Package “Discover Northern Laos”
4 days / 3 nights
Day 1: ... / Lunch / Dinner
Meet at Pakbeng. After 3½ hours (including comfort breaks) you reach the province of Oudom Xai (Muang Xai on some maps) in the heart of northern Laos. The region is rich in mountain scenery and many ethnic minorities live here. After your arrival at Muang La Resort, you have lunch. In the afternoon, you discover the rural life of the village of Pak La which sits around the Resort, strolling through the area and admiring the panoramic views over the Nam Pak River, beautiful rice terraces and the salt mines. You find out how the Khmu people live in harmony with their environment. In total a 2-3 hours walk depending on the pace you choose. The site at Muang La is dominated by the temple of Pha Chiao Sing Kham which houses a sacred Buddha. According to those responsible for its “protection”, the statue simply “appeared” hundreds of years ago and so the temple is now a sacred place of pilgrimage.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Resort.
PS: Activities in the afternoon are accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Day 2: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
You set off in the morning by 4x4 for Pak Khai; this pleasant 15 mins. transfer takes you through some magnificent views over the Nam Pak River, terraced rice fields and many small villages. On your arrival, you trek starts on small winding tracks which snake their way through the forest. You have the opportunity to meet the local farmers working in the rice fields and learn how they cultivate their land, fish and hunt for small game. You continue into the forest and after 1½ hours, you reach the village of Ban Phavie, a beautiful Khmu village sitting on top of a hill. Your trek continues after lunch to cooling waterfalls where you can relax in the clear water cascade, lulled by the gentle breeze (weather permitting).
Dinner and overnight stay at the Resort.
PS: Activities through the day are accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Day 3: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
You set off after breakfast, around 08h30. A 4x4 takes you along a beautiful road besides the Nam Pak River to visit two villages of the Ikhos people. The Ikhos are one of the most reclusive communities in Laos originating from Yunnan Province in China and also from Tibet. In their mountain villages, you will see their houses made of wood and bamboo, you will learn about their way of life and their belief in the spirit world, which impacts their everyday life. Also, you will discover the fascinating way that they dye their clothes using dyes made from the plants of the jungle. A half-day tour that transports you back in time – without doubt, an unforgettable experience. Lunch and free afternoon at the Resort.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Resort.
PS: Activities in the morning are accompanied by an English-speaking guide
Day 4: Breakfast/ Lunch/...
You set off at around 08h30 for Muang Khua in a 4x4. You first follow the main road towards Phongsaly crossing rolling hills; the road leads eventually to Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam. You follow the Nam Pak River, where some of the local people ‘pan for gold”. Nowadays, it is mostly women who ‘pan’ and their colourful fabrics light up the riverbanks.
Approximately 2 ½ hours after leaving Muang La Resort, you arrive at Muang Khua for the start of your superb river cruise. The river journey from Muang Khua to Nong Khiaw is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the region! You take a luxury boat and descend the Nam Ou River, discovering many villages and beautiful landscapes with limestone formations rising majestically from the water. Your lunch comprising a picnic barbecue is taken on one f the beaches along the river. Our services come to an end at Nong Khiaw.
PS: Activities are without guide.
Day 1: ... / Lunch / Dinner
Meet at Pakbeng. After 3½ hours (including comfort breaks) you reach the province of Oudom Xai (Muang Xai on some maps) in the heart of northern Laos. The region is rich in mountain scenery and many ethnic minorities live here. After your arrival at Muang La Resort, you have lunch. In the afternoon, you discover the rural life of the village of Pak La which sits around the Resort, strolling through the area and admiring the panoramic views over the Nam Pak River, beautiful rice terraces and the salt mines. You find out how the Khmu people live in harmony with their environment. In total a 2-3 hours walk depending on the pace you choose. The site at Muang La is dominated by the temple of Pha Chiao Sing Kham which houses a sacred Buddha. According to those responsible for its “protection”, the statue simply “appeared” hundreds of years ago and so the temple is now a sacred place of pilgrimage.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Resort.
PS: Activities in the afternoon are accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Day 2: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
You set off in the morning by 4x4 for Pak Khai; this pleasant 15 mins. transfer takes you through some magnificent views over the Nam Pak River, terraced rice fields and many small villages. On your arrival, you trek starts on small winding tracks which snake their way through the forest. You have the opportunity to meet the local farmers working in the rice fields and learn how they cultivate their land, fish and hunt for small game. You continue into the forest and after 1½ hours, you reach the village of Ban Phavie, a beautiful Khmu village sitting on top of a hill. Your trek continues after lunch to cooling waterfalls where you can relax in the clear water cascade, lulled by the gentle breeze (weather permitting).
Dinner and overnight stay at the Resort.
PS: Activities through the day are accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Day 3: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
You set off after breakfast, around 08h30. A 4x4 takes you along a beautiful road besides the Nam Pak River to visit two villages of the Ikhos people. The Ikhos are one of the most reclusive communities in Laos originating from Yunnan Province in China and also from Tibet. In their mountain villages, you will see their houses made of wood and bamboo, you will learn about their way of life and their belief in the spirit world, which impacts their everyday life. Also, you will discover the fascinating way that they dye their clothes using dyes made from the plants of the jungle. A half-day tour that transports you back in time – without doubt, an unforgettable experience. Lunch and free afternoon at the Resort.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Resort.
PS: Activities in the morning are accompanied by an English-speaking guide
Day 4: Breakfast/ Lunch/...
You set off at around 08h30 for Muang Khua in a 4x4. You first follow the main road towards Phongsaly crossing rolling hills; the road leads eventually to Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam. You follow the Nam Pak River, where some of the local people ‘pan for gold”. Nowadays, it is mostly women who ‘pan’ and their colourful fabrics light up the riverbanks.
Approximately 2 ½ hours after leaving Muang La Resort, you arrive at Muang Khua for the start of your superb river cruise. The river journey from Muang Khua to Nong Khiaw is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the region! You take a luxury boat and descend the Nam Ou River, discovering many villages and beautiful landscapes with limestone formations rising majestically from the water. Your lunch comprising a picnic barbecue is taken on one f the beaches along the river. Our services come to an end at Nong Khiaw.
PS: Activities are without guide.
