TREKKING LUANG PRABANG

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel (early check-in upon availability)
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.
There is no activities planned for today, so you may stroll around for the first impression of this ancient city. Overnight in Luang Prabang. 

We depart from your hotel and drive for around one hour west to Ban Xeng Mouk village where the trek starts.
We begin with a visit to the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Longlao Nung before heading to the nearby Hmong village of Ban Longlao Song. You will be able to observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups and see how despite their differences they manage to work together on a day to day basis and even sharing the same school.
As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddys and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way we explore a cave which was used as a bomb shelter by the locals during the second indochina war.
After visiting the cave, one more hour of trekking brings us to one of the many springs which feeds Kuang Si waterfalls, here a beautiful pool full of sacred fish can be seen. After descending from the top of the waterfall we enjoy a Lao style lunch amongst some beautiful settings!
The afternoon is spent bathing and relaxing around the turquoise pools below the waterfall. You can also visit the bear conservation center which is located nearby and home to many bears which have been rescued from illegal farms.
Before returning to Luang Prabang we take a short walk to a nearby Khmu village of Ban Thapene which is home to some of the most beautiful pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Approximately: 2 hours driving, 3 hours trekking. 

We start this soft adventure day around Luang Prabang with a short 20 minute drive out of town and into the Lao countryside.
Transfer by small boat across the river to begin trekking. This is an easy hike through beautiful jungle with surrounding mountains in the river valley.
Arrive at a Khmu hill tribe village where your local guide will help you explore life nestled in the mountains. The village is nestled at the foot of a big mountain range.
Most of the people here are farmers and fishermen and subsist on their traditional way of agriculture. They even speak a different language here, and your guide will help to ask any questions you have.
We’ll refresh with a break before a scenic and easy walk off the mountain to the Tad Sae Waterfall.
At the waterfall, you can hang out for some swimming and bathing in the refreshing cool water.
Water conditions range from impressive strong currents during the height of the rainy season to slow-flowing and inviting crystal clear waters great for swimming. (Note: During the dry season, from Feb. to Jul., the Tad Sae Waterfall can be low or even dry. The itinerary remains the same with the exception that instead of the waterfall, trekking is extended to visit a riverside village and a longer boat ride is enjoyed on the Nam Khan River through jungle)
A Lao Style Lunch will be served either at the magnificent waterfalls or at a local village.
Return by boat and vehicle to conclude your jungle and village adventure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang. 

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.
We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. 

After breakfast at the hotel, begin our boat up the Mekong, enjoying the lush green forests and landscape. We will be able to stop off at a few villages and admire the breathtaking limestone karst scenery. Along the way we stop to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims.
After visiting the caves, we will hop on the car and continue the transfer to Nong Khiaw, the small town along the lazy Nam Ou River.
After lunch (your own account), visit the historical cave of Phathok. The Nong Khiaw villagers used this cave as a war shelter during the “Secret War”, to shelter people from bombs dropped in the region. It is about a 30 minute gentle walk from Nong Khiaw town and takes you through beautiful scenery. Learn more about a secret part of the Lao history and explore the historical caves with your guide. From the cave you will have a beautiful view of rice paddies and the valley. Walk back to Nong Khiaw along a small path through the rice paddies.
Enjoy the sunset over the river. There is a choice of local restaurants within walking distance (your own account).
Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

Distance: 159KM | 4-hour transfer | MAPS

We begin at 8am and start off by boarding a local long boat and head off upstream through some fantastic landscape before making our first stop of the day at a small riverside village.
Here we take some time to look around and if during a weekday pay the local school a visit to see the charming children as they take part in their classes.
After this we continue onwards to Tad Mork which is located close to the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Sop Kong, an hour trek from the river. At the waterfall, we shall have time to swim and enjoy a picnic lunch.
After that, we will start trekking through the jungle to Ban Phayong, the village of H’Mong ethnic. The trek will take about 2.5 – 3 hours up to a small hill.
Arriving in the village, you will take a stroll around the town to get familiar with the local villagers.
Before having dinner with the host family, we will join the Baci Ceremony. This rite is performed mostly for family and friends who are going or coming back from a long trip. This is their way of saying thank you to you for your visit. Your guides will portability explain more about the ceremony.
Spend your night at Ban Phayong.

2-hour boat trip | 2-hour easy trek | 2.5-3-hour moderate trek

Wake up early, you can help the host to prepare breakfast, or watch the sunrise over the mountains.
In the morning, we will have 3 hours trekking downhill via the paddy, corn fields to the bank of Nam Ou River. From there, we boarded the cruise upstream to Muang Ngoi, the fishing village in the middle of nowhere.
In the afternoon, we will trek to the local village of Ban Na, Khmu village, and the caves of Tham Kaang, which are said to have supernatural powers.
Walk back to Muang Ngoi whilst the sun is setting.
If time permits, you can swim at the Nam Ou river, just like the locals.
Overnight in Muang Ngoi. 
2.5-hour walk | 1.5-hour boat trip

Start this day of adventure with a peaceful boat ride on the Nam Ou River where you will be able to explore a small Lao village along the riverside.
Learn about the villagers and their way of life along this Northern Laos River before beginning the ‘100 Waterfalls Adventure Trail’!
Walking through small streams and rice paddies, you will arrive at the bottom of the 100 Waterfalls which were only first explored in October 2008!
For the next few hours you will see only water and jungle and hear the constant 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 that you can enjoy on the falls surrounded by amazingly green nature.
A small village trail on the top of the ‘100 Waterfalls’ will lead us on our hike back down into the valley, offering wide views over the expansive Nam Ou valley.
Once back in the village we will have some more time to experience the daily life of the Nam Ou riverside village before heading back to Nong Khiaw (Nong Khiau) by boat.

20-minute transfer | 4-hour trek | 2-hour boat trip

After breakfast, transfer to Muang Soune, which locates 65Km from the center in the north of Luang Prabang by the bank of Nam Ou River.
12pm – 12:30pm: Arrival in the village area and river crossing with local ferry or pirogue. Introduction with the family.
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch time with family
1:30pm – 2pm: Rest
2pm – 5pm: Explore local activity in the village, visit the school,  visit the weavers who can tailor-make a local dress for you and other village artisans.
5pm – 6pm: Bathe in the river or shower in the house
Prepare dinner with Kham or enjoy a fresh beer Lao or a local drink with your hosts
7:30pm – 9pm: Dinner with the family
9pm till ….: Kham’s favorite after dinner activity is playing cards with her uncle. You are welcome to join, but beware… Kham and her uncle are very good!

5am – 6am: Wake up early to prepare sticky rice for Monk’s offering later on.
6am – 7am: Alms giving in the temple
7am – 8am: Breakfast with the family
8am – 10am: Go with Kham and her uncle fishing on the Ou River and learn some new techniques
10am – 1pm: Hike to the rice fields and explore the rural life of farmers. Visit some family organic gardens on the way too.
1pm – 2pm: Lunch time with the family
2pm – 3pm: Free time to go around the village and purchase souvenirs if you wish
3pm – 3:30pm: River crossing with local boat and departure to Luang Prabang
5pm: Arrival at your hotel and end of the Homestay Experience.

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before transferring back to Luang Prabang Airport to take the departure flight. 

A trip in Laos is sure to bring you wonderful experiences, from discovering unspoiled destinations, to experiencing food and immersing yourself in the unique culture of this country. Let’s explore Laos with Golden Lotus Travel and create memorable memories in your life!