Summary
Short description
Gain a meaningful insight into rural Laos on this tailor-made extension
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About
Recommended for:
History & culture | River cruise
This four-day tailor-made journey is an excellent extension to any itinerary in Laos offering the perfect opportunity to get to know the people and culture of the area. Start in Luang Prabang, and transfer to Nong Khiaw, where you will then embark on an incredible boat ride up the Nam Ou River. Next morning, set off for a visit to some Ikhos and Hmong villages, where you will get the opportunity to meet the inhabitants and learn more about Laos' complex ethnic make-up. Each night, you will stay at the luxurious Muang La Resort, offering eco-friendly, comfortable and rustic accommodation.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Luang Prabang - Muang La
After breakfast, transfer to Nong Khiaw, which will take three to four hours. When you arrive, take an amazing boat ride up the Nam Ou River to Muang Khua. This is one of the most spectacular stretches of the 450 km long river, as the banks are dotted with small villages making it an ideal way to become acquainted with daily rural life. The dramatic limestone formations make for great photographic opportunities, and a picnic lunch will be provided on the boat. Afterwards, settle in to the rustic Muang La resort, where you will enjoy some great views and local food at the resort.
Stay: Muang la Resort, Muang La (Superior)
Meals: L D
Day
2
Muang La - Ikhos & Hmong Hill Tribe Village
After breakfast, set off to visit an Ikhos village and a Hmong village: two of the many ethnic groups in Laos. Your route will climb to 1,000 m above sea level, and will offer some magnificent views of the mountain scenery. The first stop will be at the isolated Ikhos village, where the inhabitants originated from Tibet and the Yunnan Province in China.
Whilst there, you will learn about the daily life of the villagers and how they still follow customs that have been passed down through the centuries. Enjoy your picnic lunch whilst observing the beautiful surroundings. After lunch, there's an optional 20-minute walk to an abandoned Hmong village that has a stunning 360-degree panorama. Continue on to visit a Hmong village - its people originate from the high steppes of Central Asia and Siberia. You will learn about their way of life, including the importance of livestock and the care they give to their animals. Return to Muang La in the late afternoon, and spend the remainder of your day at leisure. In the evening, dinner is included at the resort.
Stay: Muang la Resort, Muang La (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Muang La - Luang Prabang
After breakfast, take an approximately six-hour road journey to Luang Prabang, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying dinner at a place of your choice.
Stay: Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum, Luang Prabang (Superior)
Meals: B L
Day
4
Luang Prabang
Spend the day at leisure in Luang Prabang.
Meals: B
This extension is suitable for…
This introductory journey takes in several of Laos' must-see highlights, including Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou Caves. Experience the very best of Laos' unique cultural and natural worlds.
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