Northern Laos Soft Adventure (8 days)
Luang Prabang – Muang La – Muang Khua – Muong Ngoi – Nong Kwiao
Highlights
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Trekking unspoiled areas
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Boat trip on 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
For those adventurers who like a bit of a soft landing at night, this is the trip for you! Your Northern Laos experience is mixed with stunning landscapes, local markets, interactions with Akha and Khamu villagers, peaceful boat trips and gentle walks through picturesque countryside. You travel in comfort in your own private vehicle and stay in unique accommodation from a simple bungalow in a remote riverside village, with no vehicle access, to luxury resorts including the newly opened Muang La Resort, where you can relax in their natural hot spring spa set amid 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 |
Scenic drive to Muong La – hot springs and resort. |
Day 3 |
Drive to Muang Khua, visit Akha + Khamu villages. Overnight in hotel. |
Day 4 |
Boat trip to Muong Ngoi, stopping off at riverside villages. Overnight in guesthouse. |
Day 5 |
Boat trip to Nong Kwiao, afternoon visit to local caves. Overnight in a resort. |
Day 6 |
Day walk to villages and surrounding countryside. Overnight in a resort. |
Day 7 |
Drive back to Luang Prabang. Overnight in a hotel. |
Day 8 |
Breakfast in your hotel and transfer to the airport. |
Prices
Per Person / Twin share |
Price |
3 to 4 people |
1380 |
2 people |
1650 |
Single supplement |
405 |
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, resort + guesthouse accommodation based on twin share. If a single room is required a single supplement will apply.
- Return airport transfers
- English speaking guide
- Private vehicle and driver
- Boat trips
- Entrance fees + village permission
- All activities and sightseeing as per itinerary
Meals:
- 7 Breakfasts
- 4 Lunches
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
Hotels & guesthouses
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 on your soft adventure.
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.
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. The natural hot spring in the garden is pure bliss as you sink into warm waters and ponder your holiday. And if that's not enough relaxing, rejuvenate with a traditional Lao massage. 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. Both Resorts have an in-house restaurant that serves Lao and International cuisine. Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements.
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 and personal medication. A light weight sleeping bag is optional.
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 .
