Road to Hanoi via Luangprabang

On arrival in Luang Prabang your guide and private vehicle will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. In the late afternoon you have the chance to join in a traditional game of petanque with the locals. Try your skills at this simple sport which harks back to colonial days and remains a favorite pastime of the Lao people. They will cheer you on and give you hints as you play a few games and enjoy snacks and drinks.

Then climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside at sunset. Walk down in to the evening hill tribe market where you will find plenty of local souvenirs to buy such as handicrafts and textiles. Coconut Garden is an excellent restaurant close to the night market. Dinner is included and this will be a perfect introduction to Laos cuisine. Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast you will be driven roughly 40 minutes out into the countryside, southeast of Luang Prabang. On arriving at the Long Lao village, your trekking tour begins. Start by exploring the life and culture of the village where Kamu and Hmong people live side-by-side.

The Kuang Si trekking trail leads you into the Lao hinterland, passing fields and vegetable gardens before reaching the forested mountains, which reveal wild scenery and some steeper climbs. After a stretch of forest hiking you will stop to explore an interesting cave along the way. During the Second Indochina War people say it was used by locals as a bomb shelter.

In the early afternoon you will reach the crystal clear water of just one of the springs that feed the famous Kuang Si waterfall. The last short walk brings us down the steep waterfall where we have time for a relaxing swim. A gourmet private picnic will be provided at the Kuang Si Waterfalls. These waterfalls cascade down a multilevel limestone formation creating a series of turquoise blue pools perfect for swimming in on a hot day (Note: when bathing please be respectful, wear a sarong and be careful not to show too much skin).

Before you leave you might like to visit the bear sanctuary which is next to the falls, run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. There are currently 23 Asiatic Black Bears living in the sanctuary, which has saved them from poaching. The main threat to these bears is poaching due to the use of their bile in Chinese medicine. You can read about their habits and observe their playful nature, whilst learning about the difficulties they are facing. This afternoon you will return to your hotel by road (approximately 45 minutes). Overnight in Luang Prabang

Total trekking duration: 4 hrs

Trekking difficulty: Medium (Grade 3 of 5)

Depart early from Luang Prabang (approx. 08:00), leaving the city behind and escaping in to the mountains, arriving in Nong Khiaw at around 10:30 or 11:00. After a quick stop to freshen up you will begin a trek which will take you through unspoilt villages and stunning landscapes. Please expect to get wet as some of the walking is through small streams and bring a swimsuit for the waterfall. Following the Nam Ou River you leave Nong Khiaw on small walking trails towards the village of Hat Sao. Stop along the way to enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail. On arrival in Hat Sao your guide will explain more about the local lifestyle along the Nam Ou River, in this mixed Lao Lum and Lao Thung village.

From the village you will follow small trails through a preserved piece of jungle and into the nearby mountain range. Enjoy rice fields, forests and agricultural land on your way to a refreshing waterfall. Take your time to relax, cool off in the natural pools and enjoy the scenery. Trek down to the banks of the Nam Ou River and board a local longtail boat to cruise back to Nong Khiaw, arriving at roughly 16:00. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Nong Khiaw

Total trekking duration: 3-4 hrs

Trekking difficulty: Low – Medium (Grade 2 of 5)

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