Nam Ou Adventure 8 Days 7 Nights

Upon completion of the border formalities, our Lao guide and driver will eagerly await your arrival as we prepare to embark on our Nam Ou Adventure, commencing in the charming town of Muang Khua.

Upon reaching the town, you’ll have the opportunity to spend an hour exploring the historic bamboo bridge that connects Muang Khua with the beautiful H’Mong village of Ban Natoun.

Following this, we will board a long-tail boat to journey downstream along the enchanting Nam Ou River, leading us to the remote village of Ban Sopchem. This stretch of the river is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, where you can observe local fishermen in their small boats, children joyfully swimming, and friendly waves from those you pass by, creating an unforgettable and picturesque journey.

Before reaching Ban Sopchem, you’ll have a chance to admire the newly constructed Hydroelectric Dam. Together with many other dams across the country, this dam plays a significant role in Laos’ economy, being one of the three main sources of income alongside tourism and mining.

Arriving in Ban Sopchem by mid to late afternoon, you’ll check in to your simple guesthouse. Take a moment to appreciate the scenic vista from your hotel, offering captivating views of the Nam Ou River and its towering mountain cliffs.

Later in the day, you’ll have the privilege of participating in the traditional Baci ceremony, a Lao custom used to warmly welcome guests into their homes.

Your evening meal will be served at a riverside restaurant, allowing you to savor a delightful dinner while enjoying the soothing ambiance of the river.

Rest assured, your overnight stay in Ban Sopchem promises a memorable and enriching experience.

As the morning sun bathes the landscape in a gentle glow, you’ll savor a hearty breakfast before embarking on an enchanting journey. Your mode of transportation is a traditional boat, gracefully navigating the tranquil waters of the Nam Ou River. This scenic voyage leads you to the doorstep of Ban Hatsapheuy, a Khmu village nestled amidst nature’s splendor.

Your adventure truly begins here as you set foot on the lush terrain, commencing a trek that will immerse you in the heart of this pristine wilderness. Over the course of 5 to 6 captivating hours, you’ll gradually ascend through the emerald embrace of the forest, forging a path towards the charming destination of Ban Kioukhan.

En route, a local picnic lunch awaits, a refreshing pause that allows you to replenish your energy amidst the breathtaking surroundings. As the sun begins its descent, you’ll find yourself in the welcoming embrace of Ban Kioukhan in the late afternoon.

For your evening, prepare to experience the warm hospitality of the villagers as you dine and settle in for the night. Your accommodations take the form of rustic bamboo homes, seamlessly integrated into the community’s way of life. Here, amidst the serenity of the forest, you’ll find rest and reprieve, cradled by the sounds of nature under the starlit canopy of the night sky.

Prepare for a day of exploration as we embark on a roughly 4-hour journey, promising some of the most spectacular mountain vistas at the summit of our trek.

After savoring a satisfying breakfast, we commence our trekking expedition. The path leads us on a downward descent through the lush bamboo forest, where the air is thick with the scent of nature and panoramic views of pristine hills await at every turn. The untouched beauty of the landscape is a testament to the unspoiled charm of this region.

A well-deserved lunch break offers you the opportunity to recharge amidst the natural grandeur that surrounds you. As we resume our trek, the journey continues to unfold, leading us to the quaint village of Ban Houy Sene. Here, we’ll have the privilege of sharing a hearty dinner and resting for the night.

Your accommodations will be a bamboo guesthouse or a villager’s home, immersing you in the authentic local way of life. As the day’s adventures come to a close, take a moment to bask in the serenity of your surroundings and anticipate the extraordinary views that await at the pinnacle of our trekking expedition.

As the morning sun rises, immerse yourself in the daily lives and living conditions of the local residents. Gain a firsthand understanding of their vibrant culture and the rhythm of their daily activities.

After this insightful exploration, our journey continues with a picturesque 3-hour walk through the lush rice fields and breathtaking landscapes, leading us to the idyllic destination of Muang Ngoi. Along this scenic route, we’ll make a captivating stop at Tham Kaang Cave, a natural wonder that beckons us to take a break and relax. For the adventurous, there’s even the opportunity to take a refreshing swim within its depths.

Around noon, we’ll reach the charming village of Muang Ngoi, a place where time seems to stand still, and the pace of life is unhurried. It’s here that we’ll gather for a delightful lunch at the welcoming Rattanavongsa restaurant, savoring local flavors and replenishing our energy for the adventures that await in the heart of this tranquil haven.

After a local breakfast, we take a boat downstream the Nam Ou River 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.

In the afternoon, we continue the cruise to Ban Sopvan, which is home to the Tai Lue people. The village is located right next to the river, opposite the village on the river bank is a farm which is home to many different types of animal including pigs, chickens, ducks, and buffalo. We pay them a visit so it is worthwhile bringing some food along if you would like to feed them and surely very appreciated by both the animals and the villagers.

The last part of today cruise is 30 minutes cruise down to Nong Khiaw. We arrive in Nong Khiaw by around mid afternoon, check in your hotel.

Overnight in Tad Mork.

Prepare for an exhilarating short and steep trek that will lead you to the summit of Nong Khiaw’s second highest point, providing a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. Our ascent will cover approximately 400 meters (about 1300 feet) along a 1.8-kilometer (1-mile) trail. This brief yet adventurous journey will transport us into the heart of the jungle and ancient high-altitude forests that enshroud the town.

On clear days, the panoramic vistas extend as far as 20 kilometers, revealing the northern mountains of the Muang Ngoi region. Nong Khiaw is celebrated for its breathtaking mountainous jungle terrain, and this trek offers a captivating opportunity to immerse yourself in its natural beauty.

If you find yourself pressed for time but possess the ability to tackle a steep mountain ascent and descent, this short adventure promises an unforgettable experience. With panoramic views to capture and carry home, the total tour duration spans 4 hours, encompassing 1.5 hours of ascent, a well-deserved snack break at the summit, followed by a 1.5-hour descent.

The afternoon is your own free time to enjoy and relax by the pool of the resort or just relax and admire the view.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw

Embark on a day filled with adventure as it begins with a serene boat journey along the enchanting Nam Ou River. Along the riverside, you’ll have the chance to explore a charming Lao village, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the villagers who call this Northern Laos River home.

Immerse yourself in the stories and customs of the local residents before venturing onto the ‘100 Waterfalls Adventure Trail.’ This trail takes you through picturesque landscapes, where small streams and lush rice paddies guide your way to the base of the 100 Waterfalls—an area that remained unexplored until October 2008. As you ascend, the rhythmic sound of cascading waterfalls will envelop you, creating a soothing and mesmerizing atmosphere. The inviting pools surrounding you beckon for a refreshing dip, a perfect respite on this exciting journey.

Guided by your knowledgeable local guide, you’ll navigate the cascades, and at a scenic spot, you’ll savor a local-style lunch amidst the backdrop of verdant nature.

A meandering village trail atop the ‘100 Waterfalls’ offers sweeping panoramic views of the expansive Nam Ou valley, a visual treat for all adventurers.

Upon returning to the village, you’ll have additional time to immerse yourself in the rhythms of daily life along the Nam Ou riverside. Then, our journey continues downstream on the Nam Ou River to Ban Pak Nga, where you’ll encounter another hydroelectric dam, a testament to the evolving landscape of Laos.

Our guide and driver from Muang Soune will be on hand to pick you up, and we’ll embark on another boat or local ferry crossing of the Nam Ou River, leading us to Ban Muang Soune.

Here, you have the opportunity to bask in the river’s embrace or refresh yourself with a soothing shower in the comfort of a local home. The evening unfolds with the option to either assist in preparing dinner with Kham or savor a fresh Beer Lao or a local beverage while sharing stories with your gracious hosts.

As night falls, the family gathers for dinner, and you’re warmly invited to join. Following the meal, Kham’s favorite after-dinner activity is a spirited game of cards with her uncle—an invitation extended to you as well. Be prepared, as both Kham and her uncle are formidable opponents in the world of card games, promising an entertaining evening of friendly competition.

Embrace the morning with an early start as you prepare sticky rice for the offering to the monks later in the day.

Join in the serene alms-giving ceremony at the temple, a soul-soothing experience that connects you with the spiritual essence of the community.

Afterward, relish a hearty breakfast with the welcoming family, savoring local flavors and engaging in heartfelt conversations.

The day unfolds with a delightful fishing adventure on the tranquil Ou River, guided by Kham and her uncle, who will impart new techniques and insights into this age-old practice.

Next, embark on a scenic hike to the verdant rice fields, delving into the rural life of the hardworking farmers who cultivate the land. Along the way, discover family organic gardens, where nature’s bounty thrives.

As midday approaches, gather with the family for a delicious lunch that offers a taste of authentic local cuisine.

With some free time in the village, you can explore at your own pace, perhaps indulging in souvenir shopping to commemorate your memorable stay.

Bid farewell to the village as you cross the river on a local boat, marking the start of your journey to Luang Prabang.

Upon your arrival at your hotel, your Homestay Experience comes to a close, leaving you with cherished memories of this enriching and immersive journey into the heart of Lao culture.