Roni on the Run

One of the most memorable places to visit is North Laos! And one of my travel goals is to do a hill tribe trek in each country I visit (if possible). I would highly recommend a multi-day hill tribe trekking adventure to anyone. For me, this is the best way to truly experience the country.

You will have an opportunity to immerse into the life of local tribes, experience their culture and traditions, try local food and experience homestays. For 2-3 day you can enjoy peaceful country life, disconnected from the rest of the world. And yes, it’s very safe!

How to Get to Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw is located only 3 hours from Luang Prabang, it is very easy to book a transport even 1 day before you decide to go. Most buses usually leave around 8am-9am and you should ask your booking agency for a hotel/hostel pick up. I paid Kip 70,000 for one way ticket to Nong Khiaw.

It is possible to travel from other places too, daily buses depart from Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Vietnam borders and many other locations.

Where to Book Your Trek

Check out Tiger Trails in Nong Khiaw! This company supports local villages and guides, it is significantly kinder to the community and your money will go a lot further if you choose to hike with Tiger Trail.

No company in town owns their guides, every guide is a freelancer. Therefore whichever company you choose, your guide will be picked at random the night before.

Each company has their unique trails and different homestays, however any company you choose will be fairly similar. What I urge you to consider is how the company treats the guides and the impact they leave behind on the villages they work with! Don’t get fooled by charismatic coordinators, selling adventure packages to tourists. They are sales people who want you to choose their company, many will try to deceive you about the good they do in the community and tribe villages. If you truly want a good and reliable company, go with Tiger Trails.

Preparation

Whichever company you decide to go with, I highly recommend to sit down with your coordinator and take time to understand what your trip will include.

Questions for the tour agency:

• Hiking route/ distance/ trekking time
• How big is your group (you should get discount if more people sign up!)
• Ask about the trip highlights! Are you going to a viewpoint? Or just walking through the fields all day
• Ensure you disclose your food preferences and allergies
• All the entrance fees included in your trip?

What to bring:

• Clothes for the duration of your hike. Your travel luggage can be stored at the tour agency
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito Repellent
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Earplugs.. Unless you can manage through the night without an urge of killing a rooster!
• Money for alcohol, souvenirs and snacks

What to Expect

Once you book your tour you can usually start the next day (or whenever you choose). Prepare to take only what you need for the duration of your trekking experience. Majority of your day you will spend hiking, moving from one tribe village to another. The length of the hike or the route taken is dependant on your tour agency (beware some take easy and not scenic routes!). Hiking itself is not difficult, it’s the heat!

Normally you will reach your homestay in the late afternoon, here you can take a shower and relax. You can also choose to independently explore the tribe village or help your homestay host with cooking. After the dinner you can enjoy drinks with the tour group and your guide!

On your trek, you are likely to come across a weaving village. I’m sure you already seen beautiful souvenirs that are sold on the street markets in Luang Prabang or other towns, however this is where locals make some of those souvenirs that you’ve seen. Buying here will ensure the income goes directly into the village and helps the families who hand make these beautiful gifts.

Most tours will end their trip with kayaking or a local boat which will take you along the Nam Ou River back to Nong Khiaw. Jaw dropping views!

This was a truly fulfilling, beautiful and unique experience. One that I will never forget and always cherish! I will always be grateful for the hospitality from our lovely host family, here’s a photo of us all: