Laos Adventure Tour will explore the hidden villages and rustic and untainted scenery in northern Laos on this in-depth and off the beaten track odyssey from Luang Prabang.
Visit little-explored villages, meet humble ethnic minority locals and explore firsthand the magic.
The northern Lao wilderness on adventurous treks and boat rides on the Ou River.
Meet our friendly tour operator, and spend the rest of your day to explore this scenic UNESCO World Heritage site.
Home to three dozen Buddhist temples, some dating back hundreds of years, Luang Prabang has a mystical allure that embodies Laos’ spiritual aura.
Rustic wooden guest houses, sleepy cafes, and warm local smiles are all part of this quiet town’s charm.
And don’t forget to try the Nutella pancakes!
Yes, we know that we should not be saying this, but years after Trippin visited Luang Prabang and the aroma of the Nutella pancakes still wafts its way to us.
If the Nutella pancakes were a cultural diversion, today we will make up for it as we embark on an in-depth journey to discover the daily life of Luang Prabang’s three most prominent ethnic cultures:
the
1)H’mong
2)Khmu
3)Lao Loum.
Chat with a local H’mong family.
Here, sit down with the family and your guide for a chat to learn about how resettlement efforts for ethnic communities like the H’mong changed the rhythm of their daily lives.
Learn about the intricacies of traditional flute making, one of the H’mong community’s most treasured traditional instruments.
After the workshop, head out by tuk-tuk to the banks of the mighty Mekong River and travel by a small traditional boat onward to Ban Xienmene Village.
This sleepy rural community is home to the Khmu and Lao Loum minority groups, and remains a testament to traditional ethnic lifestyles in Laos.
Chat with a local family before learning to make Laos Sa Mou or River Weed salad with them.
Have lunch with the family, local style.
No, it’s authentic and not tailored!
Luang Prabang is the cultural pulsing heart of Laos.
Visit some of Luang Prabang’s most famous temples, including the startlingly ornate Wat Xieng Thong and the magnificent Royal Palace.
Then, head to the living crafts center of Ock Pop Tok in the heart of the city.
The center provides a place for locals to create sustainable and beautiful Laos’ handicrafts and traditional artwork.
After a stroll through the center, kick back, and taste traditional Mak Tum Tea while enjoying the magnificent views over the Mekong River.
Wrap up your day’s journey in Luang Prabang with a visit to Big Brother Mouse, an organization devoted to promoting literacy in children and young adults.
This is the only time you would want to rise early.
Get ready to witness mystical magic.
As the sun just begins to rise, walk downtown through quiet streets to watch the daily procession of about 300 saffron-robed monks walking silently, collecting sticky rice and food offered by locals.
Alms giving is an important religious act in Buddhism, and it must be carried out respectfully by locals and tourists alike.
Please be aware that this is a moment of solemnity and respect, although your guide will help you if you would like to offer food to the monks.
Afterwards, stroll through Luang Prabang’s morning market to see the locals haggling for fresh meat, fruit and vegetables.
Later today, we have an elephant ride through the jungle!
Drive to the nearby Elephant Village, a government-approved project to promote elephant conservation and support local communities.
Then climb atop an elephant for an hour-long ride along jungle paths.
Note: Trippin supports sustainable travel, and we would happily ask our tour operator to customize this part if you are concerned about animal rights.
Afterwards, take a short boat trip to Tad Sae Waterfall and enjoy a dip in the cool water here.
After lunch by the falls, drive back to Luang Prabang, arriving at your hotel by early afternoon.
After breakfast, set off from your hotel toward Udomxay, a rustic region about 300 kilometers north of Luang Prabang.
Along the way, pass through lush rice paddy fields and through tiny street-side villages before making a stop at Ban Pakmong for lunch.
Head onward up the mountains and weave through winding roads – promising stunning panoramic views of the wilderness below – before arriving at Ban Songcha, a traditional H’mong village.
We have a guided walk through wooden homes and farms.
Continue onward to Moung La – your final destination today – for an overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
After breakfast, set off on a heart-racing 4X4 drive, stopping off at a small Khamu market before continuing down a picturesque wilderness route to Ban Poung Hieng Village.
From here, travel another 10 minutes to arrive at Ban Houai Chang – the gateway to Phouhipi National Park.
Your exercise begins here!
Set off into the pristine jungle wilderness here to visit a collection of Khamu and H’mong villages within the depths of the park, many of which rarely see “outsiders” while they carry on working their fields.
After a scenic journey with plenty of photo opportunities, arrive at the Khamu-H’mong village of Ban Houa Nam Bak, a large village of around 1,600 inhabitants.
Nestled close to the Nam Pung Waterfall, this is the starting point of your journey on foot toward the falls – only accessible by trekking.
Along the trek, pass by incredible rock formations to which villagers have secured ropes to aid climbers in reaching the top for arresting views stretching kilometers in either direction.
You will drive to Ban Paknamnoy and its collection of minority villages and plantations.
Then, continue onward to Ban Nonsavanh – where some locals make their living producing homemade Lao whiskey – before sitting down for a tasty lunch.
Afterwards, climb aboard a long tail boat and cruise downstream on the Nam Ou River toward Ban Somjam Village, passing through arresting limestone mountains along the way.
For a taste of traditional Lao lifestyles, choose to sleep in a village headman’s house, or opt for a nearby bungalow with a bit more privacy.
We really would recommend the village chief’s house!
Both sets of accommodation provide comfortable mats, pillows and mosquito nets with basic bathroom facilities.
Settle in for your night within this rustic mountain village alongside the locals.
Today, enjoy a local breakfast and explore the village.
Play soccer well?
Challenge the soccer-mad Laos kids then!
Finally, say goodbye to the villagers before boarding your boat for a cruise downstream with spectacular views of limestone mountain scenery.
Disembark for a gentle, two-hour trek back and forth to Ban Na for insight into the lives of lowland villagers.
Along the way, stop and visit Tam Kang Cave, which once served as a home for locals during the Indochina War.
Opt for a dip to cool off in the blue lagoon pool within the cave before heading back your hotel for a leisurely afternoon exploring surrounding Ban Moung Ngoi or on the banks of the Ou River.
Head out for a guided walk to Pha Thor Cave, former government offices and a local hospital used during the Indochina War, before driving back to Ban Pak Ou for lunch at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou rivers.
Finally, take a local long tail boat back to Pak Ou Cave and a short drive back to Luang Prabang.
After arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of your evening at leisure.
All good things must come to an end. But don’t fear.
The next journey is yours to take. And ours to make.
We can customize any part of this itinerary for you.
Click on the Book Now button to enquire.
We promise you that magic awaits.
Trippin Traveller offers customized offbeat and eco-friendly tours. We are based in Bangalore, India. For us, travel is not mere sightseeing, it's a cultural experience. Connect with us for meeting your travel requirements