11-Day Explore Home of Ethnic Groups Northern, Laos

Highlights:

Cultural Immersion in Akha Villages: Engage with the Akha people, renowned for their traditional attire and unique cultural practices, through homestays and village visits.
Trekking in Luang Namtha Valley: Explore the scenic Luang Namtha Valley, interacting with various ethnic groups and observing traditional crafts amidst picturesque landscapes.
Kayaking on the Nam Ha River: Embark on a kayaking adventure along the Nam Ha River, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Exploration of Phongsaly: Journey to Phongsaly, the northernmost province of Laos, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and diverse ethnic minority villages.
Trekking to Ban Peryenxangmai: Trek to Ban Peryenxangmai, an Akha village in Phongsaly, to learn about their distinctive customs and traditional lifestyle.
Visit to Ban Naporxang: Continue trekking to Ban Naporxang, another Akha village, observing daily practices such as farming and handicrafts, and engaging with villagers.
Exploration of Luang Prabang: Conclude the tour in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, exploring historic temples, vibrant markets, and French colonial architecture.

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1: Pickup from Bokeo to Vieng Phoukha

Begin your journey in Bokeo Province, the smallest yet one of the most ethnically diverse regions in Laos, home to over 30 recognized ethnic groups. The name ‘Bokeo’ translates to ‘gem mine,’ reflecting the area’s rich deposits of precious stones. Traveling along Road 3, you’ll arrive in Vieng Phoukha, a mountainous district in southern Luang Namtha Province, approximately 60 km from Luang Namtha town. This area is known for its lush landscapes and diverse ethnic communities, including the Akha, Muser, Khmu, Hmong, and Lao.

Day 2: Trek in Vieng Phoukha to Akha Village

Embark on a trek through Vieng Phoukha’s verdant terrain, following trails that lead to an Akha village. The Akha are a Tibeto-Burman-speaking ethnic group that first appeared in Laos around the mid-19th century. Their villages are often situated in highland areas, and they are renowned for their intricate traditional attire and unique cultural practices. The trek offers an immersive experience into the Akha way of life, providing insights into their traditions and daily activities.

Day 3: Akha Village to Vieng Phoukha to Luang Namtha

After experiencing Akha hospitality, including a homestay and sampling local cuisine, you’ll trek back to Vieng Phoukha. The Akha are known for their traditional attire and textile making, engaging in natural dyeing and bamboo paper crafting seasonally. From there, proceed to Luang Namtha, a province celebrated for its cultural diversity and natural beauty.

Day 4: Visit Luang Namtha Valley Route

Explore the Luang Namtha Valley, where various activities await. You can visit local markets, interact with different ethnic groups, and observe traditional crafts such as weaving. The valley is also known for its scenic landscapes, including rice paddies and rivers, offering opportunities for cycling or leisurely walks to appreciate the rural Laotian countryside.

Day 5: Trek through Nam Ha NPA and Visit Khmu Village of Nalan

Set out on a trek through the Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA), an ASEAN Heritage Park renowned for its rich biodiversity and dense forests. Accompanied by a local guide, navigate mountainous terrains to reach the Khmu village of Nalan. The Khmu are an indigenous ethnic group known for their unique cultural heritage. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature before arriving at the village, where you’ll experience Khmu hospitality and learn about their traditional lifestyle.

Day 6: Kayaking on the Nam Ha River and Back to Luang Namtha

Begin the day with village activities in Nalan, observing the daily routines of the Khmu people. Then, embark on a kayaking adventure along the Nam Ha River, which flows through the Nam Ha NPA. The river journey offers a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness and an opportunity to spot local wildlife. Conclude the day by returning to Luang Namtha.

Day 7: Travel to Phongsaly

Journey north to Phongsaly, the northernmost province of Laos. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque landscapes, including mountains and tea plantations. Phongsaly town is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and serves as a gateway to various ethnic minority villages. The town’s history is marked by its diverse cultural influences and its role in regional trade routes.

Day 8: Trekking to Akha Village of Ban Peryenxangmai

Embark on a trek to Ban Peryenxangmai, an Akha village in Phongsaly. The Akha in this region maintain their traditional lifestyle, with distinctive customs and attire. Visiting the village provides an opportunity to learn about their cultural practices, social structures, and the challenges they face in the modern world.

Day 9: Trekking to Ban Naporxang, Another Akha Village

Continue your trek to Ban Naporxang, another Akha village. Along the way, observe the daily living practices of the Akha people, including farming, handicrafts, and community activities. Engage with villagers to gain deeper insights into their way of life and the adaptations they are making in response to external influences.

Day 10: Trekking Back to Phongsaly Town

Conclude your trekking adventure by returning to Phongsaly town. The journey offers a final opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and reflect on the rich cultural experiences encountered during your visits to the Akha villages.

Day 11: Travel from Phongsaly to Luang Prabang

Depart from Phongsaly and travel to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its well-preserved architectural, religious, and cultural heritage. The route offers diverse landscapes and a glimpse into the rural life of northern Laos. Upon arrival, you can explore the city’s historic temples, vibrant markets, and French colonial architecture.

Included Travel Services:

All sightseeing activities as outlined in the program
Transportation by private vehicle
Accommodation in shared twin rooms
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees to the listed attractions
Meals: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Lao PDR government taxes and service charges
Luggage handling

Not Included Travel Services:

International flights to/from Lao PDR
Visa fee (approximately US$30 per person, depending on nationality)
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips, drinks, personal expenses, and other costs not outlined in the program
Single room surcharge (available upon request)

Contact Us:

Phone/WhatsApp: +856-20-2299 6166; +856-20-2881 9198
E-mail: info@ecovoyagelaos.com

Alternatively, use the contact form on our website for inquiries or booking.

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11-Day Explore Home of Ethnic Groups Northern, Laos

Highlights:

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1: Pickup from Bokeo to Vieng Phoukha

Day 2: Trek in Vieng Phoukha to Akha Village

Day 3: Akha Village to Vieng Phoukha to Luang Namtha

Day 4: Visit Luang Namtha Valley Route

Day 5: Trek through Nam Ha NPA and Visit Khmu Village of Nalan

Day 6: Kayaking on the Nam Ha River and Back to Luang Namtha

Day 7: Travel to Phongsaly

Day 8: Trekking to Akha Village of Ban Peryenxangmai

Day 9: Trekking to Ban Naporxang, Another Akha Village

Day 10: Trekking Back to Phongsaly Town

Day 11: Travel from Phongsaly to Luang Prabang

Included Travel Services:

Not Included Travel Services:

Contact Us:

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Eco Voyage Laos

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11-Day Explore Home of Ethnic Groups Northern, Laos

Highlights:

Daily Itinerary:

Included Travel Services:

Not Included Travel Services:

Contact Us:

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Eco Voyage Laos

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