Savoring Laos: A 15-Day Journey Across Culture and Cuisine

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Southeast Asia beckons with an array of distinct culinary experiences, and while familiar cuisines like Thai and Chinese are globally celebrated, the subtle and equally delicious flavors of Laos remain a hidden gem for many. "A Taste of Laos" invites you on an extraordinary 15-day journey across this enchanting nation, where you’ll not only savor the finest local food but also gain hands-on experience in preparing it yourself. From the tranquil northern riverside towns and their ethnic villages to the spiritual capital of Luang Prabang and the mysterious Plain of Jars, culminating in the charming modern capital of Vientiane, this tour promises an immersive blend of culinary delights, cultural insights, and breathtaking natural beauty. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your soul on this unforgettable Lao adventure.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

Here is overview itinerary. Please contact for more details and better offers. 

Day 1: Houay Xay → Muang Sing: Northern Welcome & Town Charms

Day 2: Muang Sing → Ban Sai Leck (Yao Village): Tuk-Tuk & Village Immersion

Day 3: Ban Sai Leck → Ban Nam Deat Mai (Akha Village): Seasonal Activities & Cultural Exchange

Day 4: Ban Nam Deat Mai → Muang Sing: Agricultural Insight & Return

Day 5: Muang Sing → Namkat Yola Pa (Oudomxay): Mountain Scenery & Nature Resort

Day 6: Namkat: Waterfall Adventures & Ziplining

Day 7: Namkat → Nong Khiaw: Scenic River Journey on Nam Ou

Day 8: Nong Khiaw → Luang Prabang: Historical Caves & UNESCO City Arrival

Day 9: Luang Prabang: Leisure & Personal Discovery

Day 10: Luang Prabang: City Highlights & Kuang Si Falls

Day 11: Luang Prabang → Xieng Khouang: Mountain Drive & Plain of Jars Gateway

Day 12: Xieng Khouang: Plain of Jars & Ancient Muang Khoun

Day 13: Xieng Khouang → Vientiane: Flight to the Capital

Day 14: Vientiane: Orchid Trek & Farewell Dinner

Day 15: Vientiane: City Sights & Departure

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Houay Xay (Arrival) → Muang Sing

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Muang Sing

• Activities:

  • Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival at the Huay Xay border, you will be met by your guide and embark on a scenic drive through beautiful mountain landscapes to Muang Sing. This tranquil town is nestled in the foothills of Northern Laos and is surrounded by a diverse mixture of local ethnic hilltribes.

  • Upon arrival in Muang Sing, transfer directly to your hotel for check-in.

  • The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or take a leisurely stroll around this small, charming town, soaking in the local atmosphere.

Day 2: Muang Sing → Ban Sai Leck (Yao Village Homestay)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

• Accommodation: Village Lodge in Ban Sai Leck

• Activities:

  • Afternoon (approx. 3:30 PM): Begin your immersive cultural experience by traveling to the village of Ban Sai Leck (Yao Village), approximately 5 km away. You can choose to go by tuk-tuk or bicycle, depending on your preference.

  • You will be staying overnight at the village lodge, specially provided by the community for guests.

  • While waiting for dinner, take the opportunity to walk around the village, meet the friendly local people, and learn about their unique traditions and culture. This is a fantastic chance to observe their daily life firsthand.

  • Evening: After enjoying a delicious local dinner prepared by your hosts, you will be treated to a Yao cultural show, offering a deeper insight into their rich heritage. Conclude your day with a traditional massage, customarily given to guests staying overnight in the village, providing a relaxing end to your day.

Day 3: Ban Sai Leck → Ban Nam Deat Mai (Akha Village Homestay)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

• Accommodation: Village Lodge in Ban Nam Deat Mai

• Activities:

  • Morning: After breakfast with your host family, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in or observe the daily activities of the family, depending on the season and local agricultural cycle.

    • January-March: Learn about bamboo-paper-making, planting vegetables, sowing corn, dyeing clothes, or weaving.

    • April-May: Discover how rice is grown on mountain-slopes.

    • June-August: Learn about preparing fields for wet rice and planting seedlings.

    • September: Engage in planting and caring for vegetable gardens.

    • October-November: Observe or help with the harvesting of mountain rice or corn.

    • December-January: Take part in house building activities or local festivals, or join in collecting wild food.

  • Mid-day: Enjoy lunch.

  • Afternoon: After lunch, embark on a walk to visit other nearby Yao villages, observing differences in their nature silk knitting techniques. You will arrive at Ban Nam Deat Mai, an Akha Village, around 3-4 PM, which will be your second homestay location.

  • While waiting for dinner, stroll around the village, meet the Akha people, and learn about their distinctive traditional Akha architecture.

  • Evening: After your dinner, you will experience Akha cultural activities, including traditional performances that showcase their vibrant traditions and culture. Conclude your day with another relaxing traditional massage, a customary gesture of hospitality.

Day 4: Ban Nam Deat Mai → Muang Sing

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Muang Sing

• Activities:

  • Morning: After breakfast, you will have another opportunity to join in the daily activities of your host family, depending on the season:

    • January-May: Engage in work in the vegetable garden, or assist with sowing corn.

    • June-August: Head to the paddy-fields to participate in rice planting.

    • September-October: Continue working in the vegetable garden.

    • November-December: Assist in the paddy-field for harvesting rice.

  • Mid-day: The tour will conclude after a delicious lunch with the family in the field, offering a final taste of authentic local life and cuisine.

  • Afternoon: You will then be transferred back to Muang Sing. Check into your hotel for an overnight stay, allowing for comfort after your village immersion.

Day 5: Muang Sing → Namkat Yola Pa (Oudomxay)

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Riverside Bungalow at Namkat Yola Pa Resort

• Activities:

  • Morning: Today, embark on a picturesque drive north, traversing some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Southeast Asia. The journey offers ample opportunities to stop off at various Khmu and H'mong villages along the way, providing insights into different ethnic minority cultures.

  • Afternoon: Upon arrival in Oudomxay, you will transfer directly to Namkat Yola Pa Resort, located about 30km from the town center. This resort is renowned for its pristine natural surroundings, enveloped by thick jungle, and is especially famous for the amazing Namkat Waterfalls, which you will explore in detail tomorrow.

  • Evening: Check into your comfortable riverside bungalow. The rest of the day is free for you to relax by the resort pool, or simply unwind and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature.

Day 6: Namkat (Experience)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Namkat Yola Pa Resort

• Activities:

  • Morning: Depart from the resort and begin an invigorating cycling trip upwards to the Namkat Waterfall. You'll inhale the fresh scent of nature as the road is surrounded by dense forest. The cycling journey to the waterfall entrance will take approximately 2 hours.

  • Park your bikes at the entrance point of the waterfall, and then embark on a unique flying bridges walk towards the cascading falls, offering an exciting perspective of the jungle canopy.

  • Mid-day: A delightful picnic lunch will be served at the waterfall, allowing you to dine amidst the sounds and sights of nature. You'll spend about 1.5 hours enjoying this tranquil spot.

  • Afternoon: For an adrenaline rush, experience a thrilling zip-lining adventure back to the entrance/meeting point where your bikes are parked. Then, cycle back to the resort, enjoying the downhill ride.

  • Evening: Return to Namkat Yola Pa Resort, with the evening at your leisure.

Day 7: Namkat → Nong Khiaw

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Guesthouse in Nong Khiaw

• Activities:

  • Morning: Take a short transfer to Muang Khua, a small town situated near the border with Vietnam.

  • From Muang Khua, embark on a spectacular 4.5-hour boat journey down the most beautiful stretch of the Nam Ou River. Marvel at the stunning scenery as the river passes by towering limestone karsts, verdant jungle, and traditional Lao villages.

  • Mid-day: Delve into the cultural richness of the area by making stops and visiting some Lao villages along the river, observing local life. A notable stop is Muang Noy, believed to have been built by the ancient Khmu kingdom.

  • Afternoon: Upon arrival in Nong Khiaw, you will have a free afternoon to explore this picturesque region at your leisure. Perhaps take a bike ride along the scenic trails around the foot of the dramatic limestone mountains.

  • Evening: Spend the night in a guesthouse overlooking the serene Nam Ou River, enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

Day 8: Nong Khiaw → Luang Prabang

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

• Activities:

  • Morning: Visit the historical Phathok Cave in Nong Khiaw. This significant cave served as a war shelter for villagers during the "Secret War," protecting them from bombs dropped in the region. It's about a 30-minute gentle walk from Nong Khiaw town, taking you through beautiful scenery. Explore the historical caves with your guide, learning about this secret part of Lao history. From the cave, enjoy a beautiful view of rice paddies and the valley. Walk back to Nong Khiaw along a small path through the rice paddies.

  • Afternoon: Begin your drive to Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage City. The journey offers continuous views of lush green forests and captivating landscapes.

  • You will have opportunities to stop off at a few more traditional villages, admiring the breathtaking limestone karst scenery en route.

  • Make a significant stop at Pak Ou Village, from where you'll take a small motorboat to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves. These two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, left by devoted pilgrims over centuries.

  • Late Afternoon: Continue the drive and arrive back in Luang Prabang. Check into your hotel.

Day 9: Luang Prabang (Leisure Time & Optional Cooking Class)

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

• Activities:

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.

  • This day is free for you to stroll around the enchanting city of Luang Prabang, soak in its spiritual ambiance, or simply relax.

  • Optional Activity (self-arranged): Take this opportunity to join a Lao cooking class. Luang Prabang is the perfect place to learn how to prepare traditional Lao dishes, deepening your understanding of the country's unique culinary heritage. You can visit local markets for ingredients, learn about different spices, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor for lunch or dinner (meals from the cooking class would be at your own expense).

  • Explore charming cafes, browse local boutiques, or revisit any sites that caught your eye.

Day 10: Luang Prabang (City Highlights & Kuang Si Waterfall)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

• Activities:

  • Optional Early Morning: For a truly fantastic opportunity, participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this serene procession.

  • Morning: After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts from the former monarchy.

  • Your next stop in the city is the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, a masterpiece of classical Laotian architecture with its distinctive roofs sweeping low to the ground.

  • Mid-day: Laos is also known for its rich traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups: Ban Ouay (a Hmong village), Ban Ou (a Laoloum village), and Ban Thapene (a Khmu village). This provides insight into their distinct cultures and craftsmanship.

  • Afternoon: The journey then takes you to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in its multi-tiered turquoise pools or enjoy a leisurely walk along the lush forest trails.

  • Before returning to Luang Prabang, make a stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park, a delightful and popular spot featuring a vibrant collection of butterflies (opened in January 2014).

  • Late Afternoon: Upon arriving back in Luang Prabang, ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a breathtaking sunrise view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River, offering a different perspective from Day 2's sunset.

Day 11: Luang Prabang → Xieng Khouang

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phonsavan (Xieng Khouang Province)

• Activities:

  • Morning: After breakfast, embark on a scenic overland journey over the mountains to Xieng Khouang province. This region is famously known for having been heavily bombed during the Indochina War, but it is also renowned for its historic Plain of Jars.

  • The journey takes approximately 8 hours, offering spectacular views of Laos's diverse landscapes. You will make several stops at local villages along the way to observe the rural life of local people, including various ethnic minorities such as the Hmong.

  • Late Afternoon: Arrive in Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang province, and check into your hotel.

Day 12: Xieng Khouang (Explore Plain of Jars & Muang Khoun)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Xieng Khouang

• Activities:

  • Morning: Journey through Phonsavan to explore the enigmatic Plain of Jars. This vast archaeological complex is littered with mysterious 2000-year-old stone jars, ranging in size from 70cm to 3 or 4 meters. Their true origin remains a mystery, though early research suggested they could be ancient graves.

  • Your trip will enable you to visit three significant sites:

    • Site 1 (Thong Hai Hin): The largest and most accessible site, close to the town.

    • Site 2 (Hai Hin on Phou Salator): Located on a mountain ("Phou" in Lao means "mountain").

    • Site 3 (Hai Hin Lat Khai): The most impressive site, featuring over 150 jars.

  • Near Site 3, you will visit Ban Xiengdi, where you can see a small monastery housing Buddha images.

  • On the way back, you will pass areas that were important battlefields during the American secret war, where you can still observe visible bomb craters from that time.

  • Important Note: The Plain of Jars was heavily bombed during the war. It is crucial to respect all signs and stay strictly along the defined trails due to the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmines.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a half-day trip to Muang Khoun, a fascinating old provincial capital that miraculously was not destroyed by the American bombings during the secret war. Muang Khoun is home to a unique sitting giant Buddha and some ancient pagodas that now lie in ruins. The foundation and columns of Wat Pia Wat are still standing, and close to this site, you'll also find an old 30-meter stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period.

  • Evening: Return to Xieng Khouang for overnight stay.

Day 13: Xieng Khouang → Vientiane

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

• Activities:

  • Afternoon: After breakfast and some leisure time in Xieng Khouang, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Vientiane (Flight QV402 XKH VTE, typically 15:40 - 16:10).

  • Upon arrival at Vientiane Wattay International Airport (VTE), you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

  • Evening: Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or begin exploring the charming capital of Laos independently.

Day 14: Vientiane (Orchid Trek & Farewell Dinner)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

• Activities:

  • Morning (approx. 7:30 AM): Your car and guide will pick you up from your hotel. After an approximate 2-hour drive, you will arrive in the tranquil village of Ban Hatkhay. Here, you will meet your local guide, an expert on Lao orchids.

  • Afterward, drive through small roads winding among picturesque paddy fields to Ban Pha Say, where your fascinating orchid trek will commence.

  • Move along small trails, discovering different forest types, including semi-deciduous jungles and bamboo groves, accompanied by two guides and an orchid expert. Be prepared to be surprised by the abundance of orchids, with some rocks completely covered! You'll also learn about various medicinal plants and other plant families such as Cane, Gingers, and Dypterocarpes.

  • Mid-day: Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch in the serene bed of a dry river (accessible most of the year).

  • Afternoon: Conclude your trek with a refreshing swim at the Tad Say waterfall before returning to the village.

  • Evening (approx. 6:00 PM): Return to Vientiane.

  • Farewell Dinner: In the evening, gather for a special farewell dinner at one of Vientiane's finest restaurants, celebrating the culmination of your incredible culinary and cultural journey through Laos.

Day 15: Vientiane (City Tour & Departure)

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Morning: After breakfast, embark on a city tour to visit the major sights of Vientiane.

  • Visit the oldest and most serene temple, Wat Sisaket, famous for its thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

  • Continue to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a religious museum, displaying an impressive collection of Lao and Khmer works of art.

  • En route to Laos’ national icon, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will stop to take pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, famously known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy your leisure time to explore the city further on your own, perhaps for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxing coffee.

  • At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Vientiane Wattay International Airport (VTE) for your international onward flight.

Important Notes