Hill Tribes North Laos

Muang Sing and Muang Long
I was thinking of going to this area in Late January More on a Photography trip visiting Hill tribes than for a lot of Trekking as I am older and unfit so can’t walk hard tracks for hours a day.
I see some of the prices on the Net for a 1 day guide tour of villages travelling either by Tuk Tuk or car can be quite high for an individual traveller. Though I don’t mind more folk who have similar requirements regarding not to much walking and climbing etc. Most likely others will want to Trekke with a younger crowd.
I do prefer a Guide so how much can one expect to pay for a English speaking guide and a Tuk Tuk or car, obviously different rates for different transport. How much per day for 4WD for harder higher locations. Just some idea will be enough $170 per day is a little prohibitive to do much but I don’t expect it free.
Any advise i.e 1 day Tuk Tuk and 2 days car etc will only have 4-5 days don’t mind an overnight in a village but prefer a bed most nights.
So how easy is it to set this up in the area when you get there.
I was thinking of a flight to Lounang Natha and Songthews from there any comments.
Can you get to Louang Phabang by river from here if so is it worth it and how crowded does it get, also how long does it take.
Thanks for any assistance with these matters.
Dave.