Between villages and ethnic minorities: 15 days in northern Laos

Rest and discovery of the capital. Bike ride through the city for a first glimpse; visit the Vat That Luang past the Patuxai (Arc de Triomphe); typical meal in one of the city's downtown restaurants.

Tour to the Morning Market, the Talat Sao, to familiarize yourself with the crafts and textiles of Phaeng Mai or Khang, the atmosphere of the city. Taste the candies and noodle soup (pho). In the afternoon, visit Vat Si Saket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, and the Vat Ho Phra Keo museum (just opposite). Admire the sunsets at the Suntara. For dinner, go to one of the gargotes on the Fa Ngum Pier.

Excursion to Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, outside the city. In the afternoon, take a tour of the National Museum to learn a little more about the history of Laos and the revolution. Book a time to go to the centre of COPE: essential to understand the extent of the bombing during the secret war. Night bus to Luang Prabang or flight early the next morning.

Visit of the Royal Palace which houses the national museum of this city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then the very old Vat Xieng Thong (one of the most beautiful temples in Laos) whose architecture is typical of the region... For sunset, we will climb Mount Phousi to have a superb panoramic view.

At dawn, around 5:30 am, attend (discreetly!) the monks' offering ceremony in the central sector of the city, then go on an excursion to the Pak Ou caves by boat and possibly to the surrounding craft villages (Ban Phanom, among others). On the way back, from 6pm, take a tour of the night craft market located in the main artery. Dinner in one of the small restaurants on the banks of the Mekong River.

Trek to discover the Kuang Si waterfalls, with picnic at lunchtime and swimming (go there early in the morning), return in the middle of the afternoon. In the evening, dinner in one of the city's restaurants.

Shopping day, if you still have an evening of free, take a tour to the night market which stands on the edge of the Mekong from 18 h (opposite the Vat Vat). Dinner in a gourmet restaurant.

Arrival in Phonsavan (by bus), capital of Xieng Khouang province. From there, we will explore the Plaine des Jarres (allow a good half-day); visit organized by the tourist office or a local guide. While crossing the different sites, visit the ancient capital now called Muang Khoun and admire its remains.

Sam Neua by bus or songtheo (collective taxi); in this case, stop on the way to discover the megalithic site of Suan Hin (archaeological park). Night to Sam Neua.

Direction Vieng Xai in songtheo (45 minutes) to visit the caves of the Pathet Lao, a historic site of resistance of the party during the war of Indochina.

Rent a bike to travel around Vieng Xai, visit villages of ethnic minorities, admire the landscapes... Return to Sam Neua at the end of the day (careful not to miss the last songtheo). Night to Sam Neua.

Day trip to Nong Khiaw, peaceful village on the edge of the country. Accommodation in summary bungalow, immersion in local life.

Walk on the river by canoe to return Luang Prabang, with a stopover in Muang Ngoi Neua (1 hour boat by Nong Khiaw). To take the journey to Luang Prabang in the day, you must count between 6 and 9 hours of navigation.

Navigation or day in Luang Prabang (if arrival the day before). If so, relax in the city: massages and Red Cross sauna, last shopping. (Night bus for Vientiane if you leave there, count 10 hours of travel).