Northwest Laos Experience

0 (No Review)
From: $2,050
0
(0 review)
Inquiry
Duration

13 days 12 nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

An a 13-day adventure in northern Laos, immersing yourself in its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The journey begins with the Gibbon Experience, where you’ll explore the jungle, stay in treehouses, and zip-line through the canopy. Trek through the Golden Triangle, visiting Akha and Thai Lue villages, witnessing their daily lifestyles, and staying in homestays. Discover the fascinating Chom Ong Cave, with its impressive chambers and underground river. Trek the 100 Waterfalls Trail, hiking through lush landscapes and swimming in crystal-clear pools. Along the way, interact with local communities, learn about their traditions, and enjoy homestay experiences. This adventure offers a perfect balance of outdoor exploration, cultural encounters, and immersive experiences, allowing you to create unforgettable memories in northern Laos.

Included/Excluded

  • Transportation with air-condition in private
  • Accommodation in twin/double shared room
  • Boat trip as stated in above sights
  • English speaking guide
  • Admission fee to indicated sights
  • Meals as per program
  • Gov’t tax and service charge
  • Luggage handling and drinking water
  • Visa stamping fee on arrival
  • All air tickets quoted separately
  • Travel Insurance in all kinds
  • Single room (quoted separately)
  • Other foreign language guide
  • Peak tourist season or special event rates
  • Tip, drinks and other personal expenses
  • 10% VAT in case the payment is transferred into our company bank account

Itinerary

Upon finishing the border formality, our guide & driver will pick you up and transfer you directly to the office of Gibbon Experience to reconfirm and get some information for the tour the days after.

We then transfer to your simple guesthouse in town to spend the night.

Free for the rest of the day for your own exploration. Overnight in Huayxay.

+ Guide & Driver only

+ Meal: NONE

+ Accommodation: Hotel in Huayxay

In the morning, you come back to the office of Gibbon Experience and join the transfer into the jungle for the Gibbon Experience.

We will arrive in Ban Toup at around 11:30AM. From here, we will be taken care by the local English-Speaking Guide.

After lunch at the village, we start our 02 hour shiking to become familiar with the cable network. At the end of the hiking, you will arrive at your tree house.

The rest of the afternoon is your free time; you can keep hiking around or do some ziplining. Dinner will be served at around 05PM or 06PM.

Overnight at your tree house.

+ Guide & Driver

+ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ Accommodation: Treehouse in the jungle

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

Guide & Car from Gibbon Experience

06:30-07:00: Early wake up to seize the chance to hear the gibbons singing while enjoying the tea or coffee. 08:00: Breakfast + Optional hiking and ziplining 09:30: departure for 02 hours trek to the next tree house About 12:00, arriving at the waterfalls where you can go for a swim. After lunch, you go by ziplines to your tree house. 03:00 PM, optional hiking and ziplining 05:00 Dinner; the rest of the night is your own free time

+ Driver & Guide

+ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ Accommodation: Treehouse in the jungle

+ Pick-up: 08:00AM

Early wake up again to enjoy the gibbon singing.

After breakfast at 08:00AM, we will hike back to Ban Toup.

We arrive in the village around noon to have lunch.

After that, you will hop on the waiting minivan to transfer directly to Luang Namtha.

Along the way, there are plenty of chance to visit the local villages or admire the panoramic view of northern Laos.

We arrive in Luang Namtha just in time to catch the sunset. Check in your simple guesthouse in town.

Overnight in Luang Namtha

+ Driver only

+ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

+ Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Namtha

+ Pick-up: 08:00AM

7:00 AM pick up at your hotel in Luang Namtha by 4 Wheel Drive to Ban Meutorkhao (Akha village), traditional lunch will stop eaten on the way. 

Next go to Ban Jakhamleu (AKHA VILLAGE) and from here we will walk a liter bit about 1:30 hours to Ban Sompanmai and some stop to visit Soplouy School, where a lot of Akha students from the village around come to study. 

We will arrival the village of ban Sompammai around 17:00, this is where we spend the night.

While waiting for dinner we walk around the village visit people back from working, talk with the villagers to get new experience, learn about their culture, traditional and you will see style of leaving of the countryside and to see beautiful sunset. After dinner if you want to do a massage which is traditionally given to the guests who stay overnight in the village. 

+ Driver & Guide

+ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ Accommodation: homestay

+ Pick-up: 07:00AM

In the morning you will get experience of Akha daily lifestyle. After breakfast, 9:00 AM start walking to Ban Jakhatan (AKha village), which takes about 2 hours.

We then continue onto Ban Phangoa (Akha village), which also takes another 2 hours, spend the time about 30 minutes to visit villages and talking with the local people. 

Picnic lunch will be provided on the trail. 

Then walk down to the Mekong river where a boat will come to pick up to Ban Xiengkhaeng, the village of Thai Lue. 

You have ample time to walk around the village and get familiar with the local people.

Overnight at Ban Xiengkhaeng.

+ Driver & Guide

+ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ Accommodation: Homestay

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

In the morning you will get experience of Thai Lue daily lifestyle. After breakfast, walk up mountain to visit Ban Jainta (Akha village), playing with the children and learn about their way of life.

Another 4-hour walk through the jungle trail will lead us to Ban Japhouthone, where car will come to pick up back to Muang sing with enjoying the stunning views on the surrounding mountains. Picnic lunch will provide on the way. 

Arriving Muang sing about 4 PM and continue driving another 1 hour to Luang Namtha, where your Golden Triangle Adventure Trail finishes.

Overnight in Luang Namtha

+ Driver & Guide

+ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

+ Accommodation: hotel in Luang Namtha

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

Optional tour: Wake up early morning, you can walk to the nearby morning market to see the local people from the nearby villages bartering the daily findings.

After breakfast, we have ample time to visit That Luang Namtha, which locates on the top of the hill overlooking the town. Here you will enjoy the panoramic view of Luang Namtha and the nearby area.

We then visit Luang Namtha museum, which contains a collection of local anthropological artefacts, such as ethnic clothing, Khamu bronze drums and ceramics. There are also several Buddha images and the usual display chronicling the Revolution.

After that, we will drive to the village of Ban Nambotakaiy which locates at Km24 north of Muang Xay town.

The drive leads us through some of the most stunning mountain scenery you will find in South East Asia, with plenty of opportunities to stop off at the various Khmu and H’mong villages along the way Upon arrival in the village, we will take a right turn on the dirt road and continue driving another 20Km to the village of Ban Chom Ong, the base for our exploration of the famous Chom Ong cave the day after.

Take time to walk around the village, you will see several local people producing handicraft products as well as a blacksmith forging the lao machetes.

Stop at a small shop, cool off with a cold beer before having the dinner with the host family.

Overnight at the village

+ Driver & Guide

+ Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

+ Accommodation: Homestay in Chom Ong village

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

After breakfast, we will start our day exploration of the cave with the 1-hour walk from the village following the small track to the cave.

Chom Ong Cave, locally called Tham Chia (Bat Cave) is the second longest cave in Laos, and home to a big bat family. The local people traditionally hunt bats in the cave as food and exploit guano, which can be used as fertilizer, explosive agent, or gunpowder. 

We will first enter the cave via the lower entrance where the river exits the cave. This is one of the most stunning parts of the entire cave, as the light from outside reflects off the river and paints the inside of the walls with an orange glow.

Walk up the river a few hundred meters and then turn around to go to the main entrance which leads to 18+ km of tunnels. The cave almost immediately opened to massive cathedral-like chambers nearly 50 meters high. 

We then wander through the cave to the famous spot where a smaller chamber suddenly drops 18 meters to the underground river that flows through the cave.  

Approach further, we will hear the steady roar of water before we see where it is coming from. 

The adventurous travelers can continue deeper into the main chambers of the cave, going further than the regular tour allows, where you can explore some more several large chambers full of unique formations.

You have time to take a dip into the natural pool inside the cave before getting out of the cave and walking back to the village.

Spend the dinner and the second night with the host family.

+ Driver & Guide

+ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ Accommodation: homestay

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

After breakfast, we will bid the farewell to the village and drive south to Nong Khiaw

En route, we stop at Nam Hin Lake, where we will enjoy a short boat ride around the lake.

Continue further, we make a few rest stops along the way, which gives you the opportunity to see the ethnic minority groups of Hmong, Khmu, Akha and Taidam. The hill tribe people are unfailingly friendly; welcoming you with waving hands and smiling faces. 

The journey to Nong Khiaw leads us through areas with dramatic landscape. We will also visit the hilltribe villages of Hmong at Ban Jarong, Ban Songja, Khmu before arriving at Nong Khiaw in late afternoon. 

Nong Khiaw is a remote village situated by the banks of the Nam Ou river, across a dramatic valley the surrounding mountainous scenery is stunning. 

Overnight in Nong Khiaw

+ Driver & Guide

+ Meal: Breakfast

+ Accommodation: Hotel in Nong Khiaw

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

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.

+ Driver & Guide

+ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

+ Accommodation: hotel in Nong Khiaw

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

After breakfast, we will transfer to Muang Soune, which locates 65Km from the center in the north of Luang Prabang by the bank of Nam Ou river.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the host family, before strolling around the village to see the life of local people. We then visit the house of the chief of the village, and talk with him about the living condition, the history, or anything about the village.

The lunch will then be served at the house of the host family.

In the afternoon, you can choose to either relax or to enjoy agricultural activities such as rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields (depending on the season); Traditional fishing techniques (you can sample your catch for dinner!); or walk around the farm and rice field.

If you wish, the dip in the Nam Ou river is very inviting and worth a try.

You may wish to join and help the host with preparing the dinner. This is the chance to learn about Lao cuisine.

Before the dinner, we will join the Baci Ceremony, held by the elders of the village. The Baci ceremony as a traditional ritual of the Lao people expresses the spirituality of the country and is a highly memorable experience and a deep insight into Lao culture for the participants. During the dinner, the folk tales will be told by the host family, and translated by our guide.

You may wish to stroll around the riverbank, and sense the nature, admiring the starry sky before going to bed.

+ Driver & Guide

+ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ Accommodation: Homestay 

+ Pick-up: 08:30AM

Optional: Wake up early, you never want to miss the chance to admire the sunrise over the Nam Ou river, and the nearby mountains.

After breakfast, the morning will be dedicated to the fishing by the stunning Nam Ou river, experience traditional fishing techniques. You will also take the boat trip exploring the surrounding areas.

We come back to the village at 11:00AM to join the transfer back to Luang Prabang.

We arrive in Luang Prabang early afternoon, check in your hotel in town (your own arrangement).

Say goodbye to our guide to grab up your great northern Laos adventure.

+ Driver & Guide

+ Meal: Breakfast

+ Accommodation: None

+ Pick-up: 09:00AM

Durations

13 days 12 nights

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

Deposit of 20% of the total of tour is required upon confirmation of booking tour. The full prepayment will need to be made 45 days before departure for all services by money transfer or credit card payment with all bank transfer charges/ fees to be paid by the client.

The bank account name: METTA VOYAGES COMPANY LIMITED

The bank name: Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank

The bank branch: Hanoi Branch

The International Banking Account Number: 8888116868

Bank Swift Code: ASCBVNVX

The bank address: 442 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 5, District 3, Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam

Phone number: (84.28) 3929 0999

After receiving your payment, we will issue you the hotel voucher and/or final confirmation itinerary, which can be sent to you by fax or e-mail.

+ Maximum 1 child can share the parent's existing bedding.

+ Children under 2 years old are free of charge for land services, only charge fee from airlines if have.

+ Children from 2-6 years old: 50% of adult price, or quote case by case

+ Children from 7-11 years old: 75% of adult price, or quote case by case

+ Children from 12 years old up: 100% adult price

You can amend your booking when the confirmation is made. Just contact us at [email protected] with your booking number. Our reservations team is glad to amend your booking accordingly. The extra expense may occurred will be informed to you before you decide to amend the services or travel date.

NON REFUNDABLE deposit of US$ 100 per person upon the packages tours services confirmation will be applied.

Cancellations will be charged as follow:

o    45 days prior to the arrival date: Non Refundable deposit charge and the cancellation fees applied by the concerned services suppliers such as flight company, boat company, train, hotels... in accordance with their cancellations policies if any.

o   44 - 31 days prior to arrival date: Cancellations fee of 30% per group/booking and plus the cancellation fees applied by the concerned services suppliers such as flight company, boat company, train, hotels... in accordance with their cancellations policies if any.

o    30 days - 15 days prior to arrival date: Cancellations fee of 50% per group/booking plus the cancellation fees applied by the concerned services suppliers such as flight company, boat company, train, hotels... in accordance with their cancellations policies if any.

o   14 - 7 days before arrival: Cancellations fee 70% charge plus the cancellation fees applied by the concerned services suppliers such as flight company, boat company, train, hotels... in accordance with their cancellations policies if any.

o   Less than 7 days before arrival Or No show: 100% charge per group/booking.

*** Nonrefundable deposit and banking service fee will be forfeited in all cancellation cases.

No refund will be given for any unused service after the trip has commenced or during the tour.

Metta Voyage Co.,ltd is not responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by passengers. Additional expenses incurred due to delays, accidents, natural disaster, epidemic or political actions and unrest must be borne by the passengers. Passengers are required to have full travel insurance.

Airline schedules and local conditions may affect accommodation and itineraries. Should this occur, Metta Voyage Co.,ltd will endeavor to substitute a suitable arrangement of similar value. Participation on any tours implies full agreement to the above conditions by all parties involved.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months following your entry date to your travel destination.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a valid passport and visa and all travel documents are valid for travel.

Travel insurance is not included in your tour price. It is the passenger's responsibility to verify whether his/her local health insurance carrier provides coverage while traveling. Please contact your insurance carrier for details. We can suggest you the insurance carrier case by case.

Metta Voyage Co., ltd strongly advises that you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover all aspects of your tour: the loss of deposits through cancellation, lost of baggage and personal items, personal injury and death. A waiver must be signed if insurance is declined.

If you wish to speak to us, please call our Reservation Center at +84.989383572 and live chat during our business office hours.

Tour's Location

Reviews

0/5
Not Rated
(0 review)
Excellent
0
Very Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
0 review on this Tour - Showing 1 to 0

Write a review

From: $2,050
0 (No Review)

    REQUEST THIS TOUR

    Owner

    Metta Voyage

    Member Since 2023

    Information Contact

    Email

    [email protected]

    Website

    mettavoyage.com

    Phone

    (84) 989 383 572

    Explore other options