Upscale Laos by High-Speed Train Tour – 6 Days 5 Nights

🟢 Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang – Royal Heritage and Sunset Views

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

Recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved traditional cities, Luang Prabang enchants visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, elegant colonial architecture, ancient Buddhist temples and beautiful natural surroundings.

After checking in and taking some time to relax, begin your exploration with a visit to the National Museum, housed within the former Royal Palace. The museum displays an impressive collection of royal objects, religious artifacts and cultural treasures that reflect the history and traditions of Laos.

Continue to Wat Mai, one of the city’s most important monasteries, renowned for its richly decorated façade and intricate golden reliefs.

In the late afternoon, climb the steps of Mount Phousi to visit its sacred gilded stupa and admire panoramic views over Luang Prabang, the Mekong River and the surrounding mountains as the sun sets.

Afterwards, stroll through the atmospheric Luang Prabang Night Market, where local artisans display handmade textiles, traditional handicrafts, silverware and regional souvenirs.

Free & Easy at Leisure time before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Meals: N/A

🟢 Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Kuang Si Waterfalls

After breakfast, begin the day with a guided tour of several of Luang Prabang’s most significant temples.

You will visit Wat Sene, one of the city’s oldest monasteries, before continuing to the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. This masterpiece of Lao religious architecture is famous for its sweeping roofs, detailed carvings and spectacular “Tree of Life” mosaic made from colored glass.

Next, board a private boat for a relaxing upstream cruise along the Mekong River. The journey offers wonderful views of riverside villages, forested mountains and the tranquil countryside of Northern Laos.

Arriving at the sacred Pak Ou Caves, a remarkable Buddhist pilgrimage site located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The two limestone caves contain thousands of Buddha statues of different sizes and styles, accumulated over several centuries.

On the return journey, stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, where local families traditionally produce Lao Lao, the country’s well-known rice whisky. Learn about the distillation process and observe daily village life.

After lunch, travel approximately 30 kilometers south of Luang Prabang to the magnificent Kuang Si Waterfalls. Along the way, visit an ethnic minority village and gain insight into the customs and lifestyle of local communities.

At Kuang Si, enjoy time to walk along shaded forest trails, photograph the multi-tiered cascades or swim in the beautiful turquoise pools. You may also visit the nearby Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, which provides care and protection for rescued Asiatic black bears.

Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

🟢 Day 3: Luang Prabang – High-Speed Train to Oudomxay – Nam Kat Yorla Pa

You will have breakfast at hotel, then you enjoy some free time before transferring to Luang Prabang Railway Station for your high-speed train journey to Oudomxay.

Traveling aboard the modern Laos–China Railway, passing through dramatic mountain landscapes, deep valleys and the remote countryside of Northern Laos.

Upon arrival in Oudomxay, meet your local guide and continue by private vehicle to Nam Kat Yorla Pa, a secluded eco-resort surrounded by dense tropical forests, limestone mountains and pristine rivers.

After checking in, enjoy lunch and some time to relax in the peaceful natural surroundings.

In the afternoon, set out on a gentle guided trek through the jungle to Nam Kat Waterfall. Walk beneath the forest canopy, listen to the sounds of nature and discover the rich biodiversity of this protected landscape.

Spend time relaxing beside the waterfall before returning to the resort.

The train schedule is subject to change depending on railway operations.

Accommodation: Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

🟢 Day 4: Nam Kat Yorla Pa – Pak Khai – Ban Phavie Khamu Village

You will have breakfast at hotel, then you depart from the resort and travel toward Pak Khai. The scenic journey offers excellent views of the Nam Pak River, terraced rice fields, mountain scenery and small villages scattered along the riverbanks.

Upon arrival, begin a guided trek along a mountain trail following a clear stream through lush vegetation. Along the way, meet local farmers working in their rice fields and learn about traditional agricultural practices, fishing techniques and the collection of forest products.

The trail gradually enters a tropical rainforest before emerging near Ban Phavie, a picturesque Khamu village situated on a hilltop.

Next, you continue to explore the village with your guide and learn about the Khamu the village with your guide and learn about the Khamu community’s traditional houses, customs and daily way of life. A locally prepared lunch will be served in the village.

After lunch, continue walking to a nearby waterfall. Weather permitting, enjoy time to relax or swim in the cool, clear water surrounded by peaceful forest scenery.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., begin the return journey to Nam Kat Yorla Pa, arriving at the resort in the late afternoon.

The remainder of the day is free for relaxation.

Accommodation: Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

🟢 Day 5: Oudomxay – Ban Yor Pottery Village – Pakbeng

After your breakfast, you’ll leave Nam Kat Yorla Pa and embark on a scenic overland journey through the remote mountainous landscapes of Northern Laos toward Pakbeng.

Stop at Ban Yor, a traditional village known for its distinctive pottery. Observe local artisans using techniques passed down through generations to create handmade clay pots and household items.

Then, you continue going through the countryside, visiting villages inhabited by some of the region’s principal ethnic communities, including the Lao Loum, Khamu and Hmong people.

Your guide will explain the differences between their traditional houses, clothing, agricultural practices and cultural customs. The visit provides meaningful insight into important aspects of community life, including marriage traditions, village celebrations, work, family structures and spiritual beliefs.

After lunch at local restaurant, continue along winding mountain roads to Pakbeng, a peaceful riverside town located between Luang Prabang and Huay Xay.

Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy views of the Mekong River.

Accommodation: Hotel or lodge in Pakbeng
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

🟢 Day 6: Pakbeng – Mekong River Cruise – Huay Xay

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Pakbeng Pier and board a comfortable traditional boat for a memorable upstream cruise along the Mekong River to Huay Xay.

Relax on board while admiring the changing scenery of forested mountains, rocky riverbanks, isolated settlements and local fishing boats.

During the morning, stop at a riverside ethnic village. Accompanied by your guide, walk through the village and learn about the origins, customs and daily activities of the communities living along the Mekong.

Continue cruising toward Pak Tha, where the boat will make a brief administrative stop before proceeding upstream.

Lunch will be served on board. During the afternoon, relax on the deck, enjoy seasonal snacks and refreshments, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of one of Southeast Asia’s most legendary rivers.

The boat is expected to arrive in Huay Xay before sunset. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in downtown Huay Xay or to the Lao border checkpoint for your onward journey.

Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.
• Visit the former Royal Palace, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong.
• Admire panoramic sunset views from Mount Phousi.
• Cruise along the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves.
• Discover traditional rice wine production at Ban Xang Hai Village.
• Swim in the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls.
• Travel comfortably aboard the Laos–China high-speed train.
• Stay amid pristine forests at Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort.
• Trek through tropical landscapes to remote ethnic villages and waterfalls.
• Meet Khamu, Hmong and other ethnic communities in Northern Laos.
• Visit the traditional pottery village of Ban Yor.
• Enjoy a memorable upstream Mekong River cruise from Pakbeng to Huay Xay.

• Accommodation based on twin-sharing room at the mentioned hotel category or similar
• High-speed train ticket (2nd class) from Luang Prabang to Oudomxay
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all tours and transfers
• Traditional private boat to Pak Ou Caves
• Shared/traditional Mekong River cruise from Pakbeng to Huay Xay
• Local English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast and Lunch)
• Entrance fees for all included sightseeing attractions
• Guided trekking experience at Nam Kat Yorla Pa and Ban Phavie Khamu Village
• Visit to ethnic minority villages and cultural experiences
• Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and transfer days
• Government taxes and service charges.