Code:	LAKYT 07
Routes:	kayaking
Duration:	2 Days

This tour combines the spectacular landscape of the Nam Ou River with a visit to the renowned Pak Ou Caves and paddling on the mighty Mekong. A home - stay at a Lao Loum fishing village offers you the unique opportunity to experience the local peoples' way of life.

Day 1: Kayaking starts in the Khmu village of Ban Houayleuang, 1 1/2 hour drive north of Luang Prabang. After an introduction to paddling and the basics fo kayaking, you will encouter up to 5 easy rapids in the first hour.

Along the way, the village of Ban Sibounhom is visited. This Khmu village on the eastern riverbank is one of the few remaining without electricity and direct road access (route 13).

A picnic lunch is prepared on a white sandbank set in beautiful scenery. After a relaxing break and a swim, the afternoon is spent paddling in a calmer section of the Nam Ou. There's plenty of time to watch the villagers fish and harvest river weed in and along the Nam Ou.

Day 2: After an over - night stay at the village of Ban Vanglae, the scenery of the Nam Ou gets more and more dramatic, with limestone cliffs bordering the river.
At the confluence of the Nam Ou and the Mekong lie the highly venerated Pak Ou Caves: two temple caves by the river, filled with hundreds of Buddha statues.

1 hour paddling further down the Mekong takes you to the village of Ban Xanghai. Here, the production of lau lao (Lao whisky) and lau hai (Lao wine) is demonstrated... of course, you should try some!

From Ban Xanghai, either a songtheo will pick up the group or, if fit and ambitious, you can paddle all the way back to Luang Prabang.

Information

Maximum of 18 people per tour group

Note:
For an optional A/C 4WD minibus or 4WD Jeep an extra are added per tour group.