Hill Tribes & Jungles Laos
From Chiang Rai (Thai Border) To Chiang Khong, Luang Namntha, Vieng Phouka, Oudomxay, Nam Kat, Yolapa, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang. - 10 Nights
- Departing from:
- Chiang Rai (Thai Border)
- Destination:
- Chiang Khong, Luang Namntha, Vieng Phouka, Oudomxay, Nam Kat, Yolapa, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang.
- Duration:
- 10 Nights
- Offer:
- Private tour with daily departures
- Offer Expires:
- 01/01/25
- Tour Operator:
- Focus Asia
- Reference Code:
- FA-LART011E
From
US$1,602
Price per person
Package Details
Overview
A unique trekking experience, staying with the Akha. Discover the old quarters of Luang Prabang UNESCO Heritage site. Nong Khiaw, Nam Ou river and karst mountains.
Details
DAY 1 – CHIANG RAI – CHIANG KHONG
Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to Chiang Khong located on the banks of the Mekong River. Explore the town or relax at your leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight in Chiang Khong (no guide).
Overnight in CHIANG KHONG
DAY 2 – CHIANG KHONG – LUANG NAMTHA
Transfer (driver only without guide) to the Thai-Lao border crossing in Houay Xai to begin our adventure to Laos. Meet the local tour guide at the Lao Immigration Office. The journey begins with a drive to the grandiose plateau of Luang Namtha knowns as “Royal Green River” surrounded with evergreen forests and Limestone Mountains. Along the way we will stop by some local villages and meet the friendly ethnic groups who have maintained their traditional way of living.
TIP: Satisfy your cravings and feast on delicious traditional Lao favourites including the famous sticky rice, buffet-style salad and fresh-off-the-grill BBQ meats seasoned with special Laos ingredients at the Luang Namtha Night Market.
(B,) Total Distance: 290 km – Driving hours: 5h30 – Overnight in LUANG NAMTHA
DAY 3/4/5 – VIENG PHOUKA – AKHA TREK
This 3 day trekking of the Nam Ha National Protected Area (an ASEAN Natural Heritage Site) takes you through a trail of some of the most breathtaking landscapes of Laos for a truly memorable eco-tourism adventure filled with nature and culture. Explore Nam Ha’s impressive biodiversity: rich rice fields, fog-filled valleys, limestone mountains, bamboo forests, wild rivers, crystal clear waterfalls and mysterious caves. This one of a kind adventure lets you in on the day-to-day community life of the warm and friendly Akha Ethnic group. Learn about their traditions and customs, eat traditional Akha food prepared in local fashion and be welcomed for an overnight homestay.
Trekking hours: D1:6h, D2:6.5h, D3:3h – Difficulty: Medium to High depending on the season.
*WHAT TO BRING*
Change of clothes, long pants and shirt with sleeves during the trek, hiking shoes, sun protections, mosquito repellent, sandals for village. We recommend to travel as light as possible so only bring essentials.
(B, L, D) TREKKING – Overnight in HOMESTAY / Day 5 LUANG NAMTHA
DAY 6 – LUANG NAMTHA – OUDOMXAY – NAM KAT YOLAPA
Stroll through Luang Namtha’s Morning Market and find a myriad of stands from local vendors selling foraged and farmed vegetables, fruits, meat, fresh seafood and many other exotic delicacies for a taste of local life before starting the journey to Oudomxay. Along the way stopping by the Ban Chang Village where the people have preserved their traditional culture and way of life. Learn about their ancient old techniques in cotton “dyeing” and bamboo paper making. Reaching Oudomxay, we will take a relaxing time at Nam Kat Yopala Resort.
(B,) Total Distance: 130 km – Driving hours: 3h – Overnight in OUDOMXAY
DAY 7 – OUDOMXAY – NONG KHIAW
An early morning start departing from the provincial capital of Oudomxay to the rustic little village of Nong Khiaw (3 hours drive), a picture perfect town sprung up along the river’s edge framed by towering limestones mountains. Upon arrival, climb aboard a traditional Lao Long boat for a scenic cruise via the Nam Ou River and enjoy a backdrop of untouched jungles, Karst Mountains and quaint fishing villages. Next, a stopover at Ban Sopcham and Muang Ngoi, villages famous for their handicraft products. Relax on the cruise back to Nong Khiaw to end the day.
TIP: Bring your swimwear and experience fishing with the locals using traditional fishing techniques.
(B, L,) Total Distance: 110 km – Driving hours: 3h – Overnight in NONG KHIAW
DAY 8 – TREK 100 WATERFALLS
Today’s main highlight is the famous 100 Waterfall Tour in Nong Khiaw. Spend the day hiking and exploring through the jungle and hear the powerful sounds of water as it hits the rocks as you trek the cascading waterfalls up to the top.
Trekking hours: 4- 5h. – Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Tip: Bring trekking sandals and comfortable fitness clothing and be ready to get wet! We also recommend bringing a jacket for the return as it can get cold in the evening.
(B, L,) TREKKING – Overnight in NONG KHIAW
DAY 9 – NONG KHIAW – LUANG PRABANG
The goal today is to reach the timeless city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site. Departing from Nong Khiaw, we will visit the Thai Lue Village of Ban Na Nyang, known for their cotton weaving expertise. Continue driving south of Luang Prabang to reach Pak Ou Village where a relaxing boat cruise awaits. Sail along the Mekong River for a scenic trip to the sacred pilgrimage of Tam Ting Cave, a cave where a thousand Buddha statues are kept. Hop back on the boat and (depending on time) catch a glimpse of the breath-taking sunset as you arrive in Luang Prabang, marking the end of today’s trip.
(B,) – Total Distance: 140 km – Driving hours: 3h – Overnight in LUANG PRABANG
DAY 10 – LUANG PRABANG – SCAVENGER HUNT
Explore the hidden streets and charming lanes of Luang Prabang in a fun and interactive way with our new Scavenger Hunt tour. With the help of an app, complete missions and solve puzzles as you visit all the city’s main highlights. Unlike any standard city tours, this scavenger hunt is packed full of surprises!
(B,) SCAVENGER HUNT – Overnight in LUANG PRABANG
DAY 11 – DEPARTURE
Free Leisure time before transfer to the airport for departure.
ACOMMODATION
Chiang Khong – Chiang Khong Teak Garden – Garden View
Luang Namtha – Zuela Guest House – Standard
Oudomxay – Nam Kat Yolapa Resort – Superior
Nong Khiaw – Mandala Ou – River Front Bungalow
Luang Prabang – Sanctuary – superior room
Inclusions
All described sightseeing as in program above
Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast
English-speaking local guides
Admission fees to indicated sights
Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Domestic gov’t tax and service charge
EXCLUDED SERVICES
International air tickets
Flights & visa fees
Travel Insurance in all kinds
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Compulsory Meals
Drinks during Meals
Tip, drinks, any personal expenses
Early check-in and late check-out