Activities in Northern Laos
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Big Brother Mouse
Pop into Big Brother Mouse and pick up some books to distribute to local children. Books cost 15,000 kip each and the idea behind the programme is to encourage visitors to hand out something more beneficial than candy, while promoting literacy. Run by a retired American publisher, the staff is made up of Laotian college and high-school students, all of whom contribute to the content, illustrations, and admin of the office. You can also purchase books at the night market or make a donation to support the production of new material, and the office gladly accepts volunteers when the need arises.
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Tiger Trails
Single- and multi-day trips involving trekking, rafting and cycling around Luang Prabang. Longer trips to Muang Ngoi or Muang Khua and accommodation homestays. Tiger Trails also has an elephant camp about 15km outside of Luang Prabang on the banks of the Nam Khan, where it offers elephant treks and mahout (elephant trainer) courses. This company places a strong emphasis on conservation and community support. Prices range from US$29 to US$40 per day.
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Green Discovery
At the time of writing, tours were offered by the privately owned Green Discovery. Those offered by Green Discovery differ to those offered by the Tourism Office, in order to eliminate direct competition and increase the spread of proceeds.
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Nam Ha Ecoguide Service
At the time of writing, tours were offered by the Nam Ha Ecoguide Service, a wing of the Provincial Tourism Office.
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Diethelm Tours
Plain of Jars and Muang Khoun tours plus kayaking on the Nam Nguen from May to September.
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Cycling
Luang Prabang is far bigger than the inner grid many people stick to and exploring the surrounding bans and wats on a bicycle is a beautiful way to enjoy the city. Bikes can be rented from guesthouses, tour companies and shops around Th Sisavangvong.
The old quarter can be easily covered in half a day, taking in temples and other sights. It doesn't take much effort to get out of town either: head south past Talat Phousy (Phousy Market) and into the hills, but watch out for punctures on rocky roads.
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OckPopTok
OckPopTok has a weaving and cultural centre where you can witness the silk- and cotton- weaving process from scratch. The skill and patience required to master these looms is quite remarkable and the 15 weavers here are true masters. Fortunately you can try your own hand at the art by taking a small-group class in dyeing and weaving. A Lao lunch is included and you take home your handiwork. Make bookings at its gallery.
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Bicycle Shop
Cycling is the ideal way to explore the wats, waterfalls, bans and landscape surrounding Luang Nam Tha. If you’re not up for a multiday mountain-bike tour, you can head out at your own pace by renting a mountain bike or ubiquitous rabbit-ear bicycle for US$0.30/1 per hour/day from the Bicycle Shop on the main street. It also rents motorcycles for US$2 to US$3 per day.
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Baw Nyai
A hot mineral spring can be visited near Muang Kham. Baw Nyai is large and lies 18km east of Muang Kham, 51km from Phonsavan. The spring source is in a heavily wooded area where several bamboo pipes have been rigged so that you can bathe nearby, although the experience is a little disappointing owing to the muddy texture of the water.
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Muang Ngoi Tour Office
Run by a former village school teacher, Muang Ngoi Tour Office is located behind the main street 300m south of the boat landing –look for the signs directing you. From here you can organise small-group treks to Hmong and Khamu villages for around US$8 per day including food, and fishing trips.
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Lao Youth Travel
Highly recommended for its focus on community-based ecotourism. One- and two-day tours between Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, and rewarding multiday trips to minority villages in the far north. Prices around US$35 to US$50 per day, all inclusive.
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Children’s Cultural Centre
Rather than trashing your used water bottles, cans and other recyclable waste, donate it to the Children’s Cultural Centre, which on-sells the waste to other dealers and uses the funds to provide after-school activities for kids.
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Lao Red Cross
Housed in a nicely preserved Lao-French building with half-timbered walls. Proceeds go towards the Lao Red Cross so really any visit here is an act of pure selflessness. Take your own towel or sarong.
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Exotissimo
Exotissimo have a recently-opened office right next door and offer day trips to eight different villages in the area. Their operation may have expanded to multi-day trips by the time you read this.
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Sousath Travel
Trips further afield include Tham Piu, Muang Sui, Sam Neua and Long Cheng (former site of the CIA’s infamous mountain base during the Second Indochina War).
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Green Discovery
Green Discovery is the biggest and most reliable operator which offers trekking, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing and caving. Recommended.
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Action Max Laos
Elephant treks and comfortable, small group tours to surrounding area. Prices around US$30 per person per day.
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Lao Red Cross
You can take a traditional herbal sauna and/or Swedish-Lao massage at the Lao Red Cross.
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Green Discovery
Kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, motorcycling and multiday trips north including motorcycle tours.
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Treasure Travel Laos
Organised and customised tours throughout Laos. Prices depend on duration and group size.
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Aroma Spa
Facials, body scrubs and indulgent combination packages ranging from US$30 to US$50.
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Spa Garden
In a quiet pocket near Wat Nong Sikhunmeuang, this spot offers indulgent treatments.
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Tamnak Lao Three Elephant Cafe
Full-day cooking classes including market shopping and a Lao lunch and dinner.
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LV Natural Tours
Good-value kayaking and trekking. Vone (a guide) gets good feedback.
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