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Laos: 10 day "Secrets of the North" - Ethnic encounter, River journey, Activity tour in Laos, Trekking in Laos

The name of this Laos tour is the ingredients! Touring the very north of Laos between the borders of China and Vietnam is still a novelty and something special even for experienced travellers. Not many people have been seen in the highlands and ethnic villages of the Akha. The northern Laos Tour combines amazing landscapes with trekking and river trips as well as some of the most scenic landscapes in northern Laos...

Travel No. 13142

You can find these and other travels under the following categories:

Asia » Laos » Trekking
Asia » Laos » Adventure Travel
Asia » Laos » Ethnic Experience

 

SPECIAL INTEREST LAOS TOUR

Secrets of the North - 10 day Laos


Adventure Tour in Laos

Laos Adventure Tour

 

Phongsali Loop and Akha experience tour

adventure tour from/to Luang Prabang as sample itinerary, please contact our North Laos Tour and Adventureteam for personal tailored itineraries.

Highlights of this Laos tour

  • Unknown northern provinces of Laos
  • Luxury Resort in Muang La
  • Hiking the mountains around Muang La
  • Exploring hidden villages of north Laos
  • Phongsali: sleepy, colonial hilltop town
  • Unique Akha Trekking 2 Days - village overnight
  • Nam Ou green valley river journey, landscapes
  • Muang Ngoi tranquil, hidden paradise
  • Muang Ngoi activity package:
    caves, waterfalls, mountains

 

1. Start from Luang Prabang to Muang La Resort, a luxury retreat in the high north of Laos.
(private bus)

and make your way up north into the beautiful area of the Nam Ou which winds through wonderful landscapes and mountains. From here we take a small side road to Udomxay and further into the mountain areas. Along the way we will visit small villages of the Hmong who live high up in the mountainous areas. Arriving in Udomxay we take a walk on the nearby temple hill. In Muang La we sleep in a perfectly located paradise Resort! Overnight in Muang La Resort : L

2. Muang La Mountains soft adventure
biking tour,
or similar activity with trekking village encounter

Today we explore the secrets of hidden Laos on a bike or while on a short hike. The area received hardly any visitors and the uniqueness of the villages is simply impressive. dWelcome to Laos, and land you can discover... Before we head further up north, enjoy today another night in this special resort, and make sure you try the hot bath or a massage....
Overnight in Muang La Resort B-L


3. From Muang La to Phongsali - village visits, small market town

Trekking - North LaosA wonderful drive brings us up into the remote northern region of Laos between the borders of China and Vietnam. Many small villages along the way invite us for a small walk…and amazing is what we will experience. An ethnic diversity invites us to learn about the people living here. Rice paddies next to the road and the wonderful green mountains are a pleasure for the eyes. Arriving Phongsali in the evening we will find a sleepy little town on the top of a hill. Located around 1,400 meters above see level this place has its very own charm. Overnight in very simple Hotel B-L

 

4. Phongsali, the hidden mountain refuge of Northern Laos ethnic encounter trekking,

This little provincial capital offers some soft activities for this day. We will take the time to walk around the old colonial quarter of the town and along a small trail to a small stupa. This short walk will treat us with great views into the surrounding mountains and on clear sky even with sights over to Vietnam… Preparations for the Akha-Trek will be done today in the afternoon. Overnight in Hat Sa/or close by village in vary basic guest house B-L

 

5. Laos Akha Trek and mountain world - 5-6 hrs. Trekking

Trekking - North Laos  Adventure tourEarly in the morning we collect our small trekking bags and drive down to the Nam Ou river about 20 km from Phongsali. From here we will start to ascent into the mountain world which is inhabited from different ethnic groups. Our aim is to get to know the Akha people who live a very simple life here in the mountains. Their villages nestled in the high ridges of green mountains it seems as we are traveling back in time the higher we come. After some good 5-6 hrs. of walking we arrive in the village that will host us for the night. Normally the private house of the Chief of the village will give us a place to sleep. Our interpreters will help us to find out about their unique way of life… Village overnight B-L-D

NOTE: various trails are available and can be extended for another day

 

6. Akha Trek and river journey on Nam Ou

Waking up in the early morning we can experience how Trekking North Laos - Akhathe Akha spread out for their daily work. Their life is hard and also the young have to help. We have enough time to observe this life that appears to us like hundreds of years ago. The traditional cloths, the unique way of house construction and the cultural heritage is as different as we can think. Packed with loads of impressions we head out to walk back to the river, about 3-4 hrs. away from here. Arriving back in basic civilisation we take a boat to Muang Khua. Depending on the season another night in a simple guesthouse is included here! Overnight in simple Guesthouse in Hat Sa or Muang Khua B-L-D

 

7. River of the North - Nam Ou - Rugged Mountains

Descending the Nam Ou river we will discover on of the most remote river areas of northern Laos. To manage North Laos - Speedboat on the Nam Ou riverthe distance we will take speed boats that drive us through amazing countryside. Rugged mountains, jungle covered hills and small villages along the way are our guides to the little sleepy village of Muang Ngoi. Here we enjoy our evening in small bungalows near the river, the green mountains always in sight. Overnight in nice Bungalows B-L-D

 

8. Muang Ngoi - jewel of nature!
River, mountains, villages, newly discovered cave
...amazing Lao landscape

Today we take our time and explore the wonderful area by foot and boat. Along the river we will stop to see a village and a newly discovered cave invites us for some hours in the darkness. The countryside awaits us with magnificent views into the steep and jungle covered mountain world around us. The whole tour will take about 4-5 hrs. which gives us enough time to relax in the tranquil atmosphere of Muang Ngoi in the afternoon. Overnight in simple Bungalow B-L-D

 

9. Muang Ngoi - Waterfall and Nam Ou river cruise

Trekking - Muang NgoiAnother wonderful activity day offers us a soft trekking tour to a nearby waterfall as well as enough time to explore another cave about an hour away from Muang Ngoi. We will take some time on the river and for a village visit. The later afternoon is free. Overnight in simple Bungalow B-L

10. Muang Ngoi to Luang Prabang

During the morning we relax in the quiet atmosphere of Muang Ngoi. With a small boat we ride down the Nam OU river. Our last opportunity to see the stunning landscape. A three hour bus ride will bring us back to the world heritage town of Luang Prabang. B-L

 

Extend this Laos Adventure with one of our special programs in Nong Khiaw, and add a Fair Trek activity that gives you another 2-3 days after this itinerary in northern Laos!

 


Trekking - Muang NgoiLink to our pictures gallery

Inclusions
- Transportation as per itinerary (boats, minibus, walking)
- Accommodation in Guest houses and villagers home
- Activities as described in itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner)
- English speaking guide and assisting guides where necessary
- All trekking and activity permissions and payments
- Village contributions and local taxes

Not included
- Personal expenses and extra meals
- Insurance and tips


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