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

$1290 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

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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Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Luang Prabang is a very special city! It enchants with its magnificent location amidst mountain ranges and its historic temples, which gave the city the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will have free time to explore the city if time permits. Overnight: Villa Saykham or similar

Meals: Nil

You will meet your guide in Luang Prabang and enjoy a scenic drive winding along the Nam Ou River to the small town of Nong Khiaw. Along the way, we’ll stop for a visit at Ban Na Nyang, a Lao Leu village known for its Lao Leu traditional style houses and handicrafts. Arrive in Nong Khiaw in the afternoon and have time to explore. Your guide will show you around and take you to sample some local food for dinner. Overnight: Nong Kiau Riverside Bungalows or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Wow, is what the first travelers said after coming back from this simply amazing waterfall hike and river trip. Starting the day with a peaceful boat ride on the Nam Ou you will be able to explore a small Lao village along the river side before heading into the waterfalls. Learn about their way of life along this river. Walking through small streams and rice paddies you arrive at the base of the 100 Waterfalls. The next few hours you will see only water and jungle and hear the sound of clear waterfall cascades. The pools around you are very inviting for a refreshing splash. Your guide will lead you through the cascades and prepare a local style lunch near the falls in the middle of amazingly green nature. A small villagers’ trail on the top of the 100 Waterfalls will lead us back down into the valley offering wide views over the landscapes of the Nam Ou valley. We hike back to the Nam Ou River for our boat transfer to Ban Houay Goong, a traditional Khmu village in a stunning setting on the riverbanks, where you will spend an overnight 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, we will transfer by boat and vehicle to the trailhead, headed to Na Luang. We start walking along small paths past rice paddies (seasonal) and through preserved forest with huge trees and great views. Here we enjoy lunch in the jungle setting and make stops along the way. The trekking is 5-6 hours, medium difficulty, up and down hills, and we will make our way to a Lao-style village, still living traditionally. This can be slippery if wet so good shoes are recommended. You will explore the village with your guide and you might have a chance to visit the Clay School built and maintained through the proceeds of visitors such as yourself. We then prepare ourselves for an overnight stay in the village and enjoy the local cuisine. In the villages we eat with the locals, so food is prepared depending on seasonal availability but you can be sure that the produce is fresh and flavours authentic. Take your time to explore the tranquil village and surrounds by yourself in the evening or perhaps join in some games with the village children. 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

We enjoy breakfast before departing the village via a local walking trail to the Nam Ou River. This is definitely one of the most spectacular routes in the area taking you through a canyon pass with mountains rising on both sides. Again this is medium-difficulty trekking and takes about 4 hours. There is one uphill stretch of an hour so today can be a challenge in the heat and very difficult unless you are fit. We walk through the jungle, across rocks and through rice fields. We will stop to visit a Khmu village nestled on the banks of the Nam Ou River and see its gardens. Along the way we will enjoy another Lao style lunch. Later we have a transfer by private boat to the secluded village of Muang Ngoi. Trekking time: ~4hrs 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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