HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES:

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Sharleen Caldwell
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1 800 047 987 Northern Laos is home to some of the most diverse and culturally colourful ethnic minorities in the country.

is fast becoming lost to our modern world.

Amongst these lush highlands you ll visit the villages of the Hmong and the Khmu, overnight amongst the people of the Mouchi tribe and gain a unique insight into the culture and lifestyles of a

1 Northern Laos is home to some of the most diverse and culturally colourful ethnic minorities in the country. Set amongst some of the most remote landscapes in South East Asia, these tribes cling fiercely to their traditions, providing us with a unique opportunity to experience first hand a way of life that is fast becoming lost to our modern world. Beginning amongst the World Heritage treasures of Luang Prabang, this remarkable journey then takes you north, into the remote forest and hills of Phongsaly Province, close to the Chinese border. Amongst these lush highlands you ll visit the villages of the Hmong and the Khmu, overnight amongst the people of the Mouchi tribe and gain a unique insight into the culture and lifestyles of a people whose traditions have changed little in centuries. Journeying south by riverboat, you ll then get a chance to enjoy some of the country s most breathtaking landscapes, as you head through the karst limestone vistas of the Nam Ou River. Steeped in the history of Laos s Secret war, these dramatic river scenes provide a stunning backdrop for the final adventure back to Luang Prabang. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore the rich ethnic diversity of Phongsaly Province Visit North Laos ethnic minority villages virtually untouched by tourism Trek amongst some of the most remote and little visited landscapes in Laos Enjoy the unique interaction of a night in a local Mouchi village homestay Travel along the dramatic and beautiful Nam Ou River by private boat TOUR INCLUDES: 2 nights three star hotels, 3 nights local guest houses, 1 night homestay 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide. Private basis Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees *Please note the prices shown above are per person based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

ITINERARY DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG - OUDOMXAY Leaving Luang Prabang, head north, journeying through the rolling countryside and paddy fields of the Nam Ou River towards Oudomxay Province.

lush hills towards the market town of Oudomxay. You should arrive at your overnight stop by early evening.

3 ITINERARY DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG - OUDOMXAY Leaving Luang Prabang, head north, journeying through the rolling countryside and paddy fields of the Nam Ou River towards Oudomxay Province. Lying close to the Chinese border, this region is home to a number of villages belonging to the Hmong and, after lunch, you'll have a chance to stop and explore some of them as you climb into the lush hills towards the market town of Oudomxay. You should arrive at your overnight stop by early evening. DAY 2: OUDOMXAY - BOUN TAI - MOUCHI The journey north continues today, taking you into the remote Phongsaly Province, an area whose culture has traditionally been heavily influenced by its proximity to neighbouring China. Much of the area is forest and it has long provided shelter for a number of colourful minorities including the Hmong, Akha, Yao and Khmu. Stop for lunch before beginning your trek of three hours to the beautiful village of the Mouchi tribe, one of only 6 Mouchi villages in Phongsaly Province. Here you will enjoy the hospitality of a local family and spend the evening in the village. Accommodation is very basic but the somewhat rustic facilities though are more than compensated for by the unique experience. Upon arrival in the village you will get a traditional welcoming massage. (B,L,D) DAY 3: MOUCHI - PHONGSALY Departing the village after breakfast this morning you'll trek a further 3 hours to an Akha Eupa minority village, where you will stop for a simple lunch. After lunch you will then transfer directly to the town of Phongsaly, the regional capital. The highest city in Laos, Phongsaly is home to a rich diversity of ethnic minorities, as well as an old historic quarter filled with traditional Yunnanese wooden architecture. On arrival you'll have a chance to watch the sunset from the top of Phonsaly Hill. (B,L,D) DAY 4: PHONGSALY After breakfast, you will be transferred to Phongsaly's famous 400 year old tea tree plantations for an easy trek, discovering the plantations and the nearby villages where the tea pickers live. These villages aren't visited very often, but you might be invited for a cup of the local brew. Return to Phongsaly to explore some of the old town, the local market and the ethnic Minority Museum. Behind the museum is the School of Art, where they often teach traditional Lao dance classes. In the late afternoon, climb the nearby Phoufa hill, which offers a great view over Phongsaly town. (B)

DAY 5: PHONGSALY - HATSA - MUANG KHUA Transferring to Hatsa boat pier this morning, you'll then join a cruise on a small, local private boat.

Disembark to board a local truck and pass by the dam, then board another boat and continue for the second leg of the journey to Muang Khua.

(B,L) DAY 6: MUANG KHUA - NONG KHIAW Continuing down the Nam Ou River by private boat you head next for the sleepy market town of Nong Khiaw, negotiating a stretch of the river famed for its stunning

4 DAY 5: PHONGSALY - HATSA - MUANG KHUA Transferring to Hatsa boat pier this morning, you'll then join a cruise on a small, local private boat. Cruise down a very wild and uninhabited stretch of the beautiful Nam Ou River, before reaching a Chinese Hydropower Dam project. Disembark to board a local truck and pass by the dam, then board another boat and continue for the second leg of the journey to Muang Khua. En route stop for a picnic lunch at Ban Huay Soy, a rarely visited Khmu village. (B,L) DAY 6: MUANG KHUA - NONG KHIAW Continuing down the Nam Ou River by private boat you head next for the sleepy market town of Nong Khiaw, negotiating a stretch of the river famed for its stunning limestone karst scenery and its remote villages. Disembark to pass the Nam Ou Dam before continuing by boat once more. Arriving in Nong Khiaw you will have an opportunity to hire bicycles to explore something of the surrounding countryside. The limestone caves that pepper these spectacular landscapes were used as a hospital during the country's bloody 'Secret War' ( ), fought between the Communist Pathet Lao and the Royal Lao Government. (B,L) DAY 7: NONG KHIAW - LUANG PRABANG Your final journey south will be completed by road, travelling by way of the fantastic limestone caves of Pak Ou - crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes - and on to Luang Prabang where your journey will come to an end. (B)

ACCOMMODATION NONG KHIAW MANDALA OU RESORT A new addition to the scene in the remote village of Nong Khiaw in Northern Laos, Mandala Ou opened in November 2013 and boats the only swimming pool in

5 ACCOMMODATION NONG KHIAW MANDALA OU RESORT A new addition to the scene in the remote village of Nong Khiaw in Northern Laos, Mandala Ou opened in November 2013 and boats the only swimming pool in Nong Khiaw. Set high on the banks of the scenic and tranquil Nam Ou river, offering spectacular sunset views over the virgin rainforest and karst limestone mountains of Nong Khiaw, Mandala Ou offer 10 bungalows, mixing traditional Lao style with all the modern conveniences you can expect from a home away from your home. The hotel has a good local restaurant, a traditional Lao herbal steam sauna, and a raised yoga and massage sala, all overlooking the river and mountains beyond. Yet another reason to visit this beautiful region of Laos - still largely untouched by tourism. OUDOMXAY CHARMING LAO HOTEL With just 13 guestrooms the Charming Lao Hotel is a small midrange option in town of Oudomxay. The rooms are clean and well equipped and have all you need for a comfortable stay. The hotel's rooftop cafe is a great spot to sit and enjoy a coffee while watching the slow paced life of Laos pass by. The hotel makes a great base to visit the hill tribes found in the region. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com

HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0) +44 (0)20 8741 7390 An insightful journey through one of South East Asia s hidden gems, this wonderful adventure encapsulates all the richness and diversity of this beautiful country. From Laos charming