Trekking Northern Laos (From Thailand)
12 Days / 11 Nights

Day 1: Arrive Huay Xai From Thailand. Transfer to Luang Namtha.
We leave the bustling border town of Huay Xai and on travel northeast on scenic National Highway 3, an incredible winding road which wraps around the mountainsides of northern Laos. We pass close to the Nam Ha protected area which is famous for its community-based ecotourism treks. We make our way to Luang Nam Tha with stops en route to visit minority villages (if time permits). On arrival we check into a comfortable local hotel.

Day 2: Trekking in Nam Ha Protected Area
The trek starts in the village of Ban Nam Leu, a Lanten village. The trail ascends from here to the ridge line. Along the trail we will pass through forest in various stages of regeneration as well as some upland fields. Ask the guide to tell you how we are working with the villagers to conserve and regenerate the forest. We will meet local villagers along the trail coming from or going to the market. Descend from the ridge down to the village of Ban Nalan Tai on the banks of the Nam Ha. In order to distribute evenly the benefit between villagers, trips alternate overnight stays between the lodges of Ban Nam Goy (Lanten) and Ban Nalan Tai (Khmu).

Day 3: Trekking in Nam Ha Protected Area
Today we continue trekking through the forest along the banks of the Nam Ha. Monkeys have been reported in this area. If we walk quietly and luck is on our side, we may hear, or even see them. Meet the villagers in the forest along the way for a picnic. We will cross the Nam Ha River on a bamboo raft before entering the Nam Ha National Protected Area. Here the trail traverses old growth forests, follows streams along which we will notice signs of the abundant wildlife in the area. If we are lucky, we may even see some. We continue over the ridge passing through rice paddy before reaching the banks of the Nam Tha and crossing by boat to Ban Hat Yawng. From here, we will return to Luang Namtha either by motor boat or pick-up truck. Transfer to your hotel for the night.

Day 4: Drive from Luang Namtha to Muang Sing
After breakfast, morning drive to Muang Sing (60km). En route visit an Ikhor minority village and then on to a Lanten village. Also see Had Yao Village Handicrafts Co-operative and Ban Lak Kham Mai (Akha). En route, visiting Ikhor minority village. The Ikhor belong to the ethnic Khor group once originally called “ Akho or Akha “ meaning “ older brother “ in Lao. They emigrated from South China about 500 years ago due to war and entered the Lanexang kingdom of Laos through the Southwest. Upon entering Laos, the Khor group divided into sub-tribes: Khor Pho Xang, Debla, Loma, Eupa, and Mu Kuew etc. The women of Khor tribes are skilled in weaving, knitting and ornamental sewing, while the men are excellent woodcrafters. The men are often dressed in baggy pants, dark brown long sleeved shirt, with silver ornaments. Continue to visit a Lanten minority village. The Lanten are sometimes called “Lao Houay“ (stream Lao) because they choose to live near permanent streams. The dark indigo clothing worn by men and women immediately recognizes them. The women also pluck or shave their eyebrows upon reaching puberty and wear their hair in a traditional style, swept up and held in place with beautiful silver jewelry. Upon arrival in Muang Sing, check-in at the hotel.

Day 5: Akha Experience Trekking and Village Visits
We depart at 8:30 from the Eco-Guide Service office (Eco-Guide Service office is 59 km further from Luang Namtha town). Transfer by pick-up (or Tuk Tuk) takes us to Ban Nam O, a traditional village of the Khmu Kwaen ethnic groups. This is where our first village-based guide joins the group. The first half of the day follows the meandering Nam O River and its lush valley. A Lao-style picnic lunch is taken on the way when hiking across several ridges offering panoramic views onto the forests of the Nam Ha Protected Area. The well-worn Akha trail continues pass a temporary settlement of the upland rice farmers of Ban Nam O. The first lodge on the top of a mountain at the Akha Phouli village of Ban Nam Lo is reached by late afternoon. A traditional Akha dinner cooked by the villagers marks the end of an adventurous first day.

Day 6: Akha Experience Trekking and Village Visits
Rising early, we may be able to hear the sounds of the Black-Cheeked Gibbons. Tour of the village before setting off to a second Akha and Khmu village, Ban Taleng, where we’ll have lunch. During this day, we walk through the primary and secondary forest, and discover “Pa Mai Hok” , a bamboo forest area. After walking to the rough road following the Nam Mai river, the pick-up takes us to the Prasat Cave. The limestone cave is the final stop on this tour before returning to Vieng Phoukha in the mid-afternoon.

Day 7: Transfer to Udomxai.
Breakfast, drive overland heading southward to Udomxai, this small town encompasses around 30,000 inhabitants. Udomxai is the key intersection between Thailand, China, and Vietnam.

Day 8: Udomxai to Luang Prabang.
Continue driving to Luang Prabang; the site of Laos’ former royal capital which is now the World Heritage Town, the little town of Luang Prabang is a gem. Nestled in an elbow of the Mekong river surrounded by treed mountains, this remote northern town has long been Laos’ religious centre. You’ll find dozens of historic temples, lovely French-built villas, streets lined with charming old shop-houses, monks strolling in their distinguished orange robes and black umbrellas... Optional stop en route to visit the holy cave of Pak Ou. Check-in at your hotel upon arrival and free evening for dinner at strolling through the colorful night market.

Day 9: Sightseeing in Luang Prabang.
Early risers may wish to join townspeople on the hushed streets giving morning offerings to monks en route to their temples. The orange-robed monks are participating in the Buddhist ritual of receiving alms, and locals lining the way fill their baskets with fruit, rice, and other small morsels as the monks walk past.

After breakfast, enjoy the sightseeing of Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. Lay an interesting visit to The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre (closed Monday) - the first exhibition space and fair trade store dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of the traditional arts and lifestyles of Laos. Then visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai and The National Museum (closed Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. We then ascent to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the watch the glowing reflection of the setting sun on the Mekong River. From there, optional explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang

Day 10: Village Trek around Luang Prabang.
Breakfast, drive up hill toward North-East of air-port via Hath Hient Village. We make a stop at the village to experience how villagers make iron knife. We continue to Ban Pickngai (Yuan ethnic minority). Passing the paddy rice field, we arrive to Ban None Tan (Khmu & Low Land ethnic minority) and to Ban Kok Wan (Khmu & Low Land). Our guide will prepare picnic lunch cooked out of local food while we enjoy the beautiful landscape of Hmong ethnic minority village. After lunch, we have time for swimming in Nam Pa River, one of the most scenic rivers. We then drive along the Nam Pa River bank to Ban Bo Hae, Ban Tha Oui and Ban Kok Muang to visit the Hmong villages. There is time to visit 2 more villages on the other river bank by crossing the wooden bridge. We return to Luang Prabang around 4:00pm

Day 11: Kuang Si Falls.
After breakfast, the destination is Ban Long Lao, a small Hmong village. From here you will walk through open farmland and forest trails to the Kuang Si Waterfall, which, while not very high, is striking in its lush jungle setting. Upon arrival there are plenty of opportunities to swim in the refreshing pools and enjoy a boxed picnic lunch. There is also a Bear Rescue Centre where captured bears have been taken from poachers and rehabilitated and cared for. We’ll take some more time for relaxation and swimming before heading back to Luang Prabang by late afternoon. There is also the option to visit Ban Phonesay, a village well known for its silk weavings once been published on the New York Time Magazine. Back to your hotel for a free & easy evening.

Day 12: At leisure until departure.
After breakfast, free at leisure for shopping or packing. Transfer to the airport to catch the departure flight.