Khamu and Hmong Lands

In the morning, we recommend leaving the hotel around 7:30 AM to reach the Chiang Khong border. Then you will take the shuttle to cross the Mekong River via the new Friendship Bridge (the 4th in Laos).

Start of our services

Meet with our Laotian guide on the Laos side around 8:00 AM.

After completing the entry administrative formalities, you will head to the port and begin your journey down one of the most famous rivers in the world: the Mekong, on a private boat.

During this descent, you will have the opportunity to make one or two stops to meet the different communities living along the banks of the “Mother of Waters.”

Arrival in Pakbeng at the end of the day.

This village in northern Laos is actually a commercial crossroads. From here, goods arrive and depart to/from the capital, Thailand, Burma, or even China.

Overnight at Luang Say Lodge.

RECOMMENDATION: Before breakfast, you have the option to take a walk to the morning market. There, you’ll find fresh and wild produce that villagers use in their daily meals. You can also sample local cakes prepared by the villagers.

After breakfast, departure for the Muang Xai district.

You are now in the heart of northern Laos. The region is rich in mountain landscapes and home to many ethnic minorities. Here, Chinese and Vietnamese vendors cross paths with numerous villagers who come to stock up at the markets.

You will then hike to the summit of Mount Phou That to enjoy the unique view over the surrounding area.

Continue your journey for about 30 kilometers to reach the Namkat Yorla Pa resort, beautifully situated between river and mountains.

Check-in and free time to explore the area at your leisure.

Overnight at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort.

Entire day at leisure to enjoy the activities offered by the resort: short jungle trek, ATV excursion, biking, tree-top adventure course, etc. To be arranged directly on site with the resort.

Overnight at Namkat Yorla Pa Resort.

After breakfast, departure by private minibus to the village of Muang Khua. You’ll take the road leading to the Dien Bien Phu basin in Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Muang Khua, a private boat will be waiting for you for a pleasant cruise on the Nam Ou River toward Nong Khiaw. The river journey takes about 5 hours.

Picnic lunch will be served during your cruise.

During the cruise, you’ll make a short stop in Muang Ngoi to visit Sop Jam village and discover daily life there.

Arrival in Nong Khiaw in the late afternoon. You are now in a region with some of the most exceptional karst formations in Southeast Asia.

Overnight at Nong Khiaw Riverside.

At 8:30 AM, you’ll start the day with a long ride on a traditional boat along the Nam Ou River. During the cruise, you’ll discover a small Lao village along the riverbank. Then, we’ll hike through small streams and rice paddies to reach the base of the 100 Waterfalls.

From there, you’ll see nothing but water and jungle, and hear the sound of the waterfalls. Your guide will lead you through the falls and prepare a local-style lunch right on the cascades, surrounded by nature.

After lunch, we’ll head back down to the valley via a small trail to the village, where you’ll experience local life.

You’ll board the boat again and continue your cruise to another Lao/Khamu village and a historic cave that served as a hospital and ammunition depot during the war. At the cave, a tuk-tuk will pick you up and take you to a small village, where you’ll hike for another 2 hours along small roads to a Hmong/Khamu village. There, you’ll have the chance to visit a local farm, go fishing, and help cook your own dinner.

Overnight with a local family in the village.

After a traditional breakfast prepared by your homestay hosts, continue your jungle trek across a mountain pass covered in secondary forest and through stunning landscapes to a small Khamu village nestled on the Nam Ou River. We’ll have a homemade lunch, then take a short boat ride for an additional one-hour hike to a beautiful waterfall where we can swim and relax.

After returning to the river, we’ll take a slow, relaxing boat ride back to Nong Khiaw.

Overnight at Nong Khiaw Riverside Hotel.

After breakfast, a minibus will take you this morning to the mouth of the Nam Ou River where it meets the Mekong. This region hides a sacred site: the famous Pak Ou Caves. Revered throughout the country, they serve as a sanctuary for hundreds of Buddha statuettes offered by Laotians for generations. It’s a pilgrimage site, in a way…

On the way, a stop at Ban Xang Hai village, renowned for its rice alcohol production. Not for everyone, as the alcohol content ranges from 25 to 45 degrees!

To reach the gentle city of Luang Prabang, you’ll board a private traditional boat and sail downstream along the Mekong, the mythical river that has inspired countless legends.

Arrival in Luang Prabang, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at Villa Maydou.

Before breakfast, you’ll witness numerous monks crossing the old town for their morning alms collection from the villagers. It’s a striking sight. We highly recommend continuing your morning walk with a visit to the morning market and its surprising local products. It’s at its liveliest at daybreak.

Next, you’ll explore the city by bicycle with your guide.

Luang Prabang isn’t just visited, it’s experienced. Indeed, the atmosphere of this town—home to more than 1,000 monks and around thirty temples—is truly unique. A sense of serenity is ever-present. Daily life here is truly set to the rhythm of the temples.

Then, continue your tour with a visit to the museum dedicated to the various ethnic groups of Laos: "TAEC" – Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre.

At the end of the day, Mount Phousi, accessible via its 300 steps, is the perfect spot to enjoy a stunning sunset over the city and the Mekong. As you descend the stairs on the “Royal Palace” side, you’ll come across the Luang Prabang night market, a true treasure trove of original local handicrafts for unique souvenirs.

Overnight at Villa Maydou Hotel.

Departure at 8:30 AM by local transport to Ban Long Lao village, about 40 minutes from Luang Prabang (the road is a bit rough). This village is well known in the region for its vegetable and pineapple production. Ban Long Lao is a mixed village home to both Hmong and Khamu communities.

Continue the trek through hills and valleys, passing through more open forest that offers good opportunities to spot animal tracks. This will also be the perfect time to enjoy your Lao lunch.

The hike continues through the forest with a few steep climbs to reach a cave that has become a pilgrimage site over time, but also served as a shelter during the Second Indochina War.

Another hour of hiking and you’ll reach the top of Kuang Si Falls. After the final descent, you’ll arrive at the base of the falls.

Then, it’ll be time to relax, swim at the waterfalls, and visit the Asiatic Black Bear Rescue Centre.

Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Overnight at Villa Maydou.

Transfer to Luang Prabang international airport.

Base 2 people

From 2,215 USD per pers