Experience authentic Laotian culture and explore hidden gems
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Meet and greet airport service
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Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
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Private tour options in Luang Prabang and Muang La
At a glance
Start this seven day tour by heading deep into the centre of Laos to the former capital city of Luang Prabang. This picturesque city boasts UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its vividly coloured temples, rich heritage and is also surrounded by a mountainous landscape filled with cascading waterfalls and caves ready to explore. Wander down busy streets and discover ancient monasteries, hunt for bargains in the night markets and cycle throughout the area, from the old quarter to the rugged mountains beyond the city limits.
Next head north to one of Laos’s most stunning hidden gemd and discover authentic village life in Muang La, traveling via Oudomxay. You will go on Ikhos and Hmong villages walking tours and see authentic village life for some of Laos’ most isolated communities. Experience traditional village life with a symbolic Baci ceremony and a delicious home-cooked meal. You will finish your tour heading back to Luang Prabang and visiting ethnic minority groups of Hmong, Khmu, Akha and Taidam along the scenic way.
Example trip itinerary
Luang Prabang
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Luang Prabang
Accommodation in Luang Prabang
- 34 luxury suites
- Restaurant & bar
- Freshwater swimming pool
- Spa & boutique
With pool, garden or mountain views, La Residence Phou Vao’s 34 spacious, zen-style suites are elegantly but simply furnished with polished rosewood and fresh linens. All suites offer a double bedroom, separate living area and a very high and attentive level of service throughout.
The freshwater infinity swimming pool drops dramatically over a cliff edge overlooking the valley below with gold pagodas and shrines scattered across the hillside and views across to Luang Prabang (the hotel is 2 kilometres from the city centre).
Set in lush gardens guests will enjoy the fragrance of flourishing bougainvillea, papyrus and frangipani trees. Meals can be taken al fresco in the gardens lit by the glow of lanterns and candles in the evening, or dine inside in sophisticated comfort on a blend of inventive Lao and French cuisine.
- 24 luxury suites
- 2 Restaurants
- Aman spa
- Fitness centre
- Library
- Art gallery & boutique
- Yoga studio
- Swimming pool
A short walk from the centre of Luang Prabang and its temples, the arrival of Amantaka has redrawn the levels of luxury here in this quiet part of Laos and where you can expect simply exceptional service.
The hotel is housed in a collection of fifteen elegant French colonial buildings all being considered for UNESCO status and redesigned by the renowned architect Pascal Trahan. The result is 24 luxury suites with high ceilings and private terraces; eight of which come with their own private pool and all have king size beds and romantic roll top baths.
The atmosphere is one of understated elegance and grace, never better demonstrated by its peaceful gardens, tranquil pool area in a spacious courtyard, and a fragrant frangipani grove. The Dining Room offers French and Laos influence cuisine and offers a fine dining and a relaxed ambience.
- 24 luxury suites
- Restaurant & bar
- Swimming pool
- Statues of explorers to be found in the gardens
The main residence and five white colonial pavilions house twenty luxury pioneer suites and four explorer suites. Gracefully furnished with polished wood floors, four poster beds and open terraces make the Luang Say Residence a relaxing and homely choice for your time in Luang Prabang.
The library and lounge exhibit a selection of antique literature and original artefacts offering insight into Laotian and European history. From the lounge enjoy a stroll through a grapevine covered pergola to the tranquil pool and tropical gardens.
The dining room and airy veranda of La Belle Epoque overlook the gardens where white bougainvillea, hibiscus and lantanas mingle with soaring palms. Much of the menu features produce from Luang Say Residence’s own organic garden.
The hotel is a 10-minute drive away from downtown Luang Prabang.
- 53 rooms
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant and two bars
- Spa and gym
In the heart of Luang Prabang’s old city, just next to its famous night market, AVANI+ Luang Prabang takes residence in renovated 20th-century bungalows that formerly housed both French and Laotian governments and later the acclaimed Phousi Hotel.
An elegant, airy and modern take on colonial architectural style with locally made artwork, crafts and fabric, 53 rooms are centred around a swimming pool shaded by an old banyan tree. All are designed in open-plan style, many facing the pool and the largest featuring either a spacious terrace or courtyard.
The pool courtyard has its own relaxed bar, as does the main restaurant, The Bistro, where you’ll find buffet and a-la-carte breakfasts, classic bistro and Lao dishes at lunch and French-influenced cuisine and local dishes for dinner. An indoor lounge is located above the Bistro and offers a terrace overlooking the lively main street below.
There’s also a Massage Retreat which offers foot and body massage therapies with a choice of private treatment rooms, a pavilion area used for yoga and a fully-equipped gymnasium.
A charming city, spend your time relaxing and soaking up the culture. Visit temples, trek through virgin rainforest to beautiful waterfalls and give alms to the monks. We can arrange a special and unique time in Luang Prabang.

Explore the UNESCO -protected city centre to appreciate its unspoiled Laotian-colonial fusion architecture, taking in notable Buddhist temples. Visit the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xiengthong, with its traditional roofs sweeping low to the ground, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, Wat Sene, the city’s oldest temple, and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.

Depart in early evening from your hotel and head to Luang Prabang's famous night market. Walk through the market and head towards the small streets which are dedicated to local food. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells and your guide can help explain the different foods shown. After looking and trying some local specialities, head to a famous restaurant for a traditional sindad BBQ, a type of personal 'BBQ at your table' that is very popular with the locals. The guide will help you to order a variety of different dishes for you to try. After a tasty dinner, head back to your hotel.

Wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos and is awe-inspiring sight. Rising early also gives you an opportunity to wander through the fresh market on the way back to the hotel for breakfast.
Please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence and dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered.

For 120 years, the Buddhist monks of Luang Prabang have been photographing each other, documenting monastic ceremonies, meditation and pilgrimages. These photographs have survived agitated times thanks to a great abbot of Luang Prabang, Phra Khamchan Virachitta Maha Thera, who for 70 years collected and protected them.
The digitalization of the original photographs found in Luang Prabang was supported by the British Library’s Endangered Archives Programme and since 2006, over 35,000 photographs have been discovered in 21 monasteries. Today you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Sala Thammiviharn at Wat Khili where most of the original photographs (prints and negatives) are now stored in specially designed wooden archive cabinets. An expert from the Buddhist Archive of Photography will be able to give you a deeper insight into the project. This truly is a fascinating experience, especially as the archives are normally not accessible by the public. Afterwards enjoy the opportunity to sit down for a cup of tea and the chance to ask more questions about the project.
Included in this tour is a donation to support the Buddhist Archive of Photography and a copy of the ‘Treasures from the Buddhist Archive of Photography’ book for you to take home with.

In late afternoon today, head to the Suan Phao Petanque playground and enjoy some spare time in Luang Prabang like many of the locals do by playing a quiet round of Petanque. The French game's objective is to throw or roll a small heavy ball as close as possible to a target ball and has been played on courts here since the colonial period. Watch the locals and try to understand their technique and then try your hand as well. Your guide will help you get started and maybe you can team up with a local for a match.
Transfer
Scenic Transfer from Luang Prabang to Muang La
Oudomxay
Accommodation in Oudomxay
- 10 en-suite bedrooms with terraces
- Hot spring pool
- Sauna
- Massages
- Laos cuisine restaurant
Muang La Lodge provides guests with an incredible opportunity to stay in one of northern Laos’ remote villages in the comfort of this charming hotel.
With its wooden buildings and discreet size, the resort manages to blend in with its surroundings, whilst offering its guests the luxuries of a sauna, massage services, gorgeous fragrant gardens, and ten en-suite rooms decked out in polished wood and jewel-toned fabrics, each with its own terrace; the furniture is all made by local craftsman Oudom Xai.
Right by the lodge, the village’s natural hot spring fills the outdoor plunge pool, in which guests can unwind in this blissfully tranquil environment while soaking up the water’s therapeutic effects.
Traditional life still prevails up here, and the Muang La has a unique agreement with the village chief, which has allowed it to slot into village life and to have spearheaded several projects, such as the maintenance of the river bank to prevent flooding and the building of a bridge. The resort also employs locals and buys its produce from the village, all of which allows visitors to experience this culture in the most ethical, eco-conscious way possible.
Guests at the Muang La Lodge can use this as their base to explore the beautiful, untouched surroundings of the village, with rainforest treks, mountain biking, village visits, and trips to nearby waterfalls. Onsite, there are also Asian cookery classes for those who want to take home a taste of their journey to Laos.
Enjoy a very relaxing and richly authentic stay here at the Muang La Resort and days exploring the sleepy and tropical countryside of rural Laos' Oudomxay province. A large menu of activities and outdoor pursuits are there to entertain you and immerse you in Laotian culture.

Follow a picturesque route along the banks of the River Nam Pak, to visit two villages of the Ikhos people. The Ikhos are one of the most isolated communities in Laos and originate from Tibet and Yunnan Province in China. In their mountain village with houses built from bamboo and wood, you will learn about their way of life, their belief in the spirit world which affects everything they do and their unique method of dyeing their clothes using extracts from the plants of the forest.

Cycle along the banks of the River Nam Pak where many Khamu villages are found. Pass by beautiful scenery and meet working villagers, harvesting vegetables on the riverbank. Stop in one of the villages to learn about its daily life and traditional beliefs such as respect of the village elders' wisdom, the innocence of youth and the communal spirit of the village. After around eleven kilometers you will reach the village of Tad Muan, where you can learn how the traditional houses are built and the different ways the villagers hunt. You will then cycle back to the resort.

Today you will experience a Baci ceremony which is are an integral part of Lao culture. Held to celebrate a special event, marriage, a homecoming, or a departure, it is based on an ancient belief that the human being is a union of 32 organs and the “kwan” (or soul) watches over each of them. The Baci ceremony is said to re-align the kwan and the body. A village elder will wrap a white cotton thread, white is Laos' colour of peace, good fortune and warmth, around your wrist while chanting an invocation to strengthen the power of the blessing. Enjoy this authentic experience in a local house and feel refreshed and enlightened with this ancient practice. The ceremony will be followed by a meal in one of the local houses and washed down with a local cider, Lao Hay.
Transfer
Private transfer from Muang La to Luang Prabang
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Accommodation in Luang Prabang
- 24 luxury suites
- 2 Restaurants
- Aman spa
- Fitness centre
- Library
- Art gallery & boutique
- Yoga studio
- Swimming pool
A short walk from the centre of Luang Prabang and its temples, the arrival of Amantaka has redrawn the levels of luxury here in this quiet part of Laos and where you can expect simply exceptional service.
The hotel is housed in a collection of fifteen elegant French colonial buildings all being considered for UNESCO status and redesigned by the renowned architect Pascal Trahan. The result is 24 luxury suites with high ceilings and private terraces; eight of which come with their own private pool and all have king size beds and romantic roll top baths.
The atmosphere is one of understated elegance and grace, never better demonstrated by its peaceful gardens, tranquil pool area in a spacious courtyard, and a fragrant frangipani grove. The Dining Room offers French and Laos influence cuisine and offers a fine dining and a relaxed ambience.
- 24 luxury suites
- Restaurant & bar
- Swimming pool
- Statues of explorers to be found in the gardens
The main residence and five white colonial pavilions house twenty luxury pioneer suites and four explorer suites. Gracefully furnished with polished wood floors, four poster beds and open terraces make the Luang Say Residence a relaxing and homely choice for your time in Luang Prabang.
The library and lounge exhibit a selection of antique literature and original artefacts offering insight into Laotian and European history. From the lounge enjoy a stroll through a grapevine covered pergola to the tranquil pool and tropical gardens.
The dining room and airy veranda of La Belle Epoque overlook the gardens where white bougainvillea, hibiscus and lantanas mingle with soaring palms. Much of the menu features produce from Luang Say Residence’s own organic garden.
The hotel is a 10-minute drive away from downtown Luang Prabang.
- 34 luxury suites
- Restaurant & bar
- Freshwater swimming pool
- Spa & boutique
With pool, garden or mountain views, La Residence Phou Vao’s 34 spacious, zen-style suites are elegantly but simply furnished with polished rosewood and fresh linens. All suites offer a double bedroom, separate living area and a very high and attentive level of service throughout.
The freshwater infinity swimming pool drops dramatically over a cliff edge overlooking the valley below with gold pagodas and shrines scattered across the hillside and views across to Luang Prabang (the hotel is 2 kilometres from the city centre).
Set in lush gardens guests will enjoy the fragrance of flourishing bougainvillea, papyrus and frangipani trees. Meals can be taken al fresco in the gardens lit by the glow of lanterns and candles in the evening, or dine inside in sophisticated comfort on a blend of inventive Lao and French cuisine.
- 53 rooms
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant and two bars
- Spa and gym
In the heart of Luang Prabang’s old city, just next to its famous night market, AVANI+ Luang Prabang takes residence in renovated 20th-century bungalows that formerly housed both French and Laotian governments and later the acclaimed Phousi Hotel.
An elegant, airy and modern take on colonial architectural style with locally made artwork, crafts and fabric, 53 rooms are centred around a swimming pool shaded by an old banyan tree. All are designed in open-plan style, many facing the pool and the largest featuring either a spacious terrace or courtyard.
The pool courtyard has its own relaxed bar, as does the main restaurant, The Bistro, where you’ll find buffet and a-la-carte breakfasts, classic bistro and Lao dishes at lunch and French-influenced cuisine and local dishes for dinner. An indoor lounge is located above the Bistro and offers a terrace overlooking the lively main street below.
There’s also a Massage Retreat which offers foot and body massage therapies with a choice of private treatment rooms, a pavilion area used for yoga and a fully-equipped gymnasium.

Return to Luang Prabang at the end of your trip, and enjoy this charming cultural and historical city in style.

Drive out to the beautiful waterfalls of Tat Khouangsi. Below the 90m drop of the main cascade are a series of pools, connected by smaller falls and cascades. At low water levels, the water is an unbelievable turquoise, and swimming in the lower pools is a great way to cool off. On the walk through the forest to the falls, you will also pass the Free the Bears project – home to a group of rescued Asiatic Black (Moon) Bears and one Malayan Sun Bear. They are often searching for food hidden in their enriched environment enclosures, or simply sleeping. The route home offers the chance to stop at the villages of Ban Ou, Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene, home to some of the different Lao ethnic groups.
Transfer
Private transfer to Luang Prabang Airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Hidden Cultural Gems of Laos
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Start this seven day tour by heading deep into the centre of Laos to the former capital city of Luang Prabang. This picturesque city boasts UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its vividly coloured temples, rich heritage and is also surrounded by a mountainous landscape filled with cascading waterfalls and caves ready to explore. Wander down busy streets and discover ancient monasteries, hunt for bargains in the night markets and cycle throughout the area, from the old quarter to the rugged mountains beyond the city limits. Next head north to one of Laos’s most stunning hidden gemd and discover authentic village life in Muang La, traveling via Oudomxay. You will go on Ikhos and Hmong villages walking tours and see authentic village life for some of Laos’ most isolated communities. Experience traditional village life with a symbolic Baci ceremony and a delicious home-cooked meal. You will finish your tour heading back to Luang Prabang and visiting ethnic minority groups of Hmong, Khmu, Akha and Taidam along the scenic way. | Whats included?
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Days 1-3 |
Luang Prabang |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Luang Prabang |
|
Accommodation in Luang Prabang
•
La Residence Phou Vao - $$$$$
With pool, garden or mountain views, La Residence Phou Vao’s 34 spacious, zen-style suites...
•
Amantaka - $$$$$
A short walk from the centre of Luang Prabang and its temples, the arrival of Amantaka has...
•
Luang Say Residence - $$$$$
The main residence and five white colonial pavilions house twenty luxury pioneer suites and...
•
AVANI+ Luang Prabang - $$$$$
In the heart of Luang...
|
|
Two nights in Luang Prabang A charming city, spend your time relaxing and soaking up the culture. Visit temples, trek through virgin rainforest to beautiful waterfalls and give alms to the monks. We can arrange a special and unique time in Luang Prabang. |
|
Luang Prabang city tour Explore the UNESCO -protected city centre to appreciate its unspoiled Laotian-colonial fusion architecture, taking in notable Buddhist temples. Visit the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xiengthong, with its traditional roofs sweeping low to the ground, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, Wat Sene, the city’s oldest temple, and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. |
|
Night Market Tour and BBQ Dinner Depart in early evening from your hotel and head to Luang Prabang's famous night market. Walk through the market and head towards the small streets which are dedicated to local food. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells and your guide can help explain the different foods shown. After looking and trying some local specialities, head to a famous restaurant for a traditional sindad BBQ, a type of personal 'BBQ at your table' that is very popular with the locals. The guide will help you to order a variety of different dishes for you to try. After a tasty dinner, head back to your hotel. |
|
Alms Giving at Dawn Wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos and is awe-inspiring sight. Rising early also gives you an opportunity to wander through the fresh market on the way back to the hotel for breakfast. Please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence and dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered. |
|
Buddhist Archive of Photography tour For 120 years, the Buddhist monks of Luang Prabang have been photographing each other, documenting monastic ceremonies, meditation and pilgrimages. These photographs have survived agitated times thanks to a great abbot of Luang Prabang, Phra Khamchan Virachitta Maha Thera, who for 70 years collected and protected them. The digitalization of the original photographs found in Luang Prabang was supported by the British Library’s Endangered Archives Programme and since 2006, over 35,000 photographs have been discovered in 21 monasteries. Today you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Sala Thammiviharn at Wat Khili where most of the original photographs (prints and negatives) are now stored in specially designed wooden archive cabinets. An expert from the Buddhist Archive of Photography will be able to give you a deeper insight into the project. This truly is a fascinating experience, especially as the archives are normally not accessible by the public. Afterwards enjoy the opportunity to sit down for a cup of tea and the chance to ask more questions about the project. Included in this tour is a donation to support the Buddhist Archive of Photography and a copy of the ‘Treasures from the Buddhist Archive of Photography’ book for you to take home with. |
|
Petanque in Luang Prabang In late afternoon today, head to the Suan Phao Petanque playground and enjoy some spare time in Luang Prabang like many of the locals do by playing a quiet round of Petanque. The French game's objective is to throw or roll a small heavy ball as close as possible to a target ball and has been played on courts here since the colonial period. Watch the locals and try to understand their technique and then try your hand as well. Your guide will help you get started and maybe you can team up with a local for a match. |
|
Flights & transfers
Scenic Transfer from Luang Prabang to Muang La |
|
Days 3-6 |
Oudomxay |
Accommodation in Oudomxay
•
Muang La Lodge - $$$$$
Muang La Lodge provides guests with an incredible opportunity to stay in one of northern...
|
|
Three nights at Muang La Resort and exploring Oudomxay Province Enjoy a very relaxing and richly authentic stay here at the Muang La Resort and days exploring the sleepy and tropical countryside of rural Laos' Oudomxay province. A large menu of activities and outdoor pursuits are there to entertain you and immerse you in Laotian culture. |
|
Ikhos and Hmong villages walking tour Follow a picturesque route along the banks of the River Nam Pak, to visit two villages of the Ikhos people. The Ikhos are one of the most isolated communities in Laos and originate from Tibet and Yunnan Province in China. In their mountain village with houses built from bamboo and wood, you will learn about their way of life, their belief in the spirit world which affects everything they do and their unique method of dyeing their clothes using extracts from the plants of the forest. |
|
Cycling tour in Oudomxay Cycle along the banks of the River Nam Pak where many Khamu villages are found. Pass by beautiful scenery and meet working villagers, harvesting vegetables on the riverbank. Stop in one of the villages to learn about its daily life and traditional beliefs such as respect of the village elders' wisdom, the innocence of youth and the communal spirit of the village. After around eleven kilometers you will reach the village of Tad Muan, where you can learn how the traditional houses are built and the different ways the villagers hunt. You will then cycle back to the resort. |
|
Baci Ceremony and Dinner at a Laos Village House Today you will experience a Baci ceremony which is are an integral part of Lao culture. Held to celebrate a special event, marriage, a homecoming, or a departure, it is based on an ancient belief that the human being is a union of 32 organs and the “kwan” (or soul) watches over each of them. The Baci ceremony is said to re-align the kwan and the body. A village elder will wrap a white cotton thread, white is Laos' colour of peace, good fortune and warmth, around your wrist while chanting an invocation to strengthen the power of the blessing. Enjoy this authentic experience in a local house and feel refreshed and enlightened with this ancient practice. The ceremony will be followed by a meal in one of the local houses and washed down with a local cider, Lao Hay. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Muang La to Luang Prabang |
|
Private transfer to your hotel in Luang Prabang | |
Days 6-7 |
Luang Prabang |
Accommodation in Luang Prabang
•
Amantaka - $$$$$
A short walk from the centre of Luang Prabang and its temples, the arrival of Amantaka has...
•
Luang Say Residence - $$$$$
The main residence and five white colonial pavilions house twenty luxury pioneer suites and...
•
La Residence Phou Vao - $$$$$
With pool, garden or mountain views, La Residence Phou Vao’s 34 spacious, zen-style suites...
•
AVANI+ Luang Prabang - $$$$$
In the heart of Luang...
|
|
One night in Luang Prabang Return to Luang Prabang at the end of your trip, and enjoy this charming cultural and historical city in style. |
|
Kuang Si Falls and village tour Drive out to the beautiful waterfalls of Tat Khouangsi. Below the 90m drop of the main cascade are a series of pools, connected by smaller falls and cascades. At low water levels, the water is an unbelievable turquoise, and swimming in the lower pools is a great way to cool off. On the walk through the forest to the falls, you will also pass the Free the Bears project – home to a group of rescued Asiatic Black (Moon) Bears and one Malayan Sun Bear. They are often searching for food hidden in their enriched environment enclosures, or simply sleeping. The route home offers the chance to stop at the villages of Ban Ou, Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene, home to some of the different Lao ethnic groups. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Luang Prabang Airport |