Intrepid Northern Laos
(9 days)
Luang Prabang – Muang La – Muang Khua –
Muong Ngoi – Nong Kwiao
Highlights
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Trekking unspoiled areas
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Biking rural country side
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Kayaking the Ou River
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Picturesque Muang Ngoi, only accessible by river
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Chill out at Muang La Resort + hot springs
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UNESCO World Heritage town, Luang Prabang
Overview
Adventurers with an open mind and a passion for new experiences … look no further. This is a challenging trip that combines trekking, ethnic experiences, biking and kayaking in some of the most amazing natural landscapes of Northern Laos. Get off the beaten track and stay in remote Khamu villages. Experience the river by long boat and rafts and stay in a riverside village with no vehicle access. This trip offers a diverse range of accommodation – from village homestays to luxury resorts including the newly opened Muang La Resort where you can relax in their natural hot spring spa set amid in lush tropical gardens.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 |
Arrive Luang Prabang and check into hotel. The rest of the day is free. |
Day 2 |
Transfer to Muong La – hot springs and resort. |
Day 3 |
Mountain bike to Muang Khua. |
Day 4 |
Boat to Ban Sopchem, raft to Muong Ngoi, riverside village. |
Day 5 |
Trek to Khamu Village homestay. |
Day 6 |
Trek + cave exploration back to Mong Ngoi. |
Day 7 |
Raft to Nong Kwiao. Mountain bike to caves. |
Day 8 |
Explore Nong Kwiao, transport back to Luang Prabang. |
Day 9 |
Breakfast in your hotel and transfer to the airport. |
Prices
Per Person / Twin Share |
Standard Hotel |
3 to 4 people |
1525 |
2 people |
1820 |
Single supplement |
377 |
Validity |
30 April 2009 |
Prices are in Australian dollars based upon the number of people travelling together. Price reduces as your travel group size increases. Price is land content only + subject to currency fluctuations. Prices beyond 30/04/09 available on request. See Booking Conditions for more details. Call 1300 43 10 69 for a detailed itinerary.
Includes:
- Hotel + guesthouse accommodation based on twin share. If a single room is required a single supplement will apply.
- Homestay
- Return airport transfers
- All transfers as per itinerary
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees + village permission
- All activities and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Mountain bikes + rafts/kayaks
Meals:
- 8 Breakfasts
- 7 Lunches
- 6 Dinners
Excludes:
- Airfares and departure taxes
- Travel insurance
- Visa, passport or vaccination costs
- Other meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, bar charges, tips, optional activities
Trip notes
Hotel, guesthouse + homestays
In Luang Prabang you will stay in a centrally located comfortable hotel with private facilities. Standard hotels have a three star rating, for an additional cost you can upgrade to a deluxe hotel. It is possible to leave some luggage in a secure storage room in your hotel in Luang Prabang while you are trekking.
Guesthouses in country areas are simple yet comfortable. Most have private facilities. In Muang Ngoi you stay in a simple bungalow with shared facilities. There is no electricity at night and the restaurants have generators and candles.
Homestays are simple in terms of bedding and amenities. You are provided with a mattress, clean sheet, pillow, blankets and mosquito net. Accommodation and amenities are shared. Toilets are squat, non-flushing as you will find in many parts of South East Asia.
Muong La Resort
For a night of luxury, Muong La is a real treat in this outdoor adventure. Opened in February 2008, this six room retreat is set in gorgeous tropical grounds alongside the river with a backdrop of tree-covered mountains. Bungalows are designed in traditional Lao style with large balconies to simply relax and listen to nature. The restaurant facing the river serves delicious Lao specialties. And the natural hot spring in the garden is pure bliss as you sink into warm waters and ponder your holiday. Avoid disappointment and book this trip early to ensure you get into a Muong La Resort room.
Nong Kiao Riverside Resort
Nestled on the banks of the Ou River, Nong Kiao Riverside Resort is surrounded by forest and vertical lime stone mountains. There are 15 bungalows that feature timber floors, bamboo walls and a large stone bathroom. As you sit on your private balcony you are greeted to the sounds of birds and cicadas – now that’s a peaceful holiday experience!
Food
All meals, indicated in the detailed itinerary, are included in the price. When you are trekking, you are offered what produce is in season, but there will always be plenty of ‘sticky rice’ – a staple food in Laos. Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements.
The trekking day
A typical trekking day starts at around 8.30am. We aim to reach the next overnight stop between 4.30pm and 5.00pm. During the trek you will have plenty of breaks for rests, snacks and photographs.
Rafting / kayaking
Rafts are sturdy and can fit two people. You will be equipped with helmets, life jacket and paddles. Kayaks will be used when available. The rivers in Laos vary from challenging rapids and fast flowing sections to calm sections of water. Your guide will brief you on what to expect and will ensure you raft sections that are suited to your level of ability. In the wet season (May to September) water can flow up to four times faster than normal.
Local guides
English speaking guides support your sightseeing and trekking activities. These guides are proud of their job and consider it an honour to show you their country. They have been fully trained in guiding outdoor tours around Luang Prabang. If you feel your guide provided you with great service, a tip at the end of the tour would be truly appreciated… a little bit goes a long way in Laos.
What to bring
We suggest using a small sports bag or backpack for your overnight luggage. Use your daypack and travel wallet to carry your personal items and important documents. We recommend using a sturdy daypack with good back support and waterproof cover. Please dress conservatively in the countryside and villages and when entering temple areas.
Your luggage should include: trekking boots or walking shoes, thongs or comfortable slip on shoes for at night, light weight long pants + shorts, shirt + t-shirt, warm clothes for at night, bathers, sarong (for women to swim in), small towel, raincoat, hat, sunglasses, sun block, strong insect repellent (Deet medicated preferred), small medical kit, flashlight, essential toiletries, water bottle, camera, spare batteries, pen + paper, original passport, barley sugar / lollies for sustenance, zip lock bags, toilet paper, personal medication and a light weight sleeping bag.
If you have room in your backpack, bring some books to give away as gifts. You can help local children improve their reading skills by buying picture books printed in their own language. For more information on this worthwhile project, visit www.laobooks.com
Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reason, including road and weather conditions, frequency of visits to a village, or for any other factor that may impact client safety.
Your group + share accommodation
Prices are based upon twin share accommodation. A single traveller pays the single supplement price for sole use of a room. If you are travelling in a group of three and are happy to share a triple room and a triple room is available, you will not be charged the single supplement price. For groups of five or seven people, the single traveller pays the single supplement price if a triple room is not available or you do not want to share. The number of single rooms and triple rooms available may be limited – so book early to avoid disappointment.
Handy travel tips + travelling responsibly
For more information on how you can participate in sustainable tourism go to Handy Travel Tips. For assistance in planning your trip go to Laos Visa + Travel Guide.
