Hiking and Villages of Laos

As soon as you arrive at Luang Prabang Airport, your driver greets you and takes you to your hotel. Considered the cultural capital of Laos, it is here, in Luang Prabang, that you begin your trip. With its markets, typical alleyways, temples and mountains, you are immediately charmed by this town bordering the Mekong. The numerous Buddhist monasteries here provide a most pleasant serene and soothing atmosphere. Nothing better to rest and enjoy a relaxing moment after a long flight. First night in Laos, at the hotel.

Today, nothing beats a bike ride to discover the historic centre of Luang Prabang. Start with the morning market, brimming with fresh produce and exotic dishes from small neighbouring villages. A genuine immersion in local culture! Then pedal to the national museum, once the former Royal Palace. Continue with visits to the pagodas of Wat Visoun and Wat Aham, followed by the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, considered the most beautiful temple in Laos. Finish by climbing the steps of Mount Phousi, which offers a breathtaking sunset view over the entire peninsula and the Mekong. On the way back down to the main street, you spot the stalls of the night bazaar and its handcrafted products. Night at the hotel.

Today, set off on a superb hike crossing jungle and rice paddies. You take the northern route along the Nam Xeuang River before crossing the river by canoe. From here begins a trail leading you into the middle of the jungle. The trails you walk are used daily by local people as the only possible routes between these isolated villages. You reach a very welcoming Hmong village, where you will spend the night. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by your guide and the local family hosting you. Night with a local family.

Walking time: 4-5h

Wake at dawn to the sounds of daily life among the Hmong ethnic groups. Today's walk follows a small stream at the bottom of the valley, ending in a village shared by the Kamu and Hmong ethnic groups. You arrive at the village in the mid-afternoon. There, you can enjoy a visit to the school and exchanges with the villagers thanks to your guide. In the evening, you dine and stay with a local family for a complete immersion in the life of these ethnic groups.

Walking time: 4h

This day of hiking is the longest leg of recent days. This trek takes you to the top of a ridge with panoramic views over the village where you have just spent the night. From the viewpoint, you can also admire, below, the Nam Xeuang River where you will end your walk. Once back down, enjoy a refreshing swim in the river before returning to Luang Prabang. After all this exercise, why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage? Nothing better to end this day in style!

Walking time: 6-7h

This early morning departure from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw takes you through the magnificent landscapes of northern Laos. Along the way, visit the village of Ban Na Nyang. Home to the Tai Lue ethnic group, it is famous for traditional cotton weaving. Every household has its own loom, with which families make scarves, tablecloths and decorated hangings. The art of cotton weaving in Ban Na Nyang has been passed down through the generations for nearly 300 years. After this discovery, you continue towards Nong Khiaw, a small village on the banks of the Nam Ou River. Night at the village.

Begin this day of adventure with a roughly 40-minute minivan transfer to the start of the 3-day trek. This first day of hiking in the mountains of Nong Khiaw takes you into the heart of a lush green jungle. You climb to the top of a hill following the course of a waterfall. The heat and abundance of water provide ideal conditions for admiring nature dotted with trees tangled in vines. At the top of the hill lie vast rice paddies. Crossing them, you reach the Hmong village that welcomes you for the night. On arrival, visit the village and discover the daily activities the villagers engage in. In the evening, enjoy a local meal you prepare yourself with the help of your guide!

Walking time: 3-4h / Walking distance: 7km

Today you set off again, crossing mountains and valleys. You discover grand and varied landscapes and stop for the night in a small village far from any civilisation: a complete change of scenery guaranteed! If you wish, you can continue walking towards the upper part of the village to enjoy a spectacular view over the valley below and the surrounding mountains. You spend another night with a local family, continuing to discover the various customs and traditions of the people of Laos.

Walking distance: 11km

For this last day of trekking in Laos, you have a choice between two routes to reach Nong Khiaw. The first route is shorter: descend into the valley through numerous lush green rice paddies. You walk along a hillside amid grand landscapes with breathtaking viewpoints. Once in the valley, a minivan awaits you and takes you back to Nong Khiaw. You are back at the village in the early afternoon. The second hiking trail takes you back down from the mountain top to the banks of the Nam Ou River. You then return to Nong Khiaw by boat, going down the river. Now it's your choice!

Walking time: 3h to 6h / Walking distance: 7 to 11km

After a good breakfast, it's time to head back to Luang Prabang for a cruise on the Mekong to discover the Pak Ou Caves located north of the town. On your boat, you cross the Mekong to reach the Tam Ting Cave, known as the 'cave of a thousand Buddha statues'. End your cruise back in Luang Prabang and enjoy a lovely evening in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. Night at the hotel.

Today's hike takes you to the sublime Kuang Si Falls. You begin your walk at Long Lao village, where you observe the traditional life and culture of the Khamu and Hmong. The path then leads you through fields, farming gardens and mountainous forests, wilder and steeper to climb. In the early afternoon, you discover one of the many splendid falls that make up the Kuang Si Falls. The final short walk brings you to the foot of this majestic waterfall, where a swim in its turquoise pools awaits. Then head off to explore the bear rehabilitation centre run by the association 'Free the Bears'. You are back in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Night at the hotel.

This is your last day in the 'land of a million elephants'. Enjoy free time in the town of Luang Prabang to pick up souvenir gifts or to savour a good exotic fruit juice. Then your driver takes you to Luang Prabang International Airport. You board your return flight, still moved by the landscapes and the profound encounters this trekking trip to Laos has given you. End of our services.