What am I missing that's relatively close to Luang Prabang?

I am doing a bit of a whirlwind thru Cambodia and Vietnam starting late October. I end up in Hanoi after seeing Halong Bay, and am planning on heading straight to Luang Prabang as I know I do not want to miss it.

BUT....right now I have easily 6-7 days to spend in Laos before the day I need to return to Bangkok (for an early flt the next day).

This seems like a bit too much for just Luang Prabang and not enough to head far south- so, what can I add on to Luang Prabang, maybe even basing myself there, that is really wonderful and as off the beaten track as possible?

I am solo while in Laos, will have hit a lot of SE Asia tourist hotspots, and would really love to do something a bit ';different';. I%26#39;d appreciate suggestions- thanks!

What am I missing that's relatively close to Luang Prabang?

Sworn2Fun,

I would suggest research Muang Ngoi.

( 3-4 days )

What am I missing that's relatively close to Luang Prabang?

Two-three day river trip on the Mekong?

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