Northern Laos: Mekong, Mountains & River Valleys — 10 Days
A journey from Luang Prabang through the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers to Nong Khiaw's limestone valleys, with three nights at Namkat Resort in Oudomxay.
This 10-day route traces northern Laos from its UNESCO heritage city southward through two of the region's most significant river valleys. You begin with a slow-boat ascent of the Mekong to Pak Beng, then drive into Oudomxay Province—the ethnic heartland of northern Laos—for a three-night stay at Namkat Resort before descending the Nam Ou River by long-tail boat to Nong Khiaw. The itinerary pairs river travel with mountain scenery and village visits, moving deliberately through a region where limestone formations rise directly from the water and traditional weaving remains central to local economies. Accommodation throughout ranges from mid-range riverside properties to a resort compound with its own activity program.
Highlights
- Mekong River slow boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng, visiting ethnic minority villages along the way
- Three nights at Namkat Resort in Oudomxay with choice-based daily activities
- Long-tail boat descent of the Nam Ou River through limestone formations and mountain scenery, Muang Khua to Nong Khiaw
- Waterfall hike through the 100 Waterfalls forest area near Nong Khiaw, including a village visit along the Nam Ou
- Visit to Ban Nayang village to observe traditional cotton weaving on household looms
- Pak Ou Cave complex accessed by river from Luang Prabang, featuring multiple chambers with Buddha statuary
- Free time in Nong Khiaw to visit karst scenery and nearby cave systems
Day by day
1Arrival in Luang PrabangLuang Prabang
You arrive in Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing time to settle in and orient yourself to the city.
2Mekong River to Pak BengMekong River · Pak Beng · local villages
A private slow boat carries you northward up the Mekong River to Pak Beng. The boat stops at local villages where you observe daily life and meet residents from ethnic minority communities. Afternoon arrival in Pak Beng; overnight stay included.
3Oudomxay Province and Namkat ResortOudomxay · Namkat Resort · local temples · markets
Overland transfer (approximately 4 hours) brings you to Oudomxay in northern Laos. Afternoon activities include visits to local temples and markets. Check-in at Namkat Resort for the night.
4Namkat Resort: Choice of ActivitiesNamkat Resort
Select from offered activities such as guided nature walks, village visits, or cultural demonstrations. Lunch is included with organized activities. Alternatively, rest at the resort. Overnight at Namkat Resort.
5Namkat Resort: Choice of ActivitiesNamkat Resort
Choose from available activities including guided hikes, bird watching, or visits to nearby communities. Lunch is included with organized activities. Rest days at the resort are also available. Overnight at Namkat Resort.
6Nam Ou River Descent: Muang Khua to Nong KhiawNam Ou River · Muang Khua · Nong Khiaw · river beach
Vehicle transfer to Muang Khua; a long-tail boat awaits for the downstream journey on the Nam Ou River. The valley features limestone formations and small settlements along the banks. Picnic lunch on a river beach. Late afternoon arrival in Nong Khiaw; three-night stay begins.
7100 Waterfalls Trek and Nam Ou Village VisitNam Ou · surrounding forest · nearby village · Nong Khiaw
One-hour boat trip on the Nam Ou followed by a guided hike to a waterfall sequence within the surrounding forest. Visit a nearby village to learn about daily river life before returning by boat to Nong Khiaw. An alternative option—a guided mountain terrain tour—is available.
8Free Day in Nong Khiaw
Day is unscheduled. Options include independent exploration of the town, rest at your accommodation, or self-guided visits to nearby cave formations and rock formations in the area.
9Return to Luang Prabang via Ban Nayang Weaving VillageNong Khiaw to Luang Prabang · Ban Nayang village
Vehicle drive from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang follows the Nam Ou valley and crosses a mountain pass. Scheduled stop in Ban Nayang village, where you visit a weaving cooperative to observe cotton weaving techniques and purchase scarves, textiles, and household items directly from producers. Drive continues to Luang Prabang; hotel drop-off.
10Departure from Luang Prabangyour hotel · the airport
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your departure flight.
Where you go
- 1Luang Prabang
- 2Mekong River
- 3Pak Beng
- 4Oudomxay
- 5Namkat Resort (Laos)
- 6Nam Ou River
- 7Muang Khua
- 8Nong Khiaw
- 9Nam Ou
- 10Nong Khiaw
Included
- All sightseeing as described in program above
- Transportation in private vehicles
- Accommodation in hotels (twin shared)
- English speaking guide
- Admission fees to sights described above
- Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
- Lao PDR governmental tax and service charge
- Luggage handling
Not included
- International air & train tickets to/from Lao PDR
- Visa fee ( US $40/pax)
- Travel insurance of any kind
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips, drinks, personal expenses and other expenses not described in the program above
- Single room surcharge on request