Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong (L/D)
8:00AM your guide will collect you at your hotel in Hanoi after breakfast and we’ll depart for Hoa Binh Province, which lies just 80km west of Hanoi. On the way we’ll make a stop at a local market before continuing towards Mai Chau Valley and stopping in the village of Pom Coong for a bit of rest and lunch in a typical Thai house built on stilts.,, After lunch, we’ll go for a hike through the Pu Luong Reserve, walking amidst rice fields and mountains, and crossing small villages where we’ll get to see the traditional daily life of the locals all around us in this natural paradise. You’ll get an even closer look at this when we have dinner and spend the night with a local family in one of the Thai stilt houses. Trekking 5-7 km
Day 2: Trek To Kho Muong Village (B/L/D)
On the second day we have an optional activity for those that don’t mind rising early. If you get up before sunrise, you can enjoy watching it ascend over the mountain tops, as local farmers hustle around doing their early morning activities. You can even join in for a little while to get a true taste for rural Vietnamese life. Whether you participate in this or not, you’ll enjoy breakfast made by the local Thai people you’re staying with, before starting the 5-6 hours of trekking we have planned for you. The first stretch is the hardest, containing some steep climbs and exciting river crossings, but you will be well rewarded as the next stretch is easier, and you’ll get to see absolutely stunning views of the valley and rice terraces, rainforests and streams within from your high vantage point. A picnic lunch will be served when you reach Hin Village, before continuing on to Hieu Village, considered by many to be the most aesthetically beautiful rural village in all of Vietnam. Finally we’ll reach Kho Muong village, where you can spend your time freely, either by strolling around the village and talking to locals, or relaxing in the eco homestay set up by FFI (Flora and Fauna International) in conjunction with the local communities. The total trekking you will have done to get here is around 12-15 kilometres. At night you’ll have time to drink and socialize with the friendly locals amidst the tranquil ambiance of Kho Muong, before turning in for the night in a traditional Thai style stilt house. Trekking 12-15 km
Day 3 : Kho Muong Village- Hieu Village ( B , L ,D )
Trekking up to 5 hrs Difficulty: Medium
Enjoy dreamlike waterfall scenery at dawn and walk around the village to interact with local people. Have a hearty breakfast at the homestay and say goodbye to the host family and villagers. Then trek along the stream and through rice terrace paddies for between 10 and 12km (5-6 hours). Enjoy a picnic lunch en route before arriving at the next homestay.,,Shower and enjoy dinner with the host family before tucking in for the evening.,,Overnight at local homestay
Day 4 : Hieu Villages - Na Meo Border- Vieng Xay ( B, L, D )
Transfer 2.5 hrs Trekking up to: 1.5hrs Difficulty: Easy
After breakfast, be transferred for approximately an hour and a half from Hieu to Na Meo. Here, receive assistance while crossing the border between Vietnam and Laos.,,The town of Viengxay contains hundreds of caves that sheltered local people and the country's future leaders for a vital period in world history.,,Reach Laos around 10:00 and, after formality, transfer to Vieng Xay. Walk on a village road lined with stilted homes of the ethnic people who inhabit the area. After arriving at Vieng Xay Village, be warmly welcomed by the homestay owner and then have dinner and a chat with the host family.
Note: All homestays in Vietnam are traditional wooden houses shared with the localhost. There will be a simple mattress, blanket, mosquito net, and pillow. Simple sleeping bags are available as well. There will be a common bathroom with hot water for showering and a western toilet.
Day 5 : VIENGXAY CAVES COMPLEX - SAM NUE - MUANG HIEM ( B , L , D )
Viengxay is a district and town in Huaphanh Province. The biggest attraction of the town are the caves. The former Pathet Lao headquarters of Viengxay sit in a striking valley of fertile hills and limestone cliffs dotted with caves, several of which were used to shelter the Pathet Lao officers during the second Indochina war. Viengxai was cobbled together by comrades from Russia, North Korea and Vietnam as well as labourers from Huaphanh’s notorious re-education camps. In 1973, at the end of the war, there were plans to make Viengxai the heart of the newly socialist nation, but in the end Laos’s socialist friends could not be convinced to foot the bill to turn a backwater into a gleaming new capital, and so the Pathet Lao leadership decamped to Vientiane.,,Take an audio tour that tells the story of the 'hidden city' through the history that created it and interviews with local people. Discover the area's beauty as well as its fascinating hidden history. Drive to Sam Neu to have lunch and make a short visit to this town before continuing your drive on the curvy road to Muang Hiem. Overnight at a local Guesthouse.
Day 6 : Enter the National Park. Wildlife Observation Tower and overnight in the Nests ( B , L , D )
(5km local tractor + 7.5 km forest trek. 1h tractor + 4 hours trek. Elev. Gain/Loss +460m/-420m. Avg. Slope +11%/-10%)
Morning The National Park’s English-speaking guide and driver will meet clients at around 8:00am at the guesthouse in Muang Hiem. First, visit the National Park’s headquarters and Visitor Center in Muang Hiam. The guide will share a presentation of the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park and introduce the on-the-ground efforts in protecting wildlife.,,After a 30-minute drive along a curvy road through gorgeous mountainous landscapes and through the National Park corridor you will arrive at Ban Nam Poung Village, an ethnic Khmu Village, situated on the edge of the National Park’s boundary. The village guide, porters and cooks will be waiting to greet you at the village. The guide will inform you about the itinerary of the upcoming tour. At around 9.30 am clients will get on a hand tractor (tok tok) – a tractor for plowing rice paddies that can be converted into a transportation vehicle and pass through this Khmu village. This is a good opportunity to see the daily village life and briefly learn about Khmu culture. The following 5km on the tok tok will continue through the village’s rice and corn fields with moderate climbs, learning along the way about upland rice cultivation and rural livelihoods.,,Once at the edge of the fields and forest the guides will explain the different management zones of the park and we will start trekking into the National Park. The trek will follow a 7km trail built and maintained by the village. This trail passes through a thick jungle and mixed deciduous forest. At about 12:00, enjoy a local picnic lunch inside the National Park. After lunch, continue trekking. The local guide will show you medicinal plants and spot animal tracks and birds along the way. After around 4 hours trekking inside the National Park, you will arrive at the Nests campsite and will be shown to your accommodation – the hanging spherical “Nests”. Enjoy free time to relax and bath in the nearby river.,Evening Relax around a campfire inside the National Park and enjoy a traditional Khmu dinner prepared by the village cooking group at around 6-7 PM. Dinner is eaten at the camp and is not allowed at the observation tower. After dinner, you will receive a briefing about wildlife viewing at the Poung Nied salt lick – one of the largest salt licks in the National Park. The guides will inform tourists about the species of animals they may see and explain the rules and expectations for spotlighting.,,It’s important to follow the introduced rules, such as: no talking, no eating at the salt lick observation tower. We will stay at the observation tower for a few hours (depending on your curiosity and patience) until no later than 11:30 pm.,,The most common animals that you might spot include Sambar and barking deer (AKA muntjak) and various species of civets, although, if lucky, you may see also other protected animals such as bears, dhole, several species of wild cats and others.,,Please wear warm clothes as it can be quite cold in the late evening/night time.,Night. Overnight in The Nests (two people per Nest)
Day 7 : Morning Gibbon calls and Birdwatching. Exit the National Park ( B , L , D )
(7.5 km forest trek + 5km local tractor. 4 hours trek + 1h tractor. Elev. Gain/Loss +420m/-460m. Avg. Slope +10%/-11%)
Morning Early morning before breakfast, your guide will offer you two options:,,First option, wake up at 6:00 AM walk back to the nearby salt lick to identify different wildlife tracks. Spend approximately an hour in the observation platform, as morning is a great time for bird watching. After, follow the guide to check the camera traps.,,Second option, wake up early morning at 5:30 and walk for 20 minutes up the mountain to try your luck to listed to the calls of the critically endangered Northern White Checked Gibbons. Enjoy sunrise and birdwatching from a small viewpoint platform in a tree. At 6:30 follow the guide to check the camera traps.,,Once back to the camp, enjoy breakfast and view wildlife camera trap photos taken by the camera trap during the previous night.,,Twelve surrounding villages involved in this project receive monetary bonuses in the form of a village development fund based on the number and type of wildlife, and wildlife proof identified and viewed in the camera traps (Fee is included in the tour price).,Return – trek from The Nests to Ban Nam Poung Village,,Trek back through the forest to the village’s fields, and enjoy a farmer’s picnic lunch before riding the tok tok (hand tractor) back to the village. Arrive in the village in early afternoon. Once arriving in the village your village hosts will bid you goodbye.,,You will then be transferred back to Muang Hiem by private truck or van. Continue the drive to Nong Khiaw, arrive at Nong Khiaw late afternoon. ,,
Day 8: HALF-DAY HIKING TOUR TO A SCENIC MOUNTAIN TOP SPOT IN NONG KHIAW ( B , L , D )
This is a short and steep trek to the top of the second highest point (Phou Pha Deng) overlooking Nong Khiaw. We’ll ascend about 400 meters (1300ft.) on a trail that’s 1.8 kilometers (1 mi.) long. The short and adventurous trail takes us into the jungle and ancient high altitude forests surrounding the town. ,,On clear days you can see as far as 20 km to the northern mountains of Muang Ngoi area. Nong Khiaw is known for its beautiful mountainous jungle landscape. ,,If you come with limited time and can walk up and down a steep mountain then this is a great and short adventure experience with panoramic views to take home!,,Total tour duration 4 hours; walking up 1.5 hours, snack at the top, then 1.5 hours down.
PREPARATION:,,Good shoes + sun protection. We provide water and food as well as local guiding for you. Recommended in early mornings or later afternoons for best views, depending on season or weather!! Ask our team for recommendations. * Partly slippery in wet season
Day 9 : NONG KHIAW - MUANG NGOI - 3 MINORITIES TREK ( B , L , D )
Transfer from Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi By boat: 1-hour Trekking distance up to 5 hours Difficulty: Medium,,First thing in the morning, take a fishing boat about 15 minutes downstream to Ban Sopkhan, a Lao Loum village. After visiting the village, begin a 2-hour trek through rice fields to Ban Pha Yoong (a Hmong ethnic village), and Ban Tad Lene (a Khmu village). After a picnic lunch, continue trekking to the village of Ban Sopkong. From Ban Sopkong, float downriver toMuang Ngoi by boat. Overnight in Muang Ngoi.
Day 10 : MUANG NGOI - MUANG KHUA ( B , L , D )
Transfer from Muang Ngoi to Muang Khua by boat: 5-6 hours,,After breakfast at a local restaurant, 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 while cruising downstream. In the late afternoon, reach the destination of Muang Khua, famed for the dramatic limestone mountains which surround it. Disembark and check in to the accommodation on the banks of the Nam Ou River. Overnight in Muang Khua
Day 11 : MUANG KHUA - PHONGSALY (5-6 hours drive)
After breakfast leave Muang Khua early, drive to Phongsaly, on the way we will stop to visit some villages and local markets. Arrive at Phongsal, check in and start from Namleng village( village of Akha oma). On the way we walk pass tea plantation and experience wonderful landscape. Then we descend to Akha Oma village. Explore village and its people, learn to know their stories briefly. Continue trekking through Tea plantations and forests to Kordeng village ( village of Phounoy). Lunch time at Ban Kordeng. After that we continue our trekking to famous tea village, the 400 years old Tea trees of Ban Kormaen explore Tea plantations. We take good chance to drink fresh boiled tea with families, buy tea for souvenir. Then hiking back to Ban Chaphou, after that we take our private car back to Phongsaly.
Day 12 : TRIBAL VILLAGES OF AKHA NOUKOUY ( B , L , D )
One day trek will lead you visit traditional villages of Akha noukouy, experience the living life of hill tribe people, untouched villages by many tourists, the women at these villages still wear their daily traditional dresses, ,,For today program, after your own breakfast we drive our private car from Phongsaly to Ban Chakhampa, an Akha village, a very nice village located on higher mountain.,,Visit the village and its people.,,We start our trek to two other villages of Akha Noukouy. On the way we have a good view of the area, endless mountainous landscapes. Picnic lunch will be arranged. We trek uphill to higher point of mountain ridge, arrive at Ban Peryenxangkao, the highest village in this area, enjoy amazing landscapes and then descend to B. Chalernmai, visit this village. After visiting that village we walk uphill back to Ban Chakhampa, arrive at Ban Chakhampa and we drive back to Phongsaly.
Trekking: 4-5 hours, trekking level: moderate
Day 13 : PHONGSALI - OUDOMXAY - NAM KAT YOLA PA RESORT ( B , L , D )
Transfer from Phongsaly to Oudomxay : 7-8 hours
After breakfast, depart for Oudomxay. The road is situated on the mountain slopes and is in good condition. The drive will pass by beautiful landscapes, banana plantations, local rural life in the villages that border the road, and panoramic views over the surrounding mountains. Make a stop at Ban Bountai around 12:30 and enjoy a picnic lunch or a local soup delicacy. There is also a chance to visit the local market. Continue to Oudomxay for about 4 hours. Arrive around 16:30 and check in at the hotel. Once settled, take a guided walk through the streets of Oudomxay. The charm of the town is made by the narrow paved streets bordered by traditional Chinese houses in wood. The guide will explain the history and culture of this multicultural city and the harmony that reigns between Lao people and Chinese immigrants. There will also be a visit made to a Chinese temple where some beautiful views await. After the tour, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight at Nam Kat Yola Pa Resort.
Day 14 : UDOMXAY - NAM KAT YOLA PA ( B , L , D )
Trekking distance up to 6 hours Difficulty: Medium,,The next two days of exploring are Ecotourism at its best! It’s perfect for those seeking a true experience of the Laos rainforest. Journey through some of the most stunning scenery in the Nam Kat Protected Rain Forest Area. Cross rivers and streams, trek through dense forests, and experience true natural beauty. It is predominantly spent trekking through the forest and mountains of pristine trees and is designed for moderately active people who love getting into the great outdoors. Departing from the resort at around 9:00, trek uphill to Houay Soum waterfall. This waterfall has two levels and a chance to walk under the falls. A refreshing swim is always a good option to help cool down. Trek onwards to a part of the park famous for its many beehives. This will take about one hour and will be followed by a lunch break. Note: this activity mostly takes place during the dry season from November to May. Dinner and overnight at Nam Kat Yolapa.
Day 15 : OUDOMXAY - PAKBENG ( B , L , D )
Transfer: 2.5 hrs - 3 hrs . This morning, enjoy breakfast overlooking the Mekong before a late (10:00) check out, heading away from the river towards Pakbeng. This is a reasonably straightforward journey, where the landscape is covered with a variety of agricultural farming. There will be a chance to stop at the Ban Yor Pottery village en route along with a few photo stops. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, enjoy lunch followed by a walk up the town's to get a panoramic view of the surrounding town and countryside. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. Overnight in Pakbeng
Day 16 : PAKBENG TREK ( B, L, D )
You will enjoy a full day tour of Pakbeng region. Easy level of trekking and walking in villages. You will discover the local life and share with the villagers and schoolchildren (this will delight the inhabitants who are as curious as you). You could also try to harvest. Overnight in Pakbeng.
Day 17 : PAK OU - PAKBENG - LUANG PRABANG ( B , L , D )
As we make our way down the river, we will pass areas of un-spoilt forest supporting little villages along the riverbank. We will visit a fishing village and a rice winemaking village and perhaps even taste some the beverage known as Lao Lao (rice whiskey). We’ll also stop to see the famous Pak Ou caves, filled with hundreds of Buddha images of all styles and sizes. The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is naturally lit, but the upper cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and darker, so watch your step. (Both caves are accessible by stairs.) This journey will end at Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After check in we join a traditional Baci ceremony. Held to celebrate a special event, whether a marriage, a homecoming or a departure, the ceremony centers on the ancient belief that the human being is a union of 32 organs and a kwan (soul) that watches over each of them. Since a wayward kwan is often the attributed cause of an illness or bad fortune the chants specific to the baci ceremony call the kwan back to the body from wherever it may be roaming and re-establishes equilibrium. At the end of the ceremony, the village elders wrap a white cotton thread around your wrist, chanting an invocation to strengthen the power of the blessings, afterward we will visit the Night market before our dinner. Back to the hotel after dinner. End The Tour.
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Tour price: Contact us
Group size: 2 to 25 Pax
Departure date based on your inquiry
Tour Cost Includes:
- Meals in tours : L = Lunch , D = dinner , B = breakfast
- Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
- Accommodation in tour - 17 nights
- Boat trip, local ferry in tour
- Back up AC vehicle for the complete tour
- English speaking Local Guide - Cum trekking guide
- Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only trekking part)
- Unlimited filter water during trekking (Only trekking part)
- Entrance fees and permissions
- Driver Allowance
- Toll and Parking charges
- 10% Government Taxe
Tour Cost Excludes:
- International flight tickets, visa
- Accommodation in Hanoi and Luang Prabang after day 17
- Other personal expenses
- Tips and Gratitude
- Travel insurance
- Any Hard and Soft Drinks with meals
