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15-Day Northern Laos Private Tour: Vientiane to Luang Prabang

5.0 (6 Reviews)

Duration: 15 days 14 nights

Start: Vientiane

Tour code: LAOS15D

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Overview

The 15-Day Northern Laos Private Tour: Vientiane to Luang Prabang begins and ends in Vientiane, travelling through Nam Ngum Lake, Vang Vieng, Xieng Khouang, Muang Hiam, Nong Khiaw and Luang Prabang. The route combines the capital’s cultural landmarks with archaeological sites, mountain scenery, riverside communities and remote areas of northern Laos.

Cruise across Nam Ngum Lake, explore the caves and waterfalls around Vang Vieng, and discover the ancient Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang. Continue through Khmu and Hmong communities to Muang Hiam and Nong Khiaw before visiting the Pak Ou Caves and travelling downstream by traditional boat to Luang Prabang. Cultural visits, Buddhist temples, wartime sites, waterfalls, local markets and an educational elephant conservation experience provide a varied introduction to the region.

Designed as a private Northern Laos tour, the journey includes local English-speaking guides, private transfers, selected meals and scheduled leisure time. It is particularly suitable for travellers seeking an extensive journey beyond Laos’ principal visitor destinations and who are comfortable with several long days of mountain-road travel.

Vientiane Heritage: Visit Wat Sisaket, Ho Phra Keo, Pha That Luang, Patuxay and Buddha Park with historical and cultural insights from your guide.
Nam Ngum Lake Cruise: Learn about local salt and rice whisky production before cruising among forested islands, fishing communities and lakeside settlements.
Vang Vieng Nature: Explore Tham Phoukham Cave, relax beside its natural pool and enjoy a short nature walk at Kaeng Yui Waterfall.
Plain of Jars: Discover Xieng Khouang’s ancient stone vessels while learning about archaeological theories, local traditions, wartime history and unexploded ordnance awareness.
Remote Northern Laos: Travel through mountain landscapes, Khmu and Hmong villages, Muang Hiam and the community-based conservation work of Nam Et–Phou Louey.
Nong Khiaw and Pak Ou: Visit the historic Pha Tok Caves before continuing to the Buddha-filled Pak Ou Caves by local boat.
Mekong River Journey: Cruise downstream from Pak Ou to Luang Prabang, passing forested hills, riverside settlements and scenes of daily local life.
Luang Prabang Experiences: Explore historic temples, Kuang Si Waterfall, Mount Phousi, the Night Market and an elephant conservation programme without elephant riding.

Places you’ll see

Vientiane

Xiengkhuang

Luang Prabang

Vientiane

Itinerary

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Your Northern Laos private tour begins upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, where our local representative will welcome you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest after your journey or explore the surrounding neighbourhood independently. In the late afternoon, you may take a self-guided walk along the Mekong riverside and watch the sunset over the river.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals

No Meals

Begin your guided Vientiane city tour at Wat Sisaket, known for the thousands of Buddha images displayed along its cloister walls. Continue to Ho Phra Keo, the former royal temple, before visiting Pha That Luang and stopping at Patuxay, one of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks.

A freshly prepared lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, travel outside the city to Buddha Park, where Buddhist and Hindu-inspired sculptures are displayed beside the Mekong River. Return to Vientiane in the late afternoon, with the evening free for your own plans.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Leave the capital after breakfast and travel north towards Nam Ngum Lake, a large reservoir surrounded by forested hills and rural communities. Stop at Ban Keun to learn about local salt production and traditional Lao rice whisky distillation before continuing to the lakeside.

Board a local long-tail boat for a cruise past small islands and fishing communities while observing everyday life around the reservoir. Following lunch, continue by road to Vang Vieng.

If time, road conditions and local opening hours permit, make an additional stop at Tham Jang Cave before checking in. Otherwise, continue directly to the hotel.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Travel through rice fields and rural villages to explore Tham Phoukham Cave, a limestone cavern surrounded by forested scenery. Reaching and exploring the cave involves steps, uneven ground and dark sections, so sturdy walking shoes and a flashlight are recommended.

Afterwards, relax beside the nearby natural pool, where swimming may be possible depending on weather, water levels and local safety conditions. Take a midday break and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue by private vehicle to Kaeng Yui Waterfall for a short nature walk and time to enjoy the surrounding landscape. The appearance and water flow of the waterfall vary according to seasonal conditions.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Depart Vang Vieng after breakfast for a full day of scenic overland travel to Xieng Khouang Province. Follow winding mountain roads through Kasi and stop at Houi Hei to enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding highlands. Continue to Ban Kiu Marknao 2, a Khmu village, where your guide will introduce aspects of local traditions and everyday rural life.

Proceed to Phou Khoun, a small mountain town located at an important road junction, where lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Shortly after leaving the town, the route reaches an elevation of approximately 1,500 metres above sea level, offering further views of the northern mountains.

In the afternoon, stop at Ban Son Boom, a Hmong village, before continuing to a wartime cave containing Buddha images. The cave was used as a hospital and shelter during the war and provides a moving introduction to the history and resilience of the people of Xieng Khouang. Arrive at your hotel in the early evening after a full day of travelling and sightseeing. Driving and arrival times may vary depending on road, traffic and weather conditions.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, spend the day exploring selected sites of the Plain of Jars, one of Laos’ most distinctive archaeological landscapes. Hundreds of ancient stone vessels are scattered across the rolling hills and open countryside of Xieng Khouang, creating a landscape of considerable historical and cultural importance.

Accompanied by your local guide, learn about the archaeological theories surrounding the origin and purpose of the jars, the traditions associated with the area and the wartime history of Xieng Khouang. Your guide will also explain the continuing importance of unexploded ordnance awareness. Visitors must remain on designated and clearly marked paths throughout the visit.

A restaurant lunch is included in today’s programme. Continue exploring the jar sites and surrounding countryside in the afternoon before returning to your hotel. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and drinking water are recommended because parts of the visit involve uneven ground and exposed outdoor areas.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, begin the overland journey towards Muang Hiam, travelling through one of the quieter and less-visited regions of northeastern Laos. The route passes through mountain scenery and remote rural communities, with lunch provided along the way.

Upon arrival, visit the Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park Headquarters and Visitor Center to learn about the protected area, its wildlife and its community-based conservation work. After the visit, check in at your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today’s journey normally takes approximately six hours, although driving times may vary according to road, traffic and weather conditions.

Overnight in Muang Hiam.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Leave Muang Hiam after breakfast and continue west towards Nong Khiaw, a small riverside town surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains. The approximately 165-kilometre journey normally takes five to six hours, with stops for photographs, refreshments and lunch along the way. Lunch will be arranged at a restaurant in the local area.

After checking in, the remainder of the afternoon is free to rest or explore independently. You may walk beside the Nam Ou River, visit a local café or enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery from your accommodation.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Begin the morning with a guided visit to the Pha Tok Caves, reached by walking through rice fields and rural countryside. The caves once served as shelters during the war, and your guide will explain their historical importance to the local community.

The trail may become muddy during the rainy season, while the caves contain dark and uneven surfaces. Closed walking shoes and a flashlight are therefore recommended.

After lunch, return to Nong Khiaw for free time. Guests interested in visiting a local viewpoint may discuss the available options, entrance arrangements, current trail conditions and remaining daylight with the guide.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, leave Nong Khiaw and travel by road towards the Pak Ou Caves, located near the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers. Cross the river by local boat and explore the lower and upper caves, which contain numerous Buddha images placed there by generations of worshippers.

Following lunch, board a traditional long boat for a scenic cruise downstream to Luang Prabang. Pass forested hills, riverside settlements and scenes of daily life along the Mekong before arriving in the town.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Begin your guided Luang Prabang city tour at the former Royal Palace, now home to the National Museum, subject to its opening schedule. Continue to Wat Visoun, Wat Mai and Wat Xieng Thong to discover different periods of Lao religious architecture and learn about the town’s spiritual traditions.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant as part of the day’s programme. If the National Museum is closed, an appropriate alternative cultural visit will be arranged where operationally possible.

Later, climb the steps of Mount Phousi for panoramic views over Luang Prabang and its surrounding rivers. Guests who prefer not to make the climb may enjoy free time in the old town. End the day at the Night Market, where local artisans and ethnic minority communities offer handmade textiles, handicrafts and souvenirs.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Early risers may join the guide to respectfully observe the traditional Tak Bat alms-giving ceremony as monks walk through the old town at dawn. Participation is optional, and guests should dress modestly, remain quiet and follow the guide’s instructions to avoid disturbing the ceremony.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, drive approximately 30 kilometres to Kuang Si Waterfall. Spend time beside the turquoise pools, swim in designated areas when conditions permit or follow the forest trail towards the upper cascades.

Lunch is scheduled at a local restaurant during the day’s activities. Make a brief stop at a village in the Luang Prabang countryside, subject to the confirmed route and local conditions, before returning to town. The remainder of the day is free for independent shopping, café visits or exploration.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Depart Luang Prabang in the morning for an educational elephant conservation experience in the surrounding countryside. Meet the care team, learn about the elephants’ individual backgrounds and observe or assist with feeding in accordance with the centre’s current animal-welfare guidelines. Elephant riding is not included in this programme.

After lunch, continue by local boat along the Nam Khan River to Tad Sae Waterfall, subject to suitable seasonal water levels. When conditions permit, spend time walking around the waterfall area or swimming in designated locations.

If seasonal water levels are unsuitable, the Tad Sae visit will be replaced with an appropriate local experience. This adjustment will not affect the elephant conservation programme, which remains the principal experience of the day.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for the scheduled domestic flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue to your hotel in the capital.

The remainder of the day is free for independent shopping, relaxation or a final exploration of Vientiane. The exact timing of today’s programme will depend on the confirmed flight schedule.

The airfare, baggage allowance and any applicable additional charges will follow the conditions stated in the confirmed quotation and by the operating airline.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals

Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending your remaining time in Vientiane at leisure. At the appropriate time, meet your driver for the transfer to Wattay International Airport.

Your 15-day Northern Laos journey concludes upon arrival at the airport.

End of services.

Meals

Breakfast

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting point

Wattay International Airport (VTE), Vientiane, Northern Laos , Laos

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End point

Wattay International Airport (VTE), Vientiane, Northern Laos

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Dates & Availability

Adults (12 years old and above)
Children (From 2 to under 12 years old)
Infants (Under 2 years old)

Important Information

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Handpicked accommodation in comfortable double or twin rooms, with daily breakfast
Private air-conditioned road transfers and sightseeing transportation as specified in the itinerary
Local boat journeys and cruises at Nam Ngum Lake, Pak Ou Caves, the Mekong River and Tad Sae Waterfall, where specified
Educational elephant conservation experience without elephant riding
Experienced local English-speaking guides for scheduled sightseeing
Selected meals as outlined in the daily itinerary
Bottled water and cool towels provided on all excursions
Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing visits listed in the itinerary
Service charges applied where required

International airfares and any applicable airport taxes
Domestic flights quoted separately and can be arranged upon request with no booking fees
Meals or drinks not specifically outlined in the daily program
Entry visas where required, depending on your nationality
Personal spending, including laundry, calls, or refreshments outside the itinerary
Travel insurance, which we recommend arranging prior to departure
Any optional activities, services or experiences not specified in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers (suggested: USD 3–5 per person per day)

If you need help arranging anything beyond the program, our team will be happy to assist.

Keep your luggage light and stay comfortable. We recommend bringing:
Proper walking shoes for comfort and support
A light jacket or additional layer for cooler mountain areas and air-conditioned transport
Modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees for temples and the alms-giving ceremony
Swimwear and a quick-drying towel for waterfall visits when swimming conditions permit
Sun protection essentials: sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle
Personal care essentials and required medications

Optional: snacks, a camera, and a small daypack for daily excursions.

Don’t worry — we’ll guide you with more details before your trip.

Payment

A 30% deposit is needed to guarantee your booking.
The remaining balance is due at least 10 days before departure.
Once your booking is confirmed, the deposit becomes non-refundable as hotels, guides and local services may be reserved in advance.

Cancellations

In the event of cancellations, the following conditions will apply:
More than 10 days before departure: 30% of total tour price
6–10 days before departure: 50% of the total tour price
3–5 days before departure: 75% of total tour price
Within 3 days before departure or no-show: 100% of total tour price
Cancellation deadlines are calculated based on working days in Vietnam, excluding weekends and public holidays. Please contact our team if your cancellation request falls close to a deadline.

Refunds

Any applicable refunds will be processed after deducting relevant fees and banking charges.
The time it takes to receive your refund may vary based on your payment provider.

Hotel rooms are typically available from 14:00 and should be vacated by 12:00
Early check-in or late check-out is available upon request (subject to availability and surcharge)
Single supplement applies for solo travelers booking a private Vietnam tour
Triple room option is available upon request
The itinerary may be adjusted due to flight schedules, weather conditions, or operational factors
Peak season surcharge: Additional charges may apply for Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year’s Eve (31 December) Gala dinners
Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Laos
Visa requirements vary according to nationality and remain the responsibility of each traveler
In unexpected situations, adjustments may be made with your comfort and safety in mind.

Children under 2 years old: Free of charge (sharing bed with parents; limited services included)
Children from 2 up to 12 years (exclusive):
90% of the adult tour price (sharing bed with parents)
100% of the adult tour price (extra bed provided)
Children aged 12 years and above: Charged at 100% of the adult tour price
A child’s age is calculated based on the date of travel
Only one child per room is allowed to share a bed with parents (subject to hotel policy)

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this tour

What Is the Tour’s Meeting and Ending Point?

The tour starts at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. After travelling through northern Laos and Luang Prabang, guests return to Vientiane by domestic flight. The tour ends with an airport transfer on Day 15.

Is This A Private Northern Laos Tour?

Yes. This is a private tour with private road transfers and local English-speaking guides for scheduled sightseeing. It combines major destinations with less-visited mountain regions, rural communities and scenic river journeys.

Which Places Will You Visit During the Tour?

The itinerary covers Vientiane, Nam Ngum Lake, Vang Vieng, Xieng Khouang, Muang Hiam, Nong Khiaw and Luang Prabang, with visits to the Plain of Jars, Pak Ou Caves and several cultural and natural sites.

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Customer Reviews

5.0

6 Reviews

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Review details

RE

Redmond | Finland

Mar 11, 2026

A Seamless and Memorable Journey Through Northern Laos

We had a wonderful experience on the 15-Day Northern Laos Private Tour from Vientiane to Luang Prabang with Auasia Travel. From our first contact, our travel consultant, Hang Moon, provided excellent support and kept us informed about every part of the trip. Her clear communication made the planning process easy and reassuring.Before travelling, we were slightly ..More
We had a wonderful experience on the 15-Day Northern Laos Private Tour from Vientiane to Luang Prabang with Auasia Travel. From our first contact, our travel consultant, Hang Moon, provided excellent support and kept us informed about every part of the trip. Her clear communication made the planning process easy and reassuring.
Before travelling, we were slightly concerned about the long overland journeys involved in exploring northern Laos. However, the itinerary was very well organised, and all the transfers, sightseeing arrangements and hotel stays ran smoothly. The route from Vientiane through Vang Vieng, the Plain of Jars, Muang Hiam and Nong Khiaw gave us the opportunity to experience places that we might never have discovered independently.
Our accommodation was comfortable, with attentive service and enjoyable food. The highlight of the tour was our guide, who was knowledgeable, thoughtful and always willing to adapt the experience to our interests. His local knowledge helped us appreciate the cultural sites, mountain landscapes and quieter communities along the route.
The journey continued beautifully towards Pak Ou and Luang Prabang, including the scenic Mekong River experience. Overall, Auasia Travel made this extensive Northern Laos tour feel seamless and personal. We would highly recommend the company to travellers looking for a well-planned private journey beyond the usual tourist routes.
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AL

Alex | Finland

Feb 19, 2026

An Exceptional 15-Day Journey Through Northern Laos

Our 15-day Northern Laos private tour with Auasia Travel exceeded our expectations from beginning to end. After contacting several local travel companies, we chose Auasia Travel because of the excellent support provided by Hang Moon. She answered our questions promptly and adjusted the itinerary according to our preferences while offering helpful advice about the ..More
Our 15-day Northern Laos private tour with Auasia Travel exceeded our expectations from beginning to end. After contacting several local travel companies, we chose Auasia Travel because of the excellent support provided by Hang Moon. She answered our questions promptly and adjusted the itinerary according to our preferences while offering helpful advice about the route.
The journey began in Vientiane before continuing through Nam Ngum Lake and Vang Vieng. From there, we travelled across the mountains to the Plain of Jars, Muang Hiam and Nong Khiaw. Although the itinerary included several long driving days, everything was organised carefully, and the clean, comfortable vehicles made the journeys much easier than expected.
The hotels arranged for us were excellent and matched our preference for comfortable three- or four-star accommodation. We also enjoyed the included breakfasts and lunches, which gave us opportunities to sample local food throughout the tour.
Our local guides and drivers were informative, respectful and attentive. Small touches such as cold water and refreshing towels during hot days were especially appreciated. The boats, road transfers and domestic flight were all handled smoothly.
The final part of the journey, including Pak Ou Caves, the Mekong cruise and Luang Prabang, was particularly memorable. We highly recommend Auasia Travel for a personalised and stress-free Northern Laos experience.
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YV

Yves | Netherlands

Feb 12, 2026

A Memorable Exploration of Northern Laos

Our 15-day Northern Laos private tour with Auasia Travel exceeded our expectations from beginning to end. After contacting several local travel companies, we chose Auasia Travel because of the excellent support provided by Hang Moon. She answered our questions promptly and adjusted the itinerary according to our preferences while offering helpful advice about the ..More
Our 15-day Northern Laos private tour with Auasia Travel exceeded our expectations from beginning to end. After contacting several local travel companies, we chose Auasia Travel because of the excellent support provided by Hang Moon. She answered our questions promptly and adjusted the itinerary according to our preferences while offering helpful advice about the route.
The journey began in Vientiane before continuing through Nam Ngum Lake and Vang Vieng. From there, we travelled across the mountains to the Plain of Jars, Muang Hiam and Nong Khiaw. Although the itinerary included several long driving days, everything was organised carefully, and the clean, comfortable vehicles made the journeys much easier than expected.
The hotels arranged for us were excellent and matched our preference for comfortable three- or four-star accommodation. We also enjoyed the included breakfasts and lunches, which gave us opportunities to sample local food throughout the tour.
Our local guides and drivers were informative, respectful and attentive. Small touches such as cold water and refreshing towels during hot days were especially appreciated. The boats, road transfers and domestic flight were all handled smoothly.
The final part of the journey, including Pak Ou Caves, the Mekong cruise and Luang Prabang, was particularly memorable. We highly recommend Auasia Travel for a personalised and stress-free Northern Laos experience.
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