Laos and Vietnam Tour | Mountains and Hill-tribes

Day 1 - Arrival in Vientiane and introductory walking tour

Arrival in the Lao capital of Vientiane, on the banks of the Mekong River, and check-in to a centrally located hotel. Time to stretch your legs with an orientation walking tour before perhaps riverbank sundowners and a local-style welcome dinner at one of the town’s lively night markets.

Overnight: Vientiane Transport: Walk,  Meals: D, 

Day 2 - Through the mountains on the China-Lao railway

Departure by train, (Lao’s recently constructed, first-ever rail line), through the spectacular central highlands to the ancient capital  Luang Prabang. Mid-morning arrival and some time to relax before an afternoon boat trip up the Mekong to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Return to Luang Prabang for sunset and a chance to sample some of the region’s specialities.

Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Train, Boat,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 3 - Luang Prabang - walking tour of the old town

Nestled in the mountains, long isolated from the outside world, discover UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang’s fabulous temples, French period architecture and taste Lao delicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) in riverside cafes. A walking tour of the town includes the former king’s palace, now National Museum, Wat Xiengthong and Phu Si Temple. Afternoon at leisure to explore the picturesque lanes and famous hill-tribe handicraft market.

Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 4 - Luang Prabang - into the surrounding hills

Morning trip through the surrounding hills to visit the picturesque turquoise waters, cascades and falls at Kuang Si as well as the nearby Free the Bears site which houses moon, (Asiatic black) and sun bears – in addition to several monkey species, pangolins, civets and birds – rescued from hunters, the illegal animal trade and private zoos. Return to Luang Prabang after a stop for a riverside lunch at the Ock Pop Tok community weaving project.

Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 5 - Central Highlands - overland to Phonsavan

Early departure for a drive along scenic mountain roads to Phonsavan in Xieng Khouang province – location of the famous and mysterious Plain of Jars. Stops on the way include Khmu and Hmong villages and a hidden cave temple that served as an army hospital during the Vietnam War.

Overnight: Phonsavan Transport: Minibus,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 6 - Plain of Jars

Tour of spectacular Jar Site 1 and return to Phonsavan Town for lunch and a visit to the well-laid out Xieng Khouang Museum to learn about the background to the famous jars, as well as the region’s more recent history when it played a key role during the Vietnam conflict. In the afternoon we travel to the picturesque Jar Site 2 and begin our 1-hour hike to impressive Site 3, consisting of over 150 jars and offering great views over the surrounding countryside.

Overnight: Phonsavan Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 7 - On the road - heading northeast to Sam Neua

Departure for the remote town of Sam Neua in the far northeast of Laos. Stops en-route include Hmong and Khmu settlements, a Tai Phong weaving village, plus photo stops for the breathtaking scenery. We’ll also visit the mysterious Hintang Menhirs, Laos’s very own ‘mini-Stonehenge’.

Overnight: Sam Neua Transport: Minibus,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 8 - Sam Neua - the 'Hidden City' and karst scenery

Our short tour of Sam Neua Town includes a walk along the river to the local market, before setting off to Vieng Xai. This extensive cave system, where the Pathet Lao leaders lived during the Indochina War, has become known as the ‘Hidden City’. In the afternoon a leisurely hike brings us to some of the lesser-visited cave sites plus an opportunity to view more of the area’s beautiful, limestone karst scenery.

Overnight: Sam Neua Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 9 - Pu Luong - into Vietnam

Morning drive through more spectacular countryside and past traditional Black Tai villages to the nearby border crossing at Nam Meo and into the stunning scenery of Vietnam’s Pu Luong National Park. In the afternoon we’ll check-in to our accommodation at a charming and well-appointed eco-resort and stretch our legs with a short orientation hike of the area.

Overnight: Pu Luong eco-lodge Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 10 - Pu Luong National Park - hiking and rafting

Our day’s exploration of this unspoilt region includes a hike through the varying ecosystems of the park; rice terraces, bamboo groves and forest trails as well as a visit to one of the local villages of the Tai hill-tribe minority. Bamboo rafting – water levels permitting – is also included.

Overnight: Pu Luong eco-lodge Transport: Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 11 - Moc Chau - hiking trails and Hmong cookery

Departure from Pu Luong towards the small town of Moc Chau, set upon a 1,000-metre plateau, famous for tea plantations and inhabited mainly by people of the Hmong ethnic group. Afternoon activities include a hike along the pine tree trail or joining in a Hmong cooking workshop. Overnight in traditional-style chalets at a friendly homestay in tiny Hua Tat village.

Overnight: Hua Tat Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 12 - Mu Cang Chai

Head north to picturesque Mu Cang Chai district – a rugged, mountainous and sparsely inhabited region of northern Vietnam where most of the local people you will see are from either the various Tai or Hmong minorities. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the area’s spectacular and world-famous rice terraces before continuing over the Khau Pha Pass to Tu Le for a stay at the superb Le Champ Resort.

Overnight: Tu Le Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 13 - Tu Le - traditional villages and hot springs

Tu Le; another highly picturesque region, inhabited by a kaleidoscope of Black Tai, Muong, Dzao and Hmong groups. We’ll spend the morning discovering the stunning scenery and traditional villages with an afternoon at leisure to perhaps roam the area by bicycle or sit back and enjoy the resort’s very own natural hot spring baths and mountain vista infinity pool!

Overnight: Tu Le Transport: Bike, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 14 - Through the mountains to Hanoi

Time perhaps for a last dip before heading off mid-morning, southeast through the mountains, to Vietnam’s capital Hanoi where we’ll stay in a comfortable hotel in the bustling but fun Old Town district. Evening farewell dinner.

Overnight: Hanoi Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 15 - Hanoi

Morning at leisure and departure at your convenience. Airport transfers are included if you purchase the ‘with flights’ package. If you purchased your own flights, airport transfers can be arranged on request.

For those with a couple more days to spare an extension to Halong Bay, staying overnight on a traditional style junk is available.

Extra nights in Vientiane and Hanoi, before or after your tour are available on request.

Overnight: Departure Transport: Walk,  Meals: B,