Laos Anthropology & Tribes
Price upon request
Trekking in Northern Laos
Overview | 3D Pak Ou Trek
Trekking or hiking is still the best way to explore Laos and its broad ethnic diversity. This is the way to meet and interact with the local people, to observe their rural lifestyles, and experience how they manage their day to day lives.
If you are careful to join a responsibly organised trek, it is also the most direct way to contribute to the most needy people without the exploitation that so often accompanies attempts at development.
Most inhabitants of Laos live far away from modern civilisation, and they continue to live their lives much as they have done for generations. A rural trek will give you an extraordinary opportunity to "travel back in time" to communities that have been left behind by the rapidly developing world. Do not expect much in the way of comforts!
Northern Laos especially presents many great trekking opportunities. Not only is the terrain very mountainous and largely swathed in forest, it is also home to a dazzling array of highly colourful minority tribal people who still pursue the traditional slash and burn (swidden) farming methods, unchanged for a thousand years. They live without electricity or running water, and keep livestock in close proximity to their own living quarters.
We offer several treks and tour combinations that will bring you into great places and remote areas of Laos. Treks around the northern provinces can be from 4 to 5 days or longer, to a hearty walk out Luang Prabang, returning to the comfort of your hotel or guest house in the evening.
Treks can be orgainsed in Nong Khiaw, Phongsali, Luang Namtha and Luang Prabang. Phongsali is the most remote region and therefore for the really adventurous. Single day treks do still give a good impression of the life in the countryside of Laos and are mostly operated in Luang Prabang province.
On a longer wilderness trek expect to discover mystical waterfalls and hidden caves, jungle trails and rugged mountains. You will encounter local villagers and camp with them on the floors of their simple homes, in the evenings sharing stories around the central cooking fire.
Custom made treks and tours of any length can be designed upon request. We can plan expeditions in conjunction with boat rides, rafting or mountain biking. Multi-day treks into new areas can be arranged and will than be guided with a special team and supporting staff with GPS support.
Please note: Changes can occur due to weather and other unforeseen conditions on any trek at any time.
3D Pak Ou Trek
This sample three day trek has special focus on Hmong communities and culture and their way of life high up in the mountains around Luang Prabang. Visitors will experience a unique and great hospitality as well as great nature.
The trails are moderately difficult during dry season, becoming more challenging in rainy season, and offer a mixture between hillside walks, small jungle and bamboo forest trails…always high up. You will stay overnight in very basic village homestays with local families and close to Lao rural life in the countryside. Bring with you a spirit of an explorer, ready to experience the real life of highland Laos.
Day 1: Depart Luang Prabang in the morning, preferably early at around 8.00 am, and head out north along the Mekong river road.
Drive about 60km out of town to find yourself in remote countryside for the start of your three day trekking adventure. After arriving at the beautiful Nam Ou river, start trekking to the first stop, a Khamu village (Pha Phong). After 2 hrs. more on tiny villagers trails you arrive in Houay Wai, a small Hmong community in the mountains whose families will be your hosts for the night.
Total walking about 4 hrs.
Spend the evening together with the families and the children of the village who will come to see the foreign long-nose 'falangs'. Take your time to relax and to ask questions or help your guide as he prepares a nice your dinner. You have time to take a bath from the small fresh water well.
Overnight in villagers' home
Day 2: After an early breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and set off for the second day of your trek. Today is a longer hike, passing through hills that climb to the uplands where the Hmong like to live. Your village for this night is laid back but very poor, so you may bring some things for the school, such as books and pens. Once again the locals will be curious to meet yo, offering a warm welcome. Don;t be shy to ask the locals, though your guide, any questions you have about the fascinating beliefs and the Hmong people's animist religion, or just enjoy listening to the traditional Hmong chanting…
Total walking about 5-6 hrs.
OPTION:
If you are interested in a deeper understanding of Hmong culture, this would be a good village in which to spend an extra day. You can share in the activities of a normal day of a local family, going out into the fields and forests. You can assist in the daily work of your hosts family!
Day 3 or 4: On the last day of this trekking adventure your guide will lead you back down to road connected areas, passing through more tribal villages en route, before meeting your driver for the 2 hour journey by local Songthaew back to Luang Prabang.
Total walking time about 3-4 hrs.
All inclusive package:
min. 4 persons / max. 12 persons
Transportation in Tuk-Tuk or local Songtheaw
Please bring good shoes, sun protection, small money, your own light sleeping bag, torch and school material for villagers if you can!
* NOTE. Prices indicated on this website are shown as a guideline only and may be subject to currency fluctuations, banking fees and other changes outside our control. Pricing information is available in
other currencies.