Stay : Between villages and ethnic minorities: 15 days in northern Laos
A visit to northern Laos is an opportunity to discover remote areas where the minorities meet and immerse themselves in authentic Laos. And why not majestically through China or.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
14 days
€ - Good and cheap
Detail of the stay : Between villages and ethnic minorities: 15 days in northern Laos - 14 days
Day 1: Vientiane
Steps: Vientiane, Luang Prabang
Rest and discovery of the capital. Bike ride through the city for a first glimpse; visit the Vat That Luang past the Patuxai (Arc de Triomphe); typical meal in one of the city's downtown restaurants.
Day 2: Vientiane
Steps: Vientiane, Muang Sing
Tour to the Morning Market, the Talat Sao, to familiarize yourself with the crafts and textiles of Phaeng Mai or Khang, the atmosphere of the city. Taste the candies and noodle soup (pho). In the afternoon, visit Vat Si Saket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, and the Vat Ho Phra Keo museum (just opposite). Admire the sunsets at the Suntara. For dinner, go to one of the gargotes on the Fa Ngum Pier.
Day 3: Vientiane
Steps: Vientiane, Luang Prabang
Excursion to Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, outside the city. In the afternoon, take a tour of the National Museum to learn a little more about the history of Laos and the revolution. Book a time to go to the centre of COPE: essential to understand the extent of the bombing during the secret war. Night bus to Luang Prabang or flight early the next morning.
BUDDHA PARK (VAT XIENG KHUAN) / MUSÉE NATIONAL DE LUANG PRABANG / COPE VISITOR CENTRE
Day 4: Luang Prabang
Steps: Luang Prabang
Visit of the Royal Palace which houses the national museum of this city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then the very old Vat Xieng Thong (one of the most beautiful temples in Laos) whose architecture is typical of the region... For sunset, we will climb Mount Phousi to have a superb panoramic view.
Day 5: Luang Prabang
Steps: Ban Phanom
At dawn, around 5:30 am, attend (discreetly!) the monks' offering ceremony in the central sector of the city, then go on an excursion to the Pak Ou caves by boat and possibly to the surrounding craft villages (Ban Phanom, among others). On the way back, from 6pm, take a tour of the night craft market located in the main artery. Dinner in one of the small restaurants on the banks of the Mekong River.
Day 6: Luang Prabang and its surroundings
Steps: Luang Prabang
Trek to discover the Kuang Si waterfalls, with picnic at lunchtime and swimming (go there early in the morning), return in the middle of the afternoon. In the evening, dinner in one of the city's restaurants.
CASCADE TAD KOUANG SI
Day 7: Back to Vientiane
Steps: Vientiane
Shopping day, if you still have a free evening, take a trip to the night market held on the Mekong riverside from 6pm (opposite Vat Chan)
VAT CHAN
Day 8: Phonsavan
Steps: Ban Na, Xieng Kok, Phonsavan, Muang Khoun
Arrival in Phonsavan (by bus), capital of Xieng Khouang province. From there, we will explore the Plaine des Jarres (allow a good half-day); visit organized by the tourist office or a local guide. While crossing the different sites, visit the ancient capital now called Muang Khoun and admire its remains.
GUIDE
Day 9: Sam Neua
Steps: Sam Neua
Sam Neua by bus or songtheo (collective taxi); in this case, stop on the way to discover the megalithic site of Suan Hin (archaeological park). Night to Sam Neua.
Day 10: Vieng Xai
Steps: Vieng Xai
Direction Vieng Xai in songtheo (45 minutes) to visit the caves of the Pathet Lao, a historic site of resistance of the party during the war of Indochina.
VIENG XAI CAVES
Day 11: Surrounding Vieng Xai
Rent a bike to travel around Vieng Xai, visit villages of ethnic minorities, admire the landscapes... Return to Sam Neua at the end of the day (careful not to miss the last songtheo). Night to Sam Neua.
Day 12: En route to Nong Khiaw
Steps: Nong Khiaw
Day trip to Nong Khiaw, peaceful village on the edge of the country. Accommodation in summary bungalow, immersion in local life.
Day 13: Back to Luang Prabang
Steps: Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw
Stroll on the river by pirogue to return to Luang Prabang, with a stopover in Muang Ngoi Neua (1 hour by boat from Nong Khiaw). To make the trip to Luang Prabang during the day, it takes between 6 and 9 hours by boat.
Day 14: Last day in Luang Prabang
Steps: Vientiane, Luang Prabang
Sailing or day trip to Luang Prabang (if arrived the day before). If it is the case, relaxation in the city: massages and Red Cross sauna, last shopping. (Night bus to Vientiane if you leave from there, count 10 hours).
Ideas for holidays and week-end breaks Laos
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