, and at Ban Kiu Marknao 2 (Khmu Village).

After lunch in Phou Khoun, continue past mountain passes (up to 1,500m elevation) and visit Ban Son Boom (Hmong Village) and the Buddha Cave, once used as a secret hospital during the war.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

DAY 13: PLAIN OF JARS EXPLORATION (B/L/D)

Visit the Plain of Jars, a fascinating archaeological site scattered with hundreds of ancient stone jars.
The afternoon is free for relaxation or further exploration.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

DAY 14: XIENG KHOANG – VANG VIENG (B/L/D)

Travel south toward Vang Vieng, stopping en route at stunning mountain viewpoints.

Arrive in the riverside town of Vang Vieng, surrounded by limestone cliffs and rice fields. Enjoy the tranquil scenery and colorful sunset views from your hotel balcony.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.

DAY 15: VANG VIENG – VIENTIANE (B/L/D)

After breakfast, continue to the capital city Vientiane, stopping in Tha Heua Village, famous for its sun-dried fish.

In the afternoon, explore the capital’s highlights: Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxay Monument — the city’s own Arc de Triomphe.
End the day with a peaceful sunset over the Mekong River.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Vientiane.

DAY 16: VIENTIANE – PAKSE – BOLOVEN PLATEAU – TADLO (B/L/D)

Early morning flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, drive east toward the Boloven Plateau, known for its cool climate and coffee plantations.

Visit Houey Ten (Katu Village), a tea plantation, and the twin Tad Fane Waterfalls, before exploring Tha Teng Market and Ban Bong Neua (Alak Village).
Arrive at Tad Lo Waterfall in the afternoon and relax amid nature.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Tadlo.

DAY 17: TADLO – WAT PHOU – KHONG ISLAND (B/L/D)

Drive to Champassak to explore Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site older than Angkor Wat. Admire its ancient Khmer architecture and spiritual setting before continuing south to the 4000 Islands.

Arrive at Don Khong Island by ferry in the early evening.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight on Khong Island.

DAY 18: KHONG ISLAND – KHONE ISLAND – KHONE PHAPHENG – PAKSE (B/L/D)

After breakfast, board a long-tail boat to Khone Island. Visit Liphi Waterfall, known as the “Corridor of the Devil,” and observe local fishermen at work.

Return to the mainland to visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the largest in Southeast Asia, before transferring to Pakse.

Lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Pakse.