Take a trip to our favourite destination beyond Luang Prabang, Nongkhiaw, a magical riverside town in northern Luang Prabang Province.  Below is our suggested itinerary, that includes a visit to see our cotton producers, and a boat trip on the beautiful Nam Ou river. We can customise the trip to suit different budgets and tastes.  And be sure to check out our sister company bananaboatlaos.com for other authentic experiences.  

 

 

NONGKHIAW  3 days / 2 nights ex Luang Prabang
BEST  OF NAM OU RIVER, VILLAGES & NATURAL DYES WORKSHOP 

DAY 1  LUANG PRABANG - NONGKHIAW via COTTON VILLAGE
8.30am depart Luang Prabang, pick up from guesthouse or hotel, by private minivan. Approximately 2 and half hours, after a scenic drive, visit a Tai Leu cotton weaving village. Your local guide Meet the weavers and local craftsmen. This is a beautiful village with traditional architecture. The guide will take you around the village and also the weavers will show you the indigo dyeing process and the cotton preparation.  The weavers of this village are in working partnership with Ma Té Sai, a social enterprise, and fair trade store in Luang Prabang. Lunch is local style, at home with the weavers.  Optional Natural Dyes Workshop available (additional $25/ person).

The drive to Nongkhiaw is an additional half hour. Depending on the time spent at the village you will arrive approximately 2-3pm. 
Evening free to enjoy one of the local restaurants. Overnight in Nongkhiaw. 

In Nongkhiaw activities include  the Community Trek to the Viewpoint (20,000kip, allow a minimum of 2 hours with good fitness, longer not a good walker as the climb is steep)  with an amazing view over the town, or take an inner tube and float down the river, or just relax riverside and enjoy the view. 

DAY 2  (B,L)  RIVER AND VILLAGE TOUR 
Breakfast at Guesthouse. Met by local guide. 
Take a small river boat to Ban Sop Jam, approx 1.5 hours upstream on the Nam Ou River. This is a beautiful remote Khmu and Lao village where they weave cotton and silk and are very friendly.  The scenery along this river is very special with limestone karst mountains and small villages along the way. Stop at another village, for local tour and trekking. The trek is to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim. Trekking time is 1 hour to waterfall and 1 hour back.  Picnic lunch is included. This day can be modified to suit peoples fitness and activities they would like. Kayaking is an option as well. 
Return to Nongkhiaw late afternoon. 
Evening free to enjoy one of the local restaurants. Overnight in Nongkhiaw. 

DAY 3  (B,L) NONGKHIAW - LUANG PRABANG
Breakfast at Guesthouse.  Depart 10.30am or later for your return trip by private minivan to Luang Prabang. 
If you wish to visit Pak Ou Caves on the return, approx. 2.5 hours from the village, the driver will head down a small road to the Mekong, and at Pak Ou Village you can take a boat across the Mekong to the Caves. Boat and cave entrance is 40,000kip (US$5), your own expense. Arrive back at your Luang Prabang hotel or guesthouse late afternoon. 

OPTION 1: Includes private minivan both ways, 2 nights boutique accommodation including breakfast, English speaking guides for tours, private tour Day 2 & 3, and meals as indicated. $265 per person based on 2 people twin share accommodation.

OPTION 2: Includes private minivan both ways, 2 nights guesthouse accommodation including breakfast, English-speaking guides for tours, private tour Day 2 & 3, and meals as indicated. $245 per person based on 2 people twin share accommodation.

Travelling in a group or family, or wish to customise your trip, please have us prepare a quote. Prices are valid as of January 2018.