After getting in Luang Prabang, transfer via road in the course of the picturesque Laos countryside to Oudomxai (Muang Xai). Alongside the way, halt at racial minority villages and also at Tad Lak Sip-et Waterfall, which falls in a slender stream over a limestone cliff.
Oudomaxai is a wooded mountainous area in the north-west of the country and many ethnic groups reside here, some of whom live in mountain villages in extremely isolated regions. The provincial capital has abundantly varied population of Lao Theung and Lao Seung, Chinese and Lao Loum. From the main street, conventional thatched houses extend across the periphery of the valley towards the bottom of the adjoining mountain range. Walk around the town to see the local market, Phou Phra That and then carry on up Phou Xay Hill from where there are extensive views of the town and nearby area.Overnight in Oudomxai.

Take a trip via road from Oudomxai to Boun Neua and overnight.

Head off for Phongsali, one of the most isolated towns in Laos and placed high in the mountains. It sits on the slopes of Mount Phou Fa and has a cool weather with foggy mornings all year round. In the middle of the town there are houses constructed in Yunnanese style with elaborate wooden frontage. Most of the population living in the area belongs to Phu Noi minority who continue to live with a distinct local tradition, even though they no longer dress traditionally. Visit the peak of Phou Fa and walk up the many steps to That Phou Fa. Break in your journey at the Talat local market to see the array of products for sale and listen to the local villagers bargain for the best prices. Overnight in Phongsali.

Set out to Hat Sa from Phongsali and then to Muang Khua via boat. The northern town of Muang Khua sits on the bank of Nam Ou River near the mouth of Nam Phak and is a stunning, unharmed and serene spot. Although home to large numbers of Chinese and Vietnamese migrants, it still has signs of old French regal architecture. Travel around the village on foot to observe the local market and Wat Sikhounmuang and then cross the river via steel cable suspension bridge. From here on, take pleasure in awe-inspiring views over Nam Pak River and mountains. Overnight in Muang Khua.

Embark on a boat in the morning and take a trip to Nong Khiaw. This part of the river twists through amazing scenery with inspiring limestone cliffs, intense flora and sandy beaches. On the way, halt at Muang Ngoi, a beautiful rural village right in the center of the mountains, still unreachable by road. Take a break for lunch and splurge a few hours traveling the area before ongoing to Nong Khiaw, a sleepy market town on the bank of the river with a background of mountains.Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

Travel via road to Luang Prabang from Nong Khiaw. Alongside the way, halt at Ban Pak Ou village and cross by local ferryboat to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to Tham Pak Ou Caves, one of the most valued holy sites in Laos. Actually there are two caves, Tham Ting and Tham Phoum. Initially they were used for worshipping of the river spirit until Buddhism increased in Laos along the southern route from India. Progressively, more than 60 decades, over 4,000 Buddha images have been placed in the caves. They are mostly wooden figures, some poorly damaged that have been laid out over the wall shelves. They take several different positions that include: meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and reclining (nirvana). After discovering these captivating caves, halt at Ban Xang Hai village. For centuries, this local village has been making the earthen jars that are used as fermenting containers for Lao wine. These days, it specializes in manufacturing a broad variety of lau lao (Lao whisky) and lau hai (Lao wine).Overnight in Luang Prabang.