10 Day itinerary in Laos, Asia
Northern Laos: Hilltribes & Jungles
Trek through the mountains and Valleys of rural Northern Laos, cruise rivers and truly engage with local hilltribes. Starting from your pick up at the Laos/Thailand Border you will be taken on an adventure through tiny villages, which are home to many of the different ethnic groups in Laos. The Na... Read More
By David, Seng and Bar
Overview
Physical Difficulty
Average
Recommended Age
Everyone
Operated in
English
GUIDANCE
On Some Day Trips
starting point
Huay Xai
trip type
Private
trip attributes
Cycling
Hiking
Rafting
Visit markets
Meet local people
Rural home stays
Indigenous culture
Snorkeling/Diving
Skiing/Snowboarding
Outdoors & Nature
Adventure
Culture & Arts
Start
Night
End
Highlights
Trek in Nam Ha National Protected Area
Boat ride from Muang Khua to Muang Ngoy winds through mountainous jungle
Take a jugle trek to admire rice fields, forests and agricultural land
Hike through the "100 waterfalls"
Trek in Nam Ha National Protected Area
Boat ride from Muang Khua to Muang Ngoy winds through mountainous jungle
Take a jugle trek to admire rice fields, forests and agricultural land
Hike through the "100 waterfalls"
Itinerary
Budget Accommodation
Accommodation Categories
Day 1
Thai Border – Huay Xai– Vieng Phouka
After transferring on your own from Chiang Rai to the Thai-Lao border crossing at Houay Xai, our guide will meet you at the Lao immigration office and assist you with the visa process. Then we'll drive to Vieng Phouka, stopping along the way at a Lanten village - the name 'Lanten' is a Chinese term meaning “the people who dye," as they are known for their natural dye traditions; they're also one of the few ethnic minorities in Lao PDR who follow Daoism and read Chinese script. Our journey today will end in Vieng Phouka. a rural village in the heart of northern Laos. Take time to discover the area and meet some of the local people. You'll spend the night in a local, basic guesthouse.
Day 2
Vieng Phou Kha -Luang Namtha
Today we continue our journey on to Luang Namtha, heading over the mountain route to take in the stunning views. Upon reaching Luang Namtha take a stroll around the town, visit the busy night market where locals come together to trade goods and handicrafts and also delicious street food. Overnight in Luang Namtha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Trekking in the Nam Ha National Protected Area
We'll embark on 3 days of trekking through the forests, fields, rivers, and mountains that surround Luang Namtha. Many interesting and challenging treks in this area await you, so you'll choose among a selection of routes to suit your fitness and stamina. Our guides will then arrange the most interesting route, points of interest and resting points for you. Overnight in village homestay
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Trekking in the Nam Ha National Protected Area
Spend another day exploring the stunning Nam Ha Protected area. Your guide will lead you off the beaten path to discover the natural beauty and wildlife that abounds in this region. Overnight in a village homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Trekking in the Nam Ha National Protected Area
Continue with your trekking adventure in the wilds of Luang Namtha. We’ll end the day back at the city in a clean and comfortable room. Overnight in Luang Namtha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Luang Namtha - Muang Khua
Rise early like the locals and take a walk to the local market, where you may see members of hill tribes in traditional clothing buying and selling their products. After breakfast, you'll take a private minivan through the countryside to Muang Khua. You can enjoy the beautiful landscape along the way. Northern Laos is very ethnically diverse and the mountains surrounding Oudomxay, near the Chinese border, are home to groups like the Akha, Iko, Hmong, Khmu, and more. Despite modernization, many of these hill tribes still live traditional lifestyles and follow local and ethnic customs. You're likely in these regions to see people in beautiful traditional clothing. Overnight in Muang Khua
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Muang Khua - Muang Ngoy
The boat ride from Muang Khua to Muang Ngoy winds through a mountainous jungle. The Nam Ou River, one of the most important in the Lao PDR, offers here some best scenery. The river runs 448 km from Phongsaly in the north of the country all the way to Luang Prabang where it merges with the Mekong. Onboard the traditional Lao longtail boat we’ll journey slowly downstream, allowing you to take in the view and relax along the way. The boat will pass many remote villages, rugged mountain terrain and impressive limestone cliffs. We'll stop at a few of the villages, most of which are only accessible by boat, and get a unique look into traditional daily village life along the river. The day's journey will end in Muang Ngoy, a relaxing little village where we’ll spend the night. Overnight in Muang Ngoy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Muang Ngoy - Nong Khiaw
After a short boat ride, you'll reach the village of Ban Hat Sao, with a mixed population of Lao Lum and Lao Thung. From the village, we will follow little trails on a jungle trek through a preserved part of the jungle and into the nearby mountain area. We’ll pass rice fields, forests, and agricultural land on our way to the next highlight, a refreshing waterfall. Much of our route follows the stream and we’ll walk through the river and small waterfalls. After an extended break we’ll hike back to the river area. A small walking trail following the Nam Ou River will bring us to Nong Khiaw. Overnight in Nong Khiaw
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
The "100 Waterfalls" Trek
After a one-hour boat trip on the Nam Ou, we'll start exploring and hiking through the "100 waterfalls," a recently discovered jungle waterfall. A village visit is included as well, where you learn more about life along the Nam Ou River. In the evening we’ll ride back on our boat to Nong Khiaw. Overnight in Nong Khiaw (
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10
Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang
We’ll drive a winding route following the Nam Ou River through the mountains from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang. Along the way, we'll visit the village of Ban Nanyang, which is famous for its traditional cotton weaving. Almost every household has its own weaving loom where the families create beautiful scarves, tablecloths and ornate wall hangings. Then we'll continue to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, where we'll take you to your hotel or transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for a departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
Meals
- Breakfast (9)
- Lunch (7)
- Dinner (1)
Transport
- Gound transfer from Houay Xai - Viend Phouka
- Ground transfer from Viend Phouka - Luang Namtha
- Ground transfer from Luang Namtha - Muang Khua
- Boat transfer from Muang Khua - Muang Ngoy
- Boat transfer from Muang Ngoy - Nong Khiaw
- Ground transfer from Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang
- Luang Prabang Airport Pick up and Drop off
Activities
- 3 day trekking in Nam Ha National Protected Area
- 100 Waterfalls Trek
Not Included
- Ground transfer from Chiang Rai to the Thai-Lao border crossing
- International Flights
- Airport pick up
- Meals not specified as included
- Optional Activities
- Tips for Guides and Drivers
- Travel Insurance
About David
TEAM LEAD
+2 Local experts
Baboo Certified
Kayaking
Hiking
Visit markets
Meet local people
Rural home stays
Indigenous culture
Meditation
Wellness retreat
Detox
Cycling
Yoga
Travel with Purpose
Outdoors & Nature
Food & Drink
I have spent a good part of my life travelling the world having all sorts of experiences. We all have specialities and with our team of 60 we have the experience to answer your questions and plan the perfect trip for you.
Travel that Makes a Difference
By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.
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$2,406.00 USD