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A view of Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Nam Ou River, Laos. - Northern Laos Hike & Homestays, Laos
A view of Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Nam Ou River, Laos.
A family following our local hiking guide in Laos - Northern Laos Hike & Homestays, Laos
A family following our local hiking guide in Laos  | Kate Harper
The stunning mountainous landscapes of Northern Laos - Northern Laos Hike & Homestays, Laos
The stunning mountainous landscapes of Northern Laos
Cruising the mighty Mekong on a family adventure in Laos - Northern Laos Hike & Homestays, Laos
Cruising the mighty Mekong on a family adventure in Laos  | Kate Harper
Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Nam Ou River, Laos. - Northern Laos Hike & Homestays, Laos
Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Nam Ou River, Laos.
Riverside village in Northern Laos - Northern Laos Hike & Homestays, Laos
Riverside village in Northern Laos
Water buffalo grazing at sunset, Laos - Northern Laos Hike & Homestays, Laos
Water buffalo grazing at sunset, Laos

Northern Laos Hike & Homestays

Discover this hidden natural paradise

Laos
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 3 reviews

7 Days from

$1290 USD

Trip Code: NLE
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement - Entire Trip
$210 USD
Solo Traveller Supplement
$790 USD
Duration
  • 7 Days
Activities
  • 3 day trek
  • 1 day boat touring
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel/guesthouse
  • 2 nights homestay
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

64kg of CO2-e PP per day

(386kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Explore Nong Khiaw & Muang Ngoi
  • Hike through jungle along the Nam Ou River
  • Experience authentic remote villages
  • Boat trip to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves

Overview

Starting and finishing in the magical UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, this journey takes you to through stunning scenery and friendly local villages. Marvel at jungle waterfalls, ride in a long-tail boat through the rugged, mountainous Nam Ou River valley and explore the beautiful villages of Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi. Visit the “100 waterfalls” on an exclusive visit in Nong Khiaw, take in beautiful landscapes and trek to remote areas. Encounter the locals and enjoy an enriching cultural experience with home stays and genuine Laotian food and witness everyday life on the shores of the Nam Ou River. En route back to the city we stop at the mysterious pilgrimage site of Pak Ou Caves before arriving in the heart of Luang Prabang.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Laos. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is a truly enchanting city, set against a backdrop of mountain ranges and dotted with historic temples that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. If time permits, you may like to explore the charming streets, visit a riverside café, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere. Overnight: Villa Saykham or similar

Meals: Nil

Today you meet your guide in Luang Prabang and set out on a scenic drive along the Nam Ou River to the small town of Nong Khiaw. En route, stop at Tai Lue, a Lao Leu village renowned for its traditional stilt houses and intricate handicrafts. Arriving in Nong Khiaw in the afternoon, take time to explore the town and its picturesque surroundings. In the evening, your guide will introduce you to the local cuisine with a dinner at a traditional eatery. Overnight: Nong Kiau Riverside Bungalows or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today begins with a peaceful boat ride along the Nam Ou River, gliding past forested banks and limestone peaks. Stop at a small riverside Lao village to learn about life along the river before continuing to the base of the 100 Waterfalls. Walking through gentle streams and rice paddies, you arrive at the start of the cascades. For the next few hours, you are surrounded by the sights and sounds of crystal-clear water tumbling through lush jungle. The inviting pools provide opportunities for a refreshing dip along the way. Your guide will lead you through the cascades and prepare a traditional Lao lunch beside the falls, in the heart of this spectacular green setting. In the afternoon, follow a small villagers’ trail from the top of the 100 Waterfalls back down into the valley, enjoying sweeping views across the Nam Ou landscape. Return to the river for a short boat transfer to Done Khoun, a traditional Khmu village in a stunning riverside location, where you will spend the night in a homestay. Note: Strap-on sandals or quick drying shoes are ideal for this trek as your feet may get wet. You will need to pack and carry an overnight bag today. Your main luggage will stay safely with the boatman who you will meet back up with you tomorrow. Trekking time: ~5-6hrs Overnight: Khmu Village homestay (multi-share)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you travel by boat and vehicle to the trailhead for Na Luang. You follow small paths past seasonal rice paddies and through preserved forest, where towering trees and sweeping views create a memorable start to the day. Lunch is enjoyed in a jungle setting, with stops along the way to take in the surroundings. Today involves 5–6 hours of trekking, with ascents and descents, leading to a Lao-style village where traditional ways of life are still maintained. The trail can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended. On arrival, you explore the village with your guide and, if timing allows, may visit the Tiger Trail-built Clay School, which has been operating since 2011. In the late afternoon, you settle in for an overnight stay in the village and enjoy a dinner of local cuisine, prepared using ingredients available in the community. In the evening, you may choose to wander through the village, soaking in the atmosphere of this remote and welcoming place. Note: You will have access to your main luggage this morning but will again be packing an overnight bag as your main luggage will again stay with your boatman. Trekking time: ~5-6hrs Overnight: Village homestay (multi-share)

Meals: B,L,D

Enjoy breakfast before setting off on a local trail towards the Nam Ou River, following one of the most spectacular routes in the region. The path leads through a canyon pass, with mountains rising dramatically on both sides. Today’s medium-grade trek takes around four hours, including a one-hour uphill stretch that can be challenging in the heat and is best tackled with good fitness. You make your way through jungle, over rocky sections, and across rice fields. Along the way, visit a Khmu village nestled on the banks of the Nam Ou River and see its gardens. A traditional Lao-style lunch is served before you continue by private boat to the secluded riverside town of Muang Ngoi. Trekking time: ~ 4-5 hrs Overnight: Lattanavongsa Guesthouse or similar

Meals: B,L

After breakfast, take a short boat trip to Nong Khiaw and continue our return by vehicle to Luang Prabang. En route we stop to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. There are two caves ‘Tham Ting’ and ‘Tham Phoum,’ and these photogenic caves are renowned for their collection of thousands of Buddha sculptures and images left over the years by pilgrims. Overnight: Villa Saykham or similar

Meals: B

Your Northern Laos Explorer comes to an end this morning in Luang Prabang. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

423 scheduled departures between 1 Sep 2026 and 29 Dec 2027.

  • Departs 1 Sep 2026 – ends 7 Sep 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 2 Sep 2026 – ends 8 Sep 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 3 Sep 2026 – ends 9 Sep 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 4 Sep 2026 – ends 10 Sep 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 5 Sep 2026 – ends 11 Sep 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 6 Sep 2026 – ends 12 Sep 2026 (7 days)
  • … and 417 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Comfortable hotel/ guesthouse on a twin share basis
  • Homestay accommodation on a multi-share basis
  • Airport transfers on day 1 and day 7
  • All transportation in private air comfortable vehicles
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
  • Group medical kit

Not included

  • Meals not indicated in the program
  • Optional tours, and entrance fees and permits during free time
  • Expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance
  • Camera/video fees at various sites

Reviews (3)

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Our trekking hike to Northern Laos was amazing. We had so much fun.

Meredith Delang|Emerald Beach, NSW Australia
23 Apr 2024
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This trip was amazing. We went on this trip for our honeymoon as we were looking for adventure and we found it. We happened to be the only two people on the tour, our guide Lieng took us to great spots to eat and told us about the Laos people and their traditional ways of living. The trek itself wasn't as hard as we thought it would be and has stunning views with almost no other tourist. Couldn't have asked for a better trip!

Kayla Schmohl|Northbridge, NSW Australia
2 Apr 2024
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This tour was fun and adventurous! Everything went smoothly and everyone was very nice. Highly recommended!

Edwin Howard|Villa Park, CA United States
14 Nov 2023

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Laos Homestay village

Village Homestays

Share and learn with the friendly locals by staying at genuine village homestays. Family homes here are simple but comfortable and provide an authentic cultural experience.

Laotian homestay meal

Village Homestays

Share and learn with the friendly locals by staying at genuine village homestays. Family homes here are simple but comfortable and provide an authentic cultural experience.

Village overnight homestay accommodation | Amanda Fletcher

Village Homestays

Share and learn with the friendly locals by staying at genuine village homestays. Family homes here are simple but comfortable and provide an authentic cultural experience.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings. 

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run. 

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route. 

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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