Treasures of the North

Day 1: Arrive Luang Prabang

Arrive in Luang Prabang and transfer to the hotel. If you arrive during the day, take a walk down to the riverside and soak up the atmosphere with a cold drink and later visit the atmospheric night market. Overnight Le Sen Boutique Hotel or similar

Luang Prabang

Colour is the first of Luang Prabang’s virtues to greet travellers. Pearly frangipanis with their heady perfume, banks of overgrown trees peppered with scarlet flowers, the burnt sienna robes of hundreds of monks and their novices, and resplendent gold and claret wats. The scent of fresh coffee, river activity, produce markets and spicy food soon follows. And then the broader aesthetics begin to unfold. Encircled by mountains, and set 700m above sea level at the confluence of the Nam Khan (Khan River) and the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is Laos’ foremost showpiece. The brew of gleaming temple roofs, crumbling French provincial architecture and multi-ethnic inhabitants captivates even the most jaded travellers, and the quiet benevolence of the city’s residents lulls them into somnambulant bliss.

Day 2 – Villages around Luang Prabang

We start the day with a visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to give an insight into some of the ethnic minorities of Laos which you will come across on the journey ahead. We then drive into the peaceful countryside to explore several small villages where you will be shown how local people live and work by local guides. You will get the chance to see their houses from the inside, traditional dress and explanations of traditional cultural practices. Continue on to the Kuang Si Waterfall, where crystal water cascades into idyllic turquoise pools. Bring a bathing suit if you would like to swim. Also take some time to visit the nearby Sunbear Refuge Centre to learn more about the poaching of these endangered creatures. Overnight Le Sen Boutique Hotel or similar (BL)

Day 3 – Luang Prabang

A full day to experience the delights of Luang Prabang. For early risers witness the sacred ritual of townsfolk offering rice to the monks on their alms rounds. Afterwards walk to the nearby morning market to see an array of produce on sale. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later explore Luang Prabang including Wat Xieng Thong. This 500-year-old temple is exquisite and is the best example of the classic Luang Prabang style. From here, explore small side streets, along back alleys and through temples – a city that could have been designed with slow travel in mind. Visit the National Museum, which is the former Royal Palace. Relics from Laos’ royalist past remain here. Overlooking the palace is Phousi Mountain. It is said that those who do not climb the 328 steps up have not really made it to the city. Venture up the hill and be rewarded with remarkable views of the area. Overnight Le Sen Boutique Hotel or similar (B)

Day 4 – Luang Prabang - Nong Khiew

(approx. journey times: Luang Prabang – Ban Pak Ou by boat – 2hrs, Ban Pak Ou – Nong Khiew – 3hrs)

This morning we journey up the Mekong River stopping at a local village on the way. We then stop at Pak Ou Caves, a mystical pilgrimage site perched high up above the Mekong. Peering into dark corners, your eyes gradually adjust to reveal the serene faces and figures of more than 3,000 Buddha images, some inlaid with semi-precious stones. That these remain undisturbed in this remote site in one of the world's poorest countries is a testament to the devotion of the people. After visiting the caves we continue the journey to picturesque Nong Khiew. Overnight Nong Khiew Riverside or similar (B)

Day 5 - Nong Khiew

(approx. journey times: 3.5hrs boating, 2hrs walking/sightseeing, 30mins caving)

Leave Nong Khiew and cruise up the river on a traditional long boat. We stop to visit several different ethnic villages. The village of Ban Sop Jam is famous for its traditional Lao silk and cotton weaving. After spending some time in the village we turn around and return back downstream to Muang Ngoi. Upon arrival we take a small trek of around 2 hours which takes us through some gorgeous scenery consisting of limestone cliffs, mountains and rice paddy fields. We visit a historical cave which was used as bomb shelter by locals during the second Indochinaar. Return to Nong Khiew by boat hopefully enjoying a nice sunset and arriving back just before dark. Overnight Nong Khiew Riverside or similar (BL)

Day 6 – Nong Khiew – Nam Nern

(approx. journey times: Nong Khiew – Nam Nern – 250km, 5-6hrs)

This morning we take a walk along the Nam Ou River to visit a local market before travelling to Nam Nern, our jumping off point for an expedition into nature. On arrival in Nam Nern we take a walk around the town before settling into the guesthouse. Overnight local guesthouse (BLD)

Day 7 - Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area

(approx. journey time: Nam Nern – Nam Et-Hou Luey NPA – 25mins)

An early start for a two day/one-night expedition in Nam Et/Phou Louey NPA (National Protected Area). We drive 1.5 hours along a winding road through lovely forested, mountainous landscape before we arrive in Son Koua Village; an ethnic Khmu village where we will be welcomed by the village guide and boatmen. They will take you on a short tour of the village where you will learn about the animist tradition of appeasing the village spirit. After that take lunch in the village. We then embark on a 1.5-hour journey to the park substation on the Nam Nern River by long-tail boat, along the way learning about upland rice cultivation and hopefully having opportunities to spot monitor lizards and an abundance of bird life. After arriving at the park substation, you will receive a briefing by park staff about the on-the-ground efforts in protecting tigers and their prey. Later take a night safari. Stopping near a salt lick, we hike into the forest. The local guide, a skilled hunter and tracker, explains how local people track deer and other wild ungulates. Our boats continue upriver to the dinner site, a sandy, flat bank, where you will enjoy a picnic around a campfire. After dinner listen as the guides regale Khmu folktales and stories about dragons, wildlife, and ghosts. Depending on the amount of moonlight available, you will depart after dinner for some night spotlighting 2-3 hours after dark, floating down river with the engines off in order not to disturb wildlife. We may see Sambar deer, otters, barking deer, various species of civets, slow loris, porcupine and owls. At the end of the spotlighting the boats arrive at the evening camp. Overnight local Eco lodge. (BLD)

Please note that the Eco-Lodge has basic facilities. You will sleep in a bed under cover with a mosquito net. No private bathroom facilities.

Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area

Nam Et – Phou Louey National Protected Area is located in the north east of Laos and covers 7 districts and three provinces. The area has primary forest, a high level of biodiversity, and a number of species including gaur, clouded leopard, Asian golden cat and white-cheeked gibbon, turtles, frogs and lizards. Significantly, the area has the most important populations of Indochinese tigers (Panthera Tigris corbetti) in the world. It is estimated that there are 7 - 23 tigers in the area. Tigers represent the overall health of the ecosystem, as only the healthiest ecosystem can support enough prey to support this spectacular but vulnerable carnivore.

Day 8 – Nam Et Phou Louey NPA – Sam Neua

(approx. journey times: Nam Nern – Sam Neua – 220km, 4-5hrs)

Rise early to the sound of the forest and take an early walk in the jungle learning about the use of medicinal plants and the history of the area, which was once a major settlement during the Indochina War. Before returning to Son Koua village by boat you will be able to record your wildlife sightings in the camp educational facility. We then continue through the mountains affording wonderful views to arrive in Sam Neua by late afternoon. Overnight at Phetmeuangsam Hotel or similar (BLD)

Day 9 – Sam Neua - Na Meo – Pu Luong Nature Reserve

(approx. journey times: Sam Neua – Na Meo Border – 88km, 3hrs, Na Meo – Pu Luong – 200km, 5-6hrs)

Visit the information centre near the guesthouse to learn more about the interesting historical significance of the area during the Indochina War. With the help of a local guide and an audio tour, travel to some of the nearby caves to see how the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party lived during the war. This is an incredible experience. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. We continue across the border into Vietnam towards Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Overnight Pu Luong Retreat or similar (BLD)

Please note if you require a visa for Vietnam then this must be obtained in advance as it cannot be obtained at the border.

Day 10 – Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Mai Chau

(approx. journey times: Pu Luong – Mai Chau – 60km, 2hrs)

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty, cultural interest and great biodiversity, with a rich forest, limestone panoramas, rice terraces and breath-taking scenery. This morning after breakfast trek to Kho Muong village where we have a local lunch. After lunch trek to Hang village and then continue to Mai Chau. Overnight Mai Chau Sunrise or similar (BLD)

Day 11- Mai Chau – Son La – Dien Bien Phu

(approx. journey times: Mai Chau – Spm La – Dien Bien Phu – 350km, 7-8hrs)

This morning travel to Son La. On the way visit Blue H’Mong village in Nong Luong, and stop for a coffee break in Moc Chau, the biggest plateau in Vietnam. After crossing the suspension bridge visit a Black Thai village and then continue on to Son La. Later in the afternoon visit Son La prison and the museum of Ethnology. Continue to Dien Bien Phu via the spectacular Pha Din Pass. Overnight at Muong Thanh Hotel or similar (B)

Day 12 – Dien Bien Phu

This morning visit Dien Bien Phu’s local museum and the former battlefield, the scene of the decisive battle between the Vietminh troops and French forces during the First Indochina War, which is considered to be one of the most important events in Vietnamese history. Visit some of the small ethnic villages. Overnight at Muong Thanh Hotel or similar (B)

Day 13 – Dien Bien Phu - Mu Cang Chai

(approx. journey times: Dien Bien Phu – Mu Cag Chai – 250km, 6-7hrs)

After an early breakfast depart to Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge which is our base for the night. Depending on time of arrival, you will have lunch at the ecolodge or en-route. This afternoon there are 2 options for trekking, dependant on weather conditions:

Option 1 – Start walking from the small village of H’mong, named Hang Co Vua, then follow the terrace fields and pine forest. When in the forest you have the opportunity to look at the orchids, see the birdlife and wildlife within. After an approximate 2 hour walk we arrive at local villages where people of the Hua Khat ethnic minority live. These local people lead extremely simple lives, and although they cannot communicate with us due to language barriers, they are extremely friendly and welcoming, inviting us to visit their village and their home. We leave the village into terraced fields and return back to the ecolodge.

Option 2 – Travel to Cai Dong and La Khat village and enjoy the picturesque scenery of Mu Cang Chai. You will see the beautiful yet simple life of the Hmong people

Overnight at Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge or similar (BLD)

Day 14 – Mu Cang Chai – Sapa

(approx. journey times: Mu Cang Chai – Sapa – 180km, 4-5hrs)

This morning drive from the ecolodge to Sang Village where the Hmong live where we will take a walk of approximately 2 hours. The trail is on the border between the two provinces of Yen Bai and Son La. From the trail you will see the spectacular terraced fields in Ngoc Chien valley. Continue through pine forest and down into the valley and discover the life of the Thai minority and have a local lunch in the village. Wander through the village before heading back to the ecolodge where you will drive to Sapa, arriving around 1700hrs. Overnight at Eden Boutique Hotel or similar (BL)

Sapa

Sapa, formerly known as Cha Pa, is at the foot of the Fanispan Mountain, the highest mountain of Vietnam. The majority of inhabitants of the Lao Cai province are ethnic minorities, such as Hmong, Thai, Giay, Nung, Tay, As Pho, Lolo, Xa Mang and Phu La.

Day 15 – Sapa – Ma Tra Village – Hanoi

(approx. journey times: Sapa – Ma Tra – Hanoi – 321km, 5-6hrs)

Start your day with a short walk through the town of Sapa, through beautiful gardens and pine forests. Pass through the Black H’Mong ethnic minority village of Ma Tra, a very small village away from civilization. Continue walking through paddy fields and spectacular scenery, and you may also get the chance to visit a local school. Head to the church of Ta Phin where you will be transferred back to Sapa. We then drive to Hanoi. Overnight at Hanoi Boutique 1 Hotel or similar (B)

Day 16 – Hanoi

Transfer to the airport for your departure/onward flight (B)