The Last Tribes of Central Laos

Day 1: Welcome to Laos

Welcome to Laos! Let the adventure begin! Arrive in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Hugging the tranquil banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a place where French colonial architecture mingles effortlessly with Buddhist temples. At the airport you’ll be greeted warmly by one of our team who will whisk you directly to the hotel. 

Tonight you’ll meet your guide and fellow Caminos over a welcome dinner. Enjoy some local deliciousness and let the bonding begin – you’re about to get to know each other, and your guide, very well over your next 13 days of trekking and exploring together.

Accommodation: Salana Boutique Hotel or similar
Included: Dinner

Day 2: An intro to Luang Prabang

Today you’ll catch your train to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Northern Laos – a UNESCO World Heritage town. This Mekong riverbank town has elements of traditional Lao architecture seamlessly sharing space with structures from its colonial era. Luang Prabang is an increasingly popular destination, but it still manages to retain a welcoming, hospitable vibe that you’ll relax into as soon as you arrive. Let the magic of Luang Prabang unfold all around you while casually strolling its streets with your local guide, engaging in delightful conversations with locals, admiring ancient temples and uncovering its hidden gems. Every corner reveals a new story waiting to be discovered.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Mekong Cruising to Pakbeng

Say goodbye to Luang Prabang for now, because your traditional slow-boat departs at 6:30am. Before too long, you’ll settle into the ebb and flow of upstream travel on the mighty Mekong. Your ride may be shared with other travellers, but there’s plenty of room for you and your Camino crew to make a space of your own.

By mid morning, you’ll be docking alongside a sheer rock face, except for the set of zigzagging stairs leading into the open mouthed cave above the waterline. For centuries, pilgrims have added Buddha statues inside Pak Ou Cave and now there are more than two-thousand of them! Back on the boat, it’s time to kick off your shoes and slip into a dreamy state as you watch local life scenes play out along the river bank. By the time you arrive at your remote lodge in the afternoon, you’ll have shaken off those final busy-life-back-home vibes. Swing open your bungalow’s shutters, let the surround-sound of jungle and river radiate all around you, knowing that by the end of this trip you’ll be somehow different to when you started.

Accommodation: The Luang Say Lodge, Pakbeng or Similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4: Mekong Elephant Park

The morning is yours, so grab that book you’ve been dying to read, or maybe take a walk into the heart of Pakbeng village – it’s just a 25-minute stroll from your lodge.

Did you spy the dense green bush across the river? That’s a protected primary forest and this afternoon heading there to visit the Mekong Elephant Park. Don’t worry – there’s strictly no riding at this elephant sanctuary! They’re all about elephant protection. Just by being there, you’re supporting the park which provides a safe home for the elephants and a living-wage for the mahouts who learn about ethical elephant care.

First there’s lunch, and then you’ll follow the ranger into the forest, weaving your way along natural paths carved through the jungle. You’ll soon be mesmerised – watching the elephants feed, interact and gather together. Your footprint here is observational only, but you may find yourself holding your breath too – preferring not to risk interfering in a single moment of their lives.

This evening, with your soul filled with elephant goodness, just bathe in this place’s blissful remoteness on the lodge’s riverside deck. Sunset drinks anyone?

Hike: Easy – morning jungle walk at elephant pace
Accommodation: The Luang Say Lodge, Pakbeng or Similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5: Overland to Udom Xai

You’ll be glued to the window for most of the five-hour drive today as you weave your way through mountainous green visions of dense jungle and terraced fields, occasionally punctuated by traditional Lao villages. Of course, at some of the most spectacular spots you and your Camino crew will be out of the vehicle to stretch your legs and drain your camera battery of charge because you’re snapping so many must-have photographs.

Welcome to Nam Kat Resort! It’s an adventure in itself reaching your riverside cottage just by crossing the jungle on a stilted bridge. The rest of the day is up to you – you might like to pick your way along one of the nearby jungle paths or grab a massage. Maybe a cooling dip in the resort pool is more your style. If all three take your fancy, don’t worry – there’ll be time because you have the next two nights here!

Accommodation: Nam Kat Yorlapa Resort, Nam Kat, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: Village to Village Walk and Buddha’s Footprints

It’s time to leave your flip flops back in the room and lace up those walking shoes once more. But first, you’ll arrive at Ban Kat Village by road with your guide, home to the Tai Dam people. Their name translates to Tai Black and today you’ll see most of the women wearing that traditional colour. Did you know the black dye comes from mixing the indigo plant with a series of other plants? The village is also well known for producing traditional Lao alcohol – so steel yourself for a mid-morning bottoms-up or two! Don’t worry if you’re feeling a little light-headed afterwards – the walk to the next village is not only pretty, but also an easy one that skirts the edge of a ‘patchwork’ of paddy fields. 

After a local restaurant lunch, you’ll travel by road to Paradise Mountain. This became a pilgrimage spot many years ago when a farmer discovered what’s believed to be three sacred footprints left by Buddha. Although you may spot a tourist or two here, you’ll soon be soaking up the localness of religious life, because people travel from across the country to pray for a blessed journey through life.

Trek: Easy – 90 minutes
Accommodation: Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Luang Prabang by Train

Your train to Luang Prabang doesn’t leave until the afternoon, so if you haven’t found the waterfall yet, this is the morning for it. Afterall, how can you go home without taking on a suspension bridge or two! Take your camera because you’re going to have to capture that for the family back home!

You’ll be back at The Bel Air Resort, your Luang Prabang home-away-from-home, by mid-afternoon. Don’t unpack too much though, because it’s a whirlwind overnight visit and you’ll be regrouping in just an hour or two. Luang’s Prabang’s famous night market and food stalls are calling you and your Camino crew – you don’t want to miss this for the world!

Accommodation:Bel Air Resort, Luang Prabang, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8: Trek Luang Prabang to Ban Houy Tan

Your walk begins with a short boat ride. Yes, really! And it’s only when you make your way to the top of the bank at the end of it, that you’ll see the charming Lao village tucked out of sight, on top. We’re sure you’re keen to get things started, so after meeting some of the villagers, your guide will lead you along a path through low canopy forest, and into the farming heartland. As you share waves and inquisitive smiles with farmers working in the rice paddies, you’ll know this is exactly what you’d hoped for, only better!

The three-hour walk passes quickly, but you’ll be happy for the rest, as you enter Ban Na Xay Village along the tree-lined bush track. Forty-seven families call this tranquil pocket home and over lunch today, you’ll learn about their weaving cooperation and how wholesaling their work helps to support their village. You might even recognise a similar piece you eyed off at the night market last night!

The first day’s walk ends in the Kamu Village of Ban Houy Tan. Tonight your life takes a simpler route, as your Camino group is hosted by local families in their homes. Settle in because you’ll actively participate in their lives. After all, you’re here for the authentic experience!

Trek: 4 hours, 6.5 km
Accommodation: Homestay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Trek Ban Houy Tan – Ban Na

It will be hard to leave your new Kamu family, but the trail is calling, and so is your guide, so wave your goodbyes after breakfast. Just like yesterday, you’ll follow a track carved out in nature by generations of locals’ footsteps. Now you’re in what’s known as the midlands, so expect the undulations more noticeable today. And with each step, you’ll inch closer to tomorrow’s challenge, Phou Luang Tai Mountain.

Share a simple picnic lunch in the quiet of the forest. This type of low-lying foliage you see here happens when abandoned paddy fields are returned to nature. 

As you drop into a valley, Ban Na Village comes into sight. Part of the lowlands community, these people identify as Lao and 83 families live here. Settle into your new homestay and community, or stretch those legs a little more with an optional 80-minute return walk to visit a buffalo powered juice maker!

Trek: 4 hours, 7.1 km
Accommodation: Homestay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Trek Ban Phu Luang Tai Mountain Views

It’s day three of your trek and so far you’ve stayed with the Kamu (midland people) and Lao (lowland people). Now you’re on a journey to meet the Mong, or highland people. Needless to say, to do this you’ve gotta get to the top of that mountain! Pack a spare pair of knickers and a stick of deodorant in your day pack because where you’re going today, there is no vehicle access. Your luggage will be left, safe and sound, at the base of the mountain. 

The trail zig-zags up the mountain and you’ll walk it at a leisurely pace (3.5 hours) and with breaks. Then you’ll follow a trail along the mountain’s back to reach Ban Phu Luang Tai Village. Life is tough at the top and while you spend time with your host family tonight, you’ll learn why this community trail is so important to the people. This village was once home to about 75 families, but now only 25 families stay – employment opportunities are too far away, there are no schools and no phone service. The water you’ll use to wash your face tonight was carted up the mountain by the villagers, just for you. Still, these people are so giving and welcome you into their homes. 

Slip inside your sleeping sheet under your mosquito net tonight. It’s been a big day and while tonight’s sleeping mat might feel harder than the other nights, come with a camping mindset and you’ll be just fine!

Trek: 5 hours, 7.5 km
Accommodation: Homestay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Ban Phou Luang Tai – Luang Prabang

You’ll be rubbing the sleep from your eyes as the morning light rays reach past the horizon and to your mountain-top remoteness. Your guide is already on the cooking tools, preparing breakfast. Looking down to the river valley on the other side of yesterday’s walk, what is evident is the construction scars on the land, made by the railway and dam constructions.

Saying goodbye to your hosts never gets easier and today is no exception. But what goes up, must come down and this morning you’ll work your way down another trail on the same side of the mountain as yesterday’s.

Reunited with your luggage, and a taxi truck to rest your weary limbs, you’ll bounce your way back to the main road and Luang Prabang. While your body might be craving a shower, your heart will likely be singing with joy. The bonds you and your Camino friends have made with each other – and with the families who shared their homes – will be remembered life long. Find the time for a ‘cheers’ moment tonight – experiences like these should be celebrated!

Trek: 2.5 hours, 4.95 km
Accommodation: Bel Air Resort or Similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12: Vientiane

With a decent scrub and a sound sleep the world looks like a different place! It’s time to say goodbye to the enchanting landscapes of Luang Prabang and catch the train to Vientiane. 

It’s time for one last dinner together – a heartfelt farewell and the perfect cherry atop an unforgettable trip. Let those belly laughs and stories roll. 

Accommodation: Salana Boutique Hotel, or similar
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13: Farewell Friends

What an adventure! The days went by way too fast! Before your transfer to the airport, say farewell over one last breakfast. Until next time!

Included: Breakfast