Highlights

• Muang Kua: ethnic fishermen village with linked road to Northern Laos
• Kayaking: more than 130 km on the Nam Ou with whitewater rapids, that can be classified as grades 2 and few 2-3. Do not worry this tour is also suitable for beginners. The beautiful landscape will be the highlight on some parts of the trip.
• Camping: you will camp on nice sandy river beaches or on small islands. Your guide will help you to establish your camp, campfire and as well Lao BBQ.
• Ethnicities Khamu, Hmong and Lao: different identities and different cultures
• Fascinating nature: you will discover an incredible number of different landscape types along the Nam Ou River
• Fishing: Discover the specific features of river fishing: either with home-made angling rod or a professional cast net.
• Muang Ngoi: peaceful backpacker's paradise with a lot of different activities, like trekking, caving, waterfall.
• Swimming: You can on the Nam Ou either take a refreshing bath or follow the river current with your life jacket. It is up to you!
• Nong Kiaw: back in the simple civilized world, you can continue to experience nature activities

Day 1 : Start from Luang Prabang to Muang Kua (By truck) (L,D)

Meet your guide and travel from Luang Prabang, through Oudom Xai and then to Muang Kua. We cross nice mountainous landscapes, especially during the second part of the trip on the Nam Bak river valley. We visit Muang Khua and overnight there in a simple guesthouse.

Day 2 : From Muang Kua on the Nam Ou to the 1st Camp (Kayak about 36 km/ 6 hours) (B,L,D)

After a kayaking safety and technique instruction, we can finally go on the Nam Ou. It is an easy day on the river but on the way down we discover great landscape. We can stop over in villages to meet different ethnic groups. In the evening we arrive at the camp, where we can go fishing, swimming, and enjoying the time on a fire camp.

Day 3 : On the Nam Ou to the second Camp ‘The Beach’ (Kayak about 27 km/ 5 hours) (B,L,D)

After a big breakfast, we go for our second step on the river. On the way, we visit Ban Hardgya, a typical Lao fishermen village. 55 Lao families are living in this village and this is the biggest village we will see along the river until we reach Muang Ngoi District and visit Ban Sop Jaem. Near the camp, you can relax after kayaking by fishing or swimming.

Day 4 : From the Beach Camp to Muang Ngoi (Kayak about 9 km/ 3 hours) (B,L)

Today is a special and particular day of this kayak tour through Northern Laos. This area is a rocky and cliffy region. After paddling we will reach Muang Ngoi, where we have the chance to sleep in a comfortable bed, to take a warm shower and eat in small restaurants. You can either visit a small temple (with 5 monks), a school or a hospital ward. In the afternoon, we will arrive at the camp on the Nam Ou River sandy beach. We will overnight in simple bungalows.

Day 5 : Muang Ngoi:  Free day to explore (B)

We spend one day in this paradise and it is a free day for you to explore Muang Ngoi which is known for its incredible scenery and remoteness. Optional activities include trekking, caving, visiting some waterfalls or villages in the surroundings and, of course, go fishing or swimming. You can choose to rest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Laos. The activities are optional, and cost extra. Stay overnight in a simple bungalow.

Day 6 : From Muang Ngoi to Nong Khiaw (Kayak about 27km/4-5 hours) (B,L,D)

This step on the Nam Ou brings us to a speed part of the river and through diversified landscapes. Arrived in Nong Kiau, we can enjoy the nice atmosphere of this small village and explore the bridge over the Nam Ou. Our accommodation has a nice view o the river and the mountains. We will have dinner on a small terrace on the Nam Ou.

Day 7 : On the Nam Ou - South from Nong Khiau (Kayak about 22km/5-6 hours) (B,L,D)

Today we will kayak calm waters from Nong Khiaw to a spectacular location and riverside village where we will overnight. Your guide will show you how locals live and make their life on the Enjoy until the end the particularity of this incredible trip through Northern Laos.

Day 8 : Nam Ou, Pak Ou cave, Luang Prabang (Kayak about 15 km) (B,L)

Wake to breakfast in the village before we set out by kayak on the last stretch of the Nam Ou until arriving at a place where our driver can pick up us. Along the return way to Luang Prabang, we will stop to visit the Pak Ou cave, located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Ou and then the "Whiskey Village". We will arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

*Note that a backup local boat will attend you for the duration of the tour and carry supplies.  On any day that you would like to rest more and kayak less, you may opt to ride the backup boat.

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Included Travel Services

• All transfers from the start point to the end in Luang Prabang
• Overnight in simple accommodation or in tents
• English speaking guide
• Backup boat
• Kayak, paddle, helmet, life jacket
• Meals as described in the program: simple Lao style
• Local taxes and authorizations

Not Included Travel Services

• Personal expenditures
• Arrival to Laos
• Tips
• Insurance.
• Accommodation in Luang Prabang

 Preparation

• Bring a small dry bag for your camera and purse
• Torch and spare batteries
• Your own sleeping bag, it could be quite cold from December to February
• Clothes that dry fast
• Towel and Sarong (long skirt) used by Lao to go bathing in the river. This is important for women.
• Pocket knife
• Strong sun protection
• Hat, long sleeves T-shirts and long trousers
• Running shoes and sandals, socks
• First-aid kit
• And don t forget to be tolerant and open-minded