Enjoy the wonderful views, wild orchids and wildlife,
and investigate the culture of the local tribes.
as you trek in different provinces in Laos.
We offer guided treks of 1, 2 or 3 days for people who want to get away from the the roads and explore on foot. Weather permitting we can guarantee that your camera will never be idle - whether you are photographing the stupendous mountain scenery, life in an Akha or Khmu village, the making of local handicrafts or the many animals and chickens that run freely through the village.
Our guided treks can be adjusted to suit all standards of trekker, and can easily be undertaken by anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness.
On the 2 and 3 day guided treks you will experience living in a local village homestay, for which you will need to carry your own rucksack containing all necessary items for 2 or 3 days.
There is a wide variety of trekking in Luang Prabang Province. We offer taster treks of half a day or a full day, or you can choose to go further afield and stay overnight in village homesteads where you will be able to meet local villagers from Akha and Hmong tribes, and eat traditional meals with locally sourced food - including freshly caught fish. Trekking in Luang Prabang Province will allow you to see views that you cannot see from the comfort of a car - it is well worth the effort to gain that extra experience.
We can organise short guided treks from Luang Prabang.
Cross the bamboo bridge over the Nam Khan where it meets the River Mekong to visit craft villages and small, local Buddhist temples. You will see many weaving looms, hand carving of wood, delicately patterned hand paper making as well as having the opportunity to buy from the craftsmen and craftswomen themselves - you can try your hand at bargaining!
Another guided trek starting from Luang Prabang will take you on a ferry across the mighty River Mekong to the Chompet district; just across the river Mekong from Luang Prabang you will leave the crowds behind for a memorable Luang Prabang trek visiting five temples in forest areas with beautiful views of the river and city beyond. This trek can be as short as 1 or 2 kilometres or as long as 10 - the choice is yours.
Trekking further from Luang Prabang you will hike to the local tribal villages, including Hmong and Khmu, and discover the variety of cultural traditions between these tribes and the Lao people. Once away from the roads you will have the freedom to explore less frequented areas and to encounter many new experiences from walking through breathtaking scenery, along picturesque river banks and visiting local tribal villages. Many villages are fairly close to Luang Prabang and the inhabitants are used to people trekking from Luang Prabang, but this does not make the experience any the less worthwhile and the villages still retain their charm and local customs - you will still feel a part of a rural community. During your trek in Luang Prabang province you will be able to see the traditionally built houses and temples and to observe Buddhist monks and novices at prayer. Don’t forget to sample the Lao-Lao whiskey from the local still!
On longer, 2 or 3 days or more, treks from Luang Prabang you will hike along regional trails in rugged mountain scenery with spectacular views over the Mekong and Luang Prabang. On these longer treks in Luang Prabang province you will hike to villages and ares which are less frequented by other trekkers. Meeting the locals and staying overnight in a small homestay deep in the mountains is a highlight of these trips despite the lack of hotel comforts! , with unforgettable experiences of family life and traditional culture as well as locally sourced and cooked food.
You can be sure that your camera will never be idle!
We organise many treks in Luang Prabang province and we can advise you of the level of difficulty - most of our treks require only a reasonable level of fitness for people to be able to enjoy them to the full. Please note that treks vary in difficulty and you should ensure that the level of difficulty is right for you.
For all treks good footwear and suitable clothing is essential - don’t forget the insect repellant!
Your trek in Luang Prabang will be exhilarating and leave you wanting more. As well as short treks which start from Luang Prabang we can organise longer treks when we take the minivan to a suitable starting point for an impressive and spectacular trek, of one or more days.
You may like to visit the Pottery House to see the making of many varieties of clay pots. This guided trek from Luang Prabang also starts with a ferry across the Mekong. See the entry below.
On this guided trek from Luang Prabang you can enjoy a trip across the River Mekong from Luang Prabang to the Chompet District and a short walk to visit the Pottery House, where you can see the traditional skills of the potter - and have a go yourself. Be warned - it is much harder than it looks!!
You will also have the opportunity to visit Wat Chompet and enjoy a longer walk overlooking the River Mekong before returning to Luang Prabang.
There are numerous opportunities for guided trekking in Luang Prabang Province. Some short treks to visit local villages can be combined with visits to the Kuang Si Waterfall or the Pak Ou caves. In all of our guided treks you will gain a more complete appreciation of Lao culture, and a better understanding of the traditional Laos way of life, as well as finding many photographic panoramic views.
Guided trekking in Luang Namtha Province, visiting Hmong, Akha and Highlander tribes. We offer full day guided treks in Luang Namtha Province, or overnight treks of 2 or 3 days staying in local homesteads in the tribal villages.
You will be walking amidst the most wonderful mountain scenery, alongside rivers and through forests whilst trekking in Luang Namtha Province - a truly unforgettable experience.
Some short guided treks from Luang Namtha start from the town. On one short walk you will soon be striding along in breathtaking mountainous scenery, hiking through forests and rubber plantations coming across striking dramatic views of the countryside and mountains.
Another trek starting from Luang Namtha will take you to through several local villages to the picturesque Nam Dee waterfall; continuing on from the Nam Dee waterfall you will soon find yourself in open countryside with more amazing panoramic views of the mountainous landscapes.
When trekking in Luang Namtha province you will be able to hike in the Nam Ha National Protected Area. This is a large region of mountains, forests and rivers with remote tribal villages and many species of wildlife - some endangered. We recommend taking the minivan to a suitable starting point for a longer two or three day trek in Luang Namtha province. Once away from the roads you will be able to appreciate the true charm of the Lao scenery, whether walking by the rivers, through forests or along mountain ridges - you will never be without astounding views looking up towards the mountains or down from the a higher level. Stay overnight in a local homestay and experience tribal culture at first hand - do not expect a three star hotel or even one star!!
As always, treks vary in difficulty and you should ensure that the level of difficulty is right for you. For all treks good footwear and suitable clothing is essential - don’t forget the insect repellant!
A short fascinating journey of about 50 kilometres from Luang Namtha will bring you to the small town of Muang Sing, with many more opportunities for guided treks in Luang Namtha Province. The town is a good starting point for many guided treks to visit Akha tribal villages and witness the many long-established crafts of weaving, basket making, rush mat making, whisky distilling and the life and traditions of the local people. There are several opportunities for good trekking from Muang Sing; in the gently rolling hills surrounding the town you can amble through beautiful scenery or, for the more active, stride out to chalk up a wealth of new experiences. We can organise guided treks in Muang Sing of varying lengths to suit your wishes.
Vieng Phoukha is located in the mountains about 60 kilometres from Lang Namtha, on the road between Luang Namtha and Houay Xai.
Most of the trekking in Vieng Phoukha is in the Nam Ha National Park and is some of the best trekking in Luang Namtha Province. Treks of varying lengths and difficulty are available, so, after contacting our tour manager, do make sure that you select a trek which is suitable for you and your party.
You can choose to visit the dramatic Kao Rao cave, experience a home stay for 1 or more night and, if you so wish, to donate pens and stationery to local primary school children.
An easy 1 day trek will take you through the forest to visit a local tribal village and Wat Mahapot. You will have the opportunity to see conservation work on this trek from Vieng Phoukha.
On a 2 day trek from Vieng Phoukha you will be able to visit more villages and several ethnic tribes including Akha, Lahu and Khmu, as well as enjoying the spectacular mountain views and visiting a waterfall.
On 3 day treks for Vieng Phoukha you will be able to travel further into the National Park and you may be lucky enough to hear, or even see, the gibbons that inhabit the Park, as well as elephants, monkeys, wild pigs, jungle fowl and many more.
Enjoy the surrounding area of karst mountains whilst relaxing by the river in Nong Khiaw. We can organise treks from Nong Khiaw or from Muang Ngoi - a one hour plus boat trip upstream from Nong Khiaw.
The ascent to the Pha Daeng view point makes a pleasant half day trek from Nong Khiaw; the views from the top on a clear day make the climbing worthwhile.
Another short trek from Nong Khiaw is to the Nam Phatok Caves. These caves were used by the communist Pathet Lao during the "Secret War" to escape the American bombing.
For longer treks from Nong Khiaw we recommend the track past the Nong Khiaw Riverside which wanders along by the riverside through a number of long established villages where you will be able to see the traditional way of life and some local craft skills. This track is suitable for bicycles as well as walking.
For trekking from Muang Ngoi we recommend staying overnight in Muang Ngoi. A one hour (depending on river conditions) will take you from Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi - a remote village which had no road connection with the outside would until a few years ago.
Our two day trek from Muang Ngoi will pass through Viengkham Village, an Uplander village, and then we will walk to Hmong Phayong village, a High Lander village. Our trek will take about 6 hrs to a Homestay overnight where we will experience the traditional customs of village life at first hand. On the next day we go to Sopkharm Ou River and on through Mouang Ngoi Kao village to Tham Kang cave and to Ban Na Village, walking through rice fields and on forest paths with spectacular views. There will be opportunities for you to swim in the rivers whilst trekking near Nong Khiaw.
We can arrange other treks from Muang Ngoi for just one day or longer. On all of our treks you will be walking along trails through the forests or along the river banks with many opportunities to see wild life and the varied plants and trees.
Just a few of the sights you will see when trekking in Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi.
Trekking in Oudomxay Province will allow you to observe the culture and life of the local villagers. We can provide full day, 2 or 3 day treks in Oudomxay Province - the area around Muang La is particularly attractive. Whilst trekking in Oudomxay Province you will pass through several villages, walk along scenic river banks and tackle the higher mountain paths with tremendous views - well worth leaving the car behind! Staying in a local homestay with locally sourced traditional food will be an unforgettable experience.
When trekking in Oudomxay Province you will walk through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Laos and experience the customs of the local people as you pass through or stay in their villages.
Guided trekking in Phongsaly Province will take you to visit Hmong or Highlander tribes. We can organise full day, 2 or 3 day treks.
Climb the high mountain ridges and stop for a break amidst breathing views and then descend through the forest admiring the wild orchids to an Akha Puxo village for your evening meal and overnight stay. The married women will wear traditional costumes of indigo colour with a squarish hat and silver coloured metal decorations. There will be opportunities for a swim in the river, as well as eating the local fish from the river. Trekking in Phongsaly will give you a truly memorable experience.
View point, Valley Phoufa in Phongsaly province, for the best views in Phongsaly province, with the biggest Stupa and a big Buddha Statue
Enjoy the fresh air among the green tea bushes and spectacular mountain views.
As with all of our treks, trekking in Phongsaly will give you many new cultural experiences, and will will develop your understanding of local, tribal life.
Luang Prabang licence number: AA6174
MinivanLuangPrabang's minivan tour service specialises in arranging custom guided tours in Luang Prabang and throughout Laos for small groups and families by private hire minivan with driver, and our tour operator will do his best to accommodate all of your wishes. Self guided tours with our English speaking driver are also available.