A view of Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Nam Ou River, Laos.
A view of Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Nam Ou River, Laos.
A family following our local hiking guide in Laos  | Kate Harper
The stunning mountainous landscapes of Northern Laos
Cruising the mighty Mekong on a family adventure in Laos  | Kate Harper
Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Nam Ou River, Laos.
Riverside village in Northern Laos
Water buffalo grazing at sunset, Laos

Northern Laos Hike & Homestays

Discover this hidden natural paradise

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 3 reviews

7 Days from

$1450 USD

Trip Code: NLE
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Northern Laos Hike & Homestays - Single Supplement
$210 USD
Solo Traveller Supplement
$790 USD

Duration

  • 7 Days

Activities

  • 3 day trek
  • 1 day boat touring

Accommodation

  • 4 nights hotel/guesthouse
  • 2 nights homestay

Meals

  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

64kg of CO2-e PP per day

(386kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Explore Nong Khiaw & Muang Ngoi
  • Hike through jungle along the Nam Ou River
  • Experience authentic remote villages
  • Boat trip to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves

Overview

Starting and finishing in the magical UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, this journey takes you to through stunning scenery and friendly local villages. Marvel at jungle waterfalls, ride in a long-tail boat through the rugged, mountainous Nam Ou River valley and explore the beautiful villages of Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi. Visit the “100 waterfalls” on an exclusive visit in Nong Khiaw, take in beautiful landscapes and trek to remote areas. Encounter the locals and enjoy an enriching cultural experience with home stays and genuine Laotian food and witness everyday life on the shores of the Nam Ou River. En route back to the city we stop at the mysterious pilgrimage site of Pak Ou Caves before arriving in the heart of Luang Prabang.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Laos. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is a truly enchanting city, set against a backdrop of mountain ranges and dotted with historic temples that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. If time permits, you may like to explore the charming streets, visit a riverside café, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere. Overnight: Villa Saykham or similar

Meals: Nil

Today you meet your guide in Luang Prabang and set out on a scenic drive along the Nam Ou River to the small town of Nong Khiaw. En route, stop at Ban Na Yang, a Lao Leu village renowned for its traditional stilt houses and intricate handicrafts. Arriving in Nong Khiaw in the afternoon, take time to explore the town and its picturesque surroundings. In the evening, your guide will introduce you to the local cuisine with a dinner at a traditional eatery. Overnight: Nong Kiau Riverside Bungalows or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today begins with a peaceful boat ride along the Nam Ou River, gliding past forested banks and limestone peaks. Stop at a small riverside Lao village to learn about life along the river before continuing to the base of the 100 Waterfalls. Walking through gentle streams and rice paddies, you arrive at the start of the cascades. For the next few hours, you are surrounded by the sights and sounds of crystal-clear water tumbling through lush jungle. The inviting pools provide opportunities for a refreshing dip along the way. Your guide will lead you through the cascades and prepare a traditional Lao lunch beside the falls, in the heart of this spectacular green setting. In the afternoon, follow a small villagers’ trail from the top of the 100 Waterfalls back down into the valley, enjoying sweeping views across the Nam Ou landscape. Return to the river for a short boat transfer to Ban Huay Goong, a traditional Khmu village in a stunning riverside location, where you will spend the night in a homestay. Note: Strap-on sandals or quick drying shoes are ideal for this trek as your feet may get wet. You will need to pack and carry an overnight bag today. Your main luggage will stay safely with the boatman who you will meet back up with you tomorrow. Trekking time: ~5-6hrs Overnight: Khmu Village homestay (multi-share)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you travel by boat and vehicle to the trailhead for Na Luang. You follow small paths past seasonal rice paddies and through preserved forest, where towering trees and sweeping views create a memorable start to the day. Lunch is enjoyed in a jungle setting, with stops along the way to take in the surroundings. Today involves 5–6 hours of trekking, with ascents and descents, leading to a Lao-style village where traditional ways of life are still maintained. The trail can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended. On arrival, you explore the village with your guide and, if timing allows, may visit the Tiger Trail-built Clay School, which has been operating since 2011. In the late afternoon, you settle in for an overnight stay in the village and enjoy a dinner of local cuisine, prepared using ingredients available in the community. In the evening, you may choose to wander through the village, soaking in the atmosphere of this remote and welcoming place. Note: You will have access to your main luggage this morning but will again be packing an overnight bag as your main luggage will again stay with your boatman. Trekking time: ~5-6hrs Overnight: Village homestay (multi-share)

Meals: B,L,D

Enjoy breakfast before setting off on a local trail towards the Nam Ou River, following one of the most spectacular routes in the region. The path leads through a canyon pass, with mountains rising dramatically on both sides. Today’s medium-grade trek takes around four hours, including a one-hour uphill stretch that can be challenging in the heat and is best tackled with good fitness. You make your way through jungle, over rocky sections, and across rice fields. Along the way, visit a Khmu village nestled on the banks of the Nam Ou River and see its gardens. A traditional Lao-style lunch is served before you continue by private boat to the secluded riverside town of Muang Ngoi. Trekking time: ~ 4-5 hrs Overnight: Lattanavongsa Guesthouse or similar

Meals: B,L

After breakfast, take a short boat trip to Nong Khiaw and continue our return by vehicle to Luang Prabang. En route we stop to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. There are two caves ‘Tham Ting’ and ‘Tham Phoum,’ and these photogenic caves are renowned for their collection of thousands of Buddha sculptures and images left over the years by pilgrims. Overnight: Villa Saykham or similar

Meals: B

Your Northern Laos Explorer comes to an end this morning in Luang Prabang. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Comfortable hotel/ guesthouse on a twin share basis
  • Homestay accommodation on a multi-share basis
  • Airport transfers on day 1 and day 7
  • All transportation in private air comfortable vehicles
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
  • Group medical kit

Not included

  • Meals not indicated in the program
  • Optional tours, and entrance fees and permits during free time
  • Expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance
  • Camera/video fees at various sites

Reviews (3)

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