Tour Code: XMX337IRU9G4
8 Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
Embark on an 8-day adventure through Northern Laos and the Golden Triangle, where you’ll explore a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Begin your journey in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its stunning temples and serene atmosphere. Travel to Huay Xai and the Golden Triangle Park, where the borders of Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar meet amidst lush landscapes. Discover the diverse flora and fauna of Nam Ha National Park before heading to Luang Nam Tha, a hub of ethnic diversity and traditional craftsmanship. Continue your exploration with a visit to Muang Khua, a charming town nestled along the river, and end your trip in Nong Khiaw, where dramatic limestone peaks and tranquil river settings offer a perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure.
Set off west on Route No 1A, navigating through a rough and uneven dirt path. We will then cross the Mekong River via ferry to reach Sayabury Province, where a lunch stop in the provincial capital awaits. Following lunch, prepare to put your off-road skills to the test as we delve into the Laotian jungle, tackling 95 km of some of the most demanding roads in northern Laos.
The route to Hongsa features a rugged landscape with forested mountains. This area is renowned for its agricultural production, including rice, cotton, peanuts, sesame, maize, and oranges. Expansive teak forests cover much of the province, and the region hosts an Elephant Festival every February.
Fingers crossed for dry weather today, as we embark on a 93 km dirt ride along the Thai border to the Mekong River, hoping to kick up dust rather than deal with mud. Upon reaching the river, we'll board a boat for a scenic journey up to Houay Say. This area offers a chance to encounter local Mahouts and possibly see elephants, with the possibility of being among very few visitors in the area.
We’ll arrive in Houay Say by late afternoon, a picturesque border town situated on the Laos side of the Mekong River.
Prepare for a journey up the Mekong River to the renowned Golden Triangle, an area historically known for its extensive opium poppy cultivation. Along the way, we'll explore the serene villages of the Akha and Yao ethnic groups.
Our route will take us past Sop Roak, a village inhabited by the Akha people on the Thai side of the Mekong River. We’ll finish our ride by following a narrow track alongside the river to reach Muang Meung.
It's tough to say goodbye to this scenic stretch along the Mekong. Rise early to catch the sunrise over the river and make the most of this beautiful segment before heading towards Xieng Kok. On this tranquil route, the main obstacles you'll encounter are likely to be free-roaming cows and chickens.
As we travel through the lush rainforest to Luang Namtha, we'll have the opportunity to visit local hill-tribe communities including the Akha, Hmong, Tai Dam, and Lu people. We'll enjoy a roadside lunch featuring traditional local fare, such as sticky rice and dried beef.
Today is yours to relax and recharge after a demanding journey.
You will spend the night at a hotel in Luang Nam Tha.
Prepare for an intense riding day through diverse and challenging road conditions, with only a few vehicles encountered per hour. The rough roads, built by the Chinese government in the 1960s and poorly maintained since, will require us to slow down to navigate around deep, frame-bending potholes. Much of our journey takes us through dense, primary forests and past several very basic hill tribe villages, where women are still seen topless.
In the town of Boun Tai, we'll visit the ruins of an old French Legionnaire fort, which is now in a state of complete disrepair.
It’s quite a sight to witness the morning market in Boun Tai, where goods are brought to the bustling local trading square in the town center. Today promises a relatively easy ride, covering just 70 km of bumpy roads. We’ll pass through numerous Lao Thung villages, inhabited by mid-land ethnic groups. We’ll then transition to a well-paved road from the intersection to Muang Khua, where we’ll board our long-tail boat.
Our 4-hour boat journey downstream to Nong Khiaw will offer stunning views of the landscape and river scenery, providing insight into the natural lifestyle along the riverbanks. The experience on the river mirrors the sensation of riding on a winding road, as most rivers in Laos are quite rugged.
The final day demands strong physical endurance but rewards you with a spectacular journey through the mountainous terrain.
We will encounter two distinct hill-tribes: the Khamu, who reside in the mid-mountains, and the Hmong, who live in remote, isolated areas far from the familiar world. The day will involve approximately 230 km of riding, including 130 km of navigating winding routes through mid and high mountain villages along ridges. We’ll conclude our adventure in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, where a well-deserved Beer Lao awaits us!
A Tuk-Tuk will then transport you back to your hotel.
"This journey is designed to blend motorbiking with Lao culture, featuring waterfalls, elephant interactions, and more. Accommodations vary from simple guesthouses and wooden bungalows to comfortable hotels. The tours are meticulously organized, but we can tailor the experience to your preferences, such as adjusting hotel standards or altering the activity list.
Your only additional costs will be for meals and drinks, with noodle soups or beverages costing around $2 and a full dinner about $5.
If you wish to make any changes or remove certain activities, please let us know."
Member Since 2023
