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After breakfast, we take a boat up the Mekong River. Not far, we stop at a village known for its old-style paper making, and another village producing wine from sticky rice. Further up-stream are the famous Pak Ou Caves (1000 Buddha Caves) at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Ou rivers. After visiting the caves, we continue to travel up the Nam Ou river, the longest river inside Laos after the Mekong.
The cruise along the Nam Ou offers us an enjoyable time, viewing the beautiful scenic landscapes and stunning mountains of Northern Laos. We stop briefly in Nong Kiaw for some formalities (for the captain only) and arrive in Muang Ngoi Kao at around 5:00 pm where we check into a guesthouse.
Approximately: 7 hours by boat
It is worth getting up early to watch the beautiful sunrise over limestone mountains and walk around the Ngoi village. After breakfast we continue our journey up the Nam Ou river, passing again picturesque mountain scenery. We stop for lunch served with local food somewhere at the river banks and continue to Muang Khua for an overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
Muong Khua is a small Lao trading town mixed with Vietnamese and Yunanese communities. There are still some buildings dating back to colonial times. The town is just 60 km from the Lao–Vietnamese border, which is now open for foreign tourists. From here, we can enter Vietnam and start the famous North-West loop.
Approximately: 5 hours by boat
Leaving after a relaxed breakfast, we drive towards Udomxay via Pak Nam Noi where we visit the morning market. Various ethnic minorities gather here to sell their goods or buy items for their daily needs. Lunch will be taken in Udomxay. We continue our trip to Luang Namtha. There is enough time to stop at local villages along the way. We arrive in Luang Namtha in the late afternoon.
Luang Namtha is famous for its various ethnic minorities and its environs, namely the Nam Ha National Protected Area, an ideal destination for eco-tourism.
Approximately: 5 hours by minivan
Optional (drop off at Tay Trang border): On Day 3, transfer (without guide) is arranged from Muong Khua and we drop you off at Tay Trang border (Laos – Vietnam border check-point), 3-4 hours. The road is rough. Only Songthews (local trucks) are available for this route. Expect difficult river crossing in the rainy season. Dien Bien Phu City (Vietnam) is just another hour ride from the border. We offer the famous Vietnam North-West Loop via Dien Bien Phu and Sapa that ends in Hanoi. Please contact us for more details or take a look at our package offer on the respective webpage.
Note: In the wet season, the boat trip can be faster by half an hour per day. |
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Depart from: |
Green Discovery Laos, Luang Prabang office |
Arrival at: |
Green Discovery office, Luang Namtha or Tay Trang (Laos– Vietnam) border |
Start time: |
8:30 am |
End at: |
5:00 pm day 3
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Duration: |
3 days |
Departure date: |
Daily |
Activities: |
Boat, sightseeing |
Transport: |
Boat, minivan (Luang Namtha) or truck (Phongsaly)
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Accommodation: |
Guesthouse day 1 and day 2 |
Meals: |
From lunch day 1 to lunch day 3 (7 meals)
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What to bring: |
Hat, sun-screen, torch, clothes/shoes to get wet, mosquito repellent, warm clothes for the night
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What is included: |
Water, meals, English speaking guide, accommodation and transport as listed above |
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