LAOS TREKKING TOUR – 7DAYS

Itinerary: Luang Prabang – Muong La – Nong Khiaw

TOUR CODE: XSL 013- ADVENTURE & TREKKING TOURS

Highlights:

Overview

Explore the incredible countryside and cultures of Northern Laos with this incredible five-day itinerary. Starting from the country’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed former royal capital, Luang Prabang, visitors are taken on a journey through lush landscapes, across soaring mountains and to colorful villages, to get a true taste of this unspoiled land. Guests are transported by 4×4, boat and on foot along dirt tracks, bamboo bridges and winding rivers, for a truly immersive experience. And with high-end hotels and resorts waiting at the end of the day, this is the perfect choice for the soft adventure seeker.

Tour summary:

DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG ARRIVAL - SHORT CITY TOUR

Private driver & guide

Arrival in Luang Prabang airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center and transfer you to your hotel for check-in
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability). Short rest, start out for our half day tour to visit National Museum (Closed Tuesday) The former Royal Palace, The impressive Stupa of Wat Visoun, and the Shrirne of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. The next stop included Wat Xieng Thong, Ban Phanom Village and Ban Xang Khong– a village famous for handmade Sa paper. Back to your hotel, Free & easy on leisure. Meals are on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: None
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY2: LUANG PRABANG – OUDOMXAY - MUONG LA (B,L, D)

Private driver & guide

Approximately Luang Prabang – Oudomxay (193 km): 4 hours/ Oudomxay – Muang La (23 km): 40 min
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Depart Luang Prabang this morning and journey north, heading towards the remote province of Oudomxay. Expect a total journey time of approximately 6 hours, including stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. The road is a little bumpy in places but you will pass through all sorts of dramatic scenery to keep you entertained and can stop whenever you wish to. This northern region of Laos is very mountainous and very green, with rice paddies and plantations dividing areas of thick jungle. You will encounter various tribes on this trip and even on this first journey you will pass some villages perched precariously on steep mountainsides and then others in the valleys carved out by ancient rivers. Have lunch at local restaurant After lunch, you will pass through the provincial capital; Oudomxay. Once a very sleepy town, this has become an important trading hub and shows the changes which are happening rapidly in the region. This makes the final leg of the journey, away from the busy town and in to unspoiled nature, all the more exciting. The contrast also highlights just how special the experiences are in the remaining wilderness.
Arrive at Muang La Resort in the late afternoon. Check in, relax and enjoy the views. Facilities include a spa, sauna and steam room (it does get cold in the evenings here, especially November – March). The resort is built next to a natural hot spring and they fill a small pool every evening with water from the hot spring. Evenings are a real treat here, with 5 course set menus combining Asian and European influences, to be enjoyed by candle-light with the sounds of nature. Overnight at Muong La Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Muong La

DAY3: MUONG LA - TREKKING TO PHONSAVANH (B, L, D)

Private driver & guide

Approximately 5 hours of walking and a transfer of approximately 50 minutes.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, you will be driven for around 25 minutes by 4×4, following the Nam Pak River before taking a small mountain road, overlooking the Nam Ko River, to the start point. Begin trekking along a narrow mountain trail, through the lush forest.
Arrive in the Kamu village of Huay Ho where life flows at a relaxed pace. You guide will answer any questions you may have and can explain about the life of the villagers. Interesting topics include their animist beliefs and ceremonies as well as the different tools they use in the fields around the village.
You set off from the village following a narrow trail, climbing from the river alongside a mountain stream which feeds in to it. Pass through rice fields and reach the Lao Loum village of Ban Phongsavan, which sits at the heart of a beautiful little valley.
It will now be time for a well-deserved picnic lunch in the lush countryside of northern Laos.
After lunch, you follow a mountain trail overlooking the magnificent scenery and pass through farms in the heart of the local countryside, with some breathtaking panoramic views. Your guide will take the time to explain how the local people use the plants and herbs of the forest to feed themselves and sometimes heal themselves, using the medicinal properties of the local flora.
Continue your trek, crossing small bamboo bridges as you descend to the Yang village of Long Ya. You will learn how the peaceful life of the villagers is interspersed with different communal activities: drying herbs and vegetables, setting animal traps and preparing their meals using the local produce. The village is well known for the production of rice alcohol (“Lao Lao”) and also houses a small Buddhist temple.
A further 2 kilometers takes you to the hidden temple of Wat Hoytinphabath, which houses a 35m long reclining statue of Buddha. Numerous effigies and symbols glorifying Buddha can be found in the central temple which also contains footprints of Buddha embedded in stone. The temple is completely in harmony with its surroundings and exudes serenity. Leave the village following a dirt road along the River Huay Ya and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery before you arrive back at the resort, in the late afternoon, for a well-deserved rest.
Dinner and Overnight at Muong la Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Muong La

DAY4: MUONG LA - MEET THE ETHNIC GROUPS OF NORTHERN LAOS (B, L, D)

Private driver & guide

Approximately 5 hours of walking
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
This full day tour includes no ‘real trekking’, only walking through and between villages. Travelling by 4×4 is the only way to cover enough ground and climb the steep mountains in order to reach the most untouched and fascinating villages in the region. Speak to your guide to check if there are any special markets or festivals happening today, as the itinerary can sometimes be flexible.
Set off after breakfast to visit an entirely isolated Ikhos village. This ethnic group originates from Tibet and Yunnan and these villagers have seen very few foreigners. You may notice a different atmosphere here compared to other villages which are more used to seeing visitors. Your guide can teach you about the daily life of the villagers and how they still follow ancient customs passed down through the centuries.
Here you are more than 1,000m above sea level and the views are magnificent, making it great picnic spot.
After lunch, you leave the village walk for approximately 45 minutes to the Hmong village of Ban Tauser. The remote route to the village takes you to a viewpoint with a stunning 360° panorama. The Hmong originate in the high steppes of Tibet and you will learn about their way of life, including the great importance of their livestock.
Return to the resort at the end of the day. Dinner and overnight at Muang La Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Muong La

DAY 5: MUONG LA - MUONG KHUA - NONG KHIAW (B, L)

Private driver & guide

Approximately Muang La – Muang Khua (76 km): 3 hours/ Muang Khua – Nong Khiaw (105 km): 5 hours
Enjoy breakfast at Local Family
After breakfast, you will be driven approximately 2 hours to Muang Khua, a small town on the banks of the Nam Ou River. Here you will board a private longtail boat for a cruise down one of the most scenically beautiful stretches of river in Laos. Compared to the Mekong, the Nam Ou is considered more dramatic and wild and also has far less traffic.
Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way and spot various local villages as you cruise downstream. In the late afternoon you will reach your destination of Nong Khiaw, famed for the dramatic limestone mountains which surround it. Disembark and check in to your accommodation on the banks of the Nam Ou River.
Enjoy some time at leisure and don’t miss sunset over the river from your balcony.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a Homestay

DAY 6: NONG KHIAW - LUANG PRABANG BY BOAT (B, L)

Private driver & guide

Approximately Nong Khiaw – Nam Ou dam by car (70 km): 2,5 hours/ Nam Ou dam – Luang Prabang by boat (50 km): 2 hours
Enjoy breakfast at homestay
After breakfast travel down by private car on your way to Luang Prabang. Just after the dam, take a boat for a cruise down the spectacular Nam Ou River and you will enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. As you cruise down the river, watch the local fishermen and the lifestyle of the riverside residents.
Stop for a visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues.
Continue downstream for another 2 hours to Luang Prabang, Free & easy on leisure. Overnight at Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a homestay in Luang Prabang

DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE (B)

Private driver

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Free and easy until you will transfer to airport for flight home.

Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars!

NOTES

1.The weather & our latest advice on the weather

Light clothes regardless of the season in the south and centre but for the visiting of temples and pagodas, make sure you have a top with sleeves (shoulders must be covered) and bottoms going at least up to the knee.

Dec – April : 10°C to 25°C, Cool and mostly dry, Special From Jan to Feb : cold, From Mar to April dry and very hot,
May – Nov: 25°C to 35°C, Rainy season

Note: from 5°C to 10°C less in the mountains; make sure you have warm clothes.

2.Visa

To go to Laos you must have a valid passport valid at least 6 months after the date of return.
The Citizens of the following countries are also exempt from Laos visas: Vietnam ( 30 days), Brunei (14 days), Cambodia (30 days), Indonesia (30 days), Japan (15 days ), Luxembourg (15 days), Malaysia (30 days), Mongolia (30 days), Myanmar (14 days), Philippines (30 days), Singapore (30 days), Korea (15 days), Switzerland (15 days), Thailand (30 days) and Russia (30 days).
To get more info => please click here https://laoevisa.gov.la/index

3.International flight

Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Laos for two reasons:

International flights from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam or Laos. It is therefore more beneficial for you to buy them from a ticketing agency in your country.
The payment and booking conditions for international flights are strict while it is difficult for us, a local agency, to apply the same conditions to you (full payment before travel). Since international financial transactions give rise to significant bank charges, you will be led to pay unnecessary surcharges.

4.Which language?

The official and most widely spread language is Laos
English is spoken in all touristic areas.

5.Cancellation Policy:

More than 30 days before arrival: no cancellation charge will be done (Client’s non-refundable deposit will be forfeited)
14-29 days before arrival: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
10-13 days before arrival: 40% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
Within 10 days before arrival: 100 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited

6.What to Bring

Sun Glasses, Sun Block, Wide Brim Hat, Insect Repellent, Swimming Suits
Warm Clothes ( from Jan & Feb in The mountain areas)
Original Passport

ACCOMMODATION

LIST OF OUR HOTELS:
The hotels offered by Xuan Son Travel classified from 02 to 05 stars at international standard, comfortable with all the required services.

Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi

Luxury Category: 5 stars. Hotels with excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services. Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi…)

CITIES /AREAS	HOME STAY	HOTEL-STANDARD	HOTELS-SUPERIOR	HOTEL-DELUXE	HOTELS- LUXURY
LUANG PRABANG	….	Villa Oasis/ Phousi Guesthouse hotel or similar	Villa Pumalin/ Villa Chitdara /Villa Saykham/ Le Sen Boutique or similar	Villa Santi/ Maison Dalabua hotel/ Kiridar hotel or similar	Souvannaphoum/ Luang Prabang View/ Luang Say Residence hotel or simalr
NONG KHIAW	….	Sabaidee Nongkiaw River View or similar	View Point Resort / Nam Ou View Villa/ Mandana Ou Resot or similar	Kham Phan Riverside hotel / or similar	….
MUONG LA	…	…	…	…	Muong La Resort

SERVICES & PRICE

TRAVEL PRICE: LAOS TREKKING TOUR – 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS
From…. To…usd /per
Excluding international flights

Inclusion

Accommodation with daily breakfast at hotels mentioned
Meals : as mention in program
Local English speaking guide
Transfer services in a private air-conditioned Van , Bus
Entrance fees as itinerary
Boat cruises, train ticket and rides while on tour if any
Fresh water and wet wipe during day tour
Service charge and government tax

Exclusion

International airfare from / to your country (with associated airport taxes)
Drinks and meals not mentioned
Personal travel insurance.
Domestic flight ticket
Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills
Surcharged for Public holidays
Any service not clearly identified in the program
Visa approval and fees for Laos with cost 30-40$/pax Depend on Nationality
Early check in/ late check out
Tips and gratuities.
Soft and alcohol Drinks during the trip
All other services not specified in the itinerary

Customize this tour

This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.

PARTICIPANTS AND DATE OF TRAVEL

Your group includes: *

Adult(s)

Child(ren)

The date of your trip: *

Expected duration (in days):

Arrival date:

Any special request? Please enter here, this help us make our offer best meet your need.

2. Your personal information and contact details

Gender

Nationality

Full name

Telephone number

E-mail

Confirm email

My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.