The best way to get into the wilderness is on a trek into one of Laos's National Protected Areas (NPAs). Most treks have both a cultural and environmental focus, with trekkers sleeping in village home stays and your money going directly into some of the poorest communities in the country.
These treks are mostly run by provincial tourism authorities and have English-speaking guides. They can be organized once you arrive or in advance by phone, and are the cheapest trekking options available. Some companies, most notably Green Discovery (www.greendiscoverylaos.com), offer more elaborate trekking, often combining walking with mountain biking, kayaking and/or rafting. Guides will likely be more experienced but the trips are also more expensive.
To help you get an idea of the options, we've listed the areas where organised trekking is possible, from north to south. Each of these areas is covered in detail in this book. Phongsali from Phongsali. One to five-day treks in remote hills, overnighting in Akha and Up Noi villages.
Treks are moderately easy and the emphasis is on culture.
Nam Ha NPA From Luang Nam Tha. One to four-day treks into this wild and wonderful area. Over 10 treks offered, the most popular including homestays in hilltop Akha villages. This is a true eco-experience.
Muang Sing From Muang Sing. One to three-day treks exploring the diverse ethnic villages in the area.
There are seven different treks and each includes authentic homestays. Some delve slightly into Nam Ha NPA.
Vieng Phoukha From Vieng Phoukha. One to three-day treks in some of Northern Laos' most spectacular and culturally-rich landscape. Most encompass homestays in Akha, Khamu and Lahu villages and explore the south of Nam Ha NPA.
Phu Khao Khuay NPA From Vientiane. Two and three-day treks, the most popular of which include a stay in an elephant tower and a rare chance (not a guarantee) at seeing wild Asian elephants.
Phu Hin Bun NPA From Tha Khaek or Ban Khoun Kham (Ban Na Hin). For beauty, it's hard to beat these trekking and boating trips through the monolithic limestone karsts. Two and three-day options available, or four days with Green Discovery.
Dong Natad Provincial Protected Area (PPA) From Savannakhet. One and two-day trips to the provincial protected area near Savannakhet are cheap and popular for their homestay and explanations of how villagers use the sacred forest.
Dong Phu Vieng NPA From Savannakhet. This three-day trek (with a fair bit of road time at either end) takes you to two Katang villages where animist beliefs come with a host of taboos. Ifs a real head-bending cultural experience, but the transport makes prices a bit steep.
Phu Xieng Thong NPA From Pakse. A three-day trek and river trip along the Mekong. The village homestay isn't the most exciting, but visiting the hermit nun in the NPA is fascinating.
Se Plan NPA From Pakse or Attapeu. Taking in the elephants of Kiel Ngong this trek through forest, stream and rice field brings you to the remote Laven village of Ta Ong before returning by boat or over a hill with stunning views of the protected area. Two and three-day treks available.
Dong Ampham NPA From Attapeu. As far as we know fewer than five groups have ever done this trek into the most distant and well-preserved reaches of the country. The goal of the five day trip is the beautiful crater lake of Nong Fa - one of the holy grails of adventure travel in Laos. Not cheap.
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