Cycling through the Countryside in Vang Vieng, Laos

By Dean Wickham

Vang Vieng in Laos is one of those places that you hear mixed reviews about. Some people have the time of their lives while others can’t wait to get out of there. The general apprehension is that if you’re a twenty year old backpacker wanting to get drunk and go tubing down a river, you’ll love it. If you fit into any other category, you’ll hate the place. I wanted to find out for myself.

I decided to head across the river and make my way to Poukham cave, which I had heard was interesting to explore and had a nice swimming hole nearby. I hadn’t ridden a bike for quite some time but I soon got the hang of it again.

Biking in Vang Vieng, Laos

Riding down the dirt, potholed road I soon entered the surrounding countryside, dominated by beautiful green rice fields that stretch across the flat areas of land between the huge limestone karsts that rise up above them. Farmers tended to their fields while chickens scratched in the dirt and cows grazed on the side of the road. I stopped often to take photos and just enjoy the stunning scenery.

A small village and limestone karsts in Vang Vieng

 As I continued along the road I passed through several small villages, with their basic bamboo houses sitting amongst bunches of banana trees and little vegetable gardens. It was a Sunday and all of the local kids were out playing, riding their bikes, swimming in streams and chasing dogs and chickens. Women bathed and did their laundry in the small fresh water streams that came down from the mountains, while other people went about their daily chores, chopping wood and preparing food.

Friendly Local women in Laos

I decided to stop in at a small swimming hole, as I had built up quite a sweat from the bike ride. Some local kids ran beside me as I made my way down to the stream, and soon joined me for a swim in the lovely cool water. They couldn’t speak a word of English but a simple “Sabai dee” was enough to get a smile out of them. As I rode away they ran beside me to show me how fast they could run, and then waved goodbye with a big smile on their faces.

I was fascinated by the peacefulness of the typical life in the Laotian countryside. It was so good to be having a true local experience, away from the hordes of tourists that can take away that something special from a certain place. This was a place where I could be on my own, and truly see what life is about in this amazing country. Here, life is simple, people have very little and yet they are so happy. Here kids don’t need video games and brand named clothes to be happy. All they seem to need is their imagination.

Children 

When I got to the entrance of Poukham cave I paid the 10,000 kip ($1.20) entrance fee and crossed the bridge where I parked my bike, before climbing up the steep path and exploring the large, dark cave on my own, an adventure in itself. By this time the heat and humidity of the tropical climate had me drenched in sweat, and I was ready to cool off in the Blue Lagoon, located near the cave where I had parked my bike. The cool fresh water was a lovely blue colour, coming from a small mountain stream, with schools of fresh water fish swimming against the current. Some locals were also enjoying a swim in their local swimming hole, floating around on tyre tubes and enjoying the rope swing, while I just floated in the cool clear water, relaxed and enjoying the natural scenery.

Swimming hole in Vang Vieng

I was cooled off I began to make my way back to Vang Vieng, stopping for some lunch at a little local restaurant in one of the villages.

I had passed only a handful of other tourists throughout the day in the local area, and overall it was an extremely peaceful and rewarding experience. It goes to show, you need to explore a place on your own to really experience what the place has to offer. As I found out about Vang Vieng, there is always more to a place than what you may hear or read. For me, this type of experience is exactly what travel is all about. You can learn so much about life from the local people, even without any words being exchanged. From that moment on I would seek out these kinds of experiences everywhere that I travelled.

Finally I can really recommend making a bike tour in Vang Vieng. You can not only experience and explore the great outdoors of Laos but also get in contact with the local people and involve yourself in the Lao culture. Truly, a bike tour in Laos makes any visit a true adventure.

Biking tour in Laos

If you wish to set up your personal bike adventure in Laos, please contact us for further information:

http://www.activetravellaos.com/

ACTIVETRAVEL LAOS (ATL) is member of ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA offers a wide selection of Laos adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, kayaking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages in Laos and Indochina

Trekking in the hidden land of Phongsali, Laos

Traveling in Asian cities is an undeniable thrill. The food, the nightlife, the chaos and the people make wandering through Asia’s big cities like Hanoi and Bangkok an endless maze of discovery. But, for many of us, experiencing the true soul of a country means getting out of the cities and getting into the more rural places.

Especially for countries like Thailand and Laos, which house vast hills and deep jungles, experiencing these places means further understanding the country. A fun and exhilarating way to experience the hills, jungles and forests of Asia is to trek through them. Being able to communicate with other locals through an interpreter makes the experience all the richer.

Scenery Phongsali, Laos

Communicate with locals

One of the main starting points for a trek Northern Laos is the city of Phongsali. Phongsali is a tiny town nestled high in the hills near the Chinese border. The town has a distinctly sleepy vibe: there are few cars or motorbikes, dogs wander around the streets and the few restaurants in the town close around 9 pm (a warning to late-night snackers!) The town, due to its proximity to China, is home to many Chinese settlers who came to Northern Laos to start businesses. Chinese snacks and beer have an equal representation to Laos foods in the restaurants.

There aren’t many things to do in Phongsali. The town’s main tourist draw istrekking and the opportunity to visit hill tribes about 50 kilometres away near the town of Boun Neua.

Valley of cloud near Phongsali

The view from Phou Fa of Phongsali.

A top spot to watch the sun set and a fantastic spot at any time of day to see Phongsali from above is the mountain just to the east of the town called Phou Fa. This road leads to a set of stairs through a dense forest, which pop out at a stupa overlooking some majestic scenery. From here the views stretch on forever with mist-shrouded hills and valleys on all sides. The view of Phongsali town is great too and you’ll get a good feel for its size. 

Getting to Phongsali:

Road to Phongsali

Getting to Phongsali is not easy and is not for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach. The journey entails a 9 hour+ bus ride from Oudomxai, a busting and slightly-mediocre Chinese trading town. The local bus station is close by most of the guesthouses, so catching transport North is easy and cheap. Be aware that if there aren’t enough passengers who buy a ticket, the bus company will simply cancel the route until the next day. This means you should be ready to spend a day or two in Oudomxai.

The bus ride from Oudomxai takes a full day, with several stops included for restroom breaks and food. The road is mostly un-paved, which makes for a very bumpy ride. The roads are very windy, but the scenery is spectacular. The road passes by dozens of tiny traditional Laos villages dotted with small thatched-roof huts. The rest stops are quick, but the small vendors are equipped to satisfy hungry travelers. Most sell packets of sticky rice (white and black), grilled meat (anything from chicken to rat) and soft drinks.

Once you arrive in Phongsali, you’ll need to take a motorbike taxi into town, or else walk with your bags for about 30 minutes.

Arranging the Trek: 

Trekking 

There aren’t many tour agencies (maybe one or two) in town, so you should arrange a trekking tour before you depart. Hiring a trekking guide is highly recommended for treks in this area.

Trekking solo in this region would be extremely difficult and is only recommended for highly experienced trekkers and mountaineers. The trails are often not clear because of the light foot-traffic and getting lost in Northern Laos would be easy, and would likely have disastrous results.

Boat from Hadsa to Muang Khua.

Most need to be accessed by a boat, which is difficult to figure out without a guide. The guides know the best starting and stopping points for the boat and can arrange for a boat to pick you up and take you back to town after the trek is over.

*Travel Tip:  Treks can be arranged through the ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA_ offering a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling_ located in Vietnam. The treks are from about 5-7 days adventures through the hills of the province and due to Phongsali being out of the way and difficult to get to.  If you’re into trekking and want to interact with ethnic minorities without loads of other tourists, it is definitely worth going to Phongsali.

Highlights 

• Awesome scenery
• Combination of jungle trails and village roads
• Home-stay in tribal villages
• Cruise on the mighty Mekong Rive

Find out more information at: http://www.activetravellaos.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=57

Some tips when trekking in Luang Prabang, Laos

Visiting Luang Prabang in Laos wouldn't be complete without a tour to the countryside.

There are waterfalls, biking trails and elephant shelters a few hours away from town but if you have no interest in such things, I'd recommend paying a visit to some nearby hill tribe villages.

The views are spectacular on a half-day mountain trek in Nong Khiaw, in the Luang Prabang province of northern Laos.

Three major tribes live in the hills surrounding Luang Prabang. The Hmong are descendants of the Mongolians and are able to withstand the cold, so they live in the higher hills. The Khmu on the other hand live in the mid-levels while the Lao live in the lowest levels. 

House in Hmong Village, Laos

Not only will a trek be a nice change from Luang Prabang, it'll also allow you to learn more about this fascinating country and its people. 

Dos and Don'ts:

1. Before you go on this hike, do seek out a nonprofit organisation based in Luang Prabang. Many Laos children have never seen a book and if they have seen one, it'll probably be a schoolbook. If you'd like to donate these books to the village children, buy a few and bring them on the hike. Remember though that the books are in English and Lao, so they might not be of much use to Hmong or Khmu children, who speak completely different languages.

Donate books for children

2. The villagers are extremely gracious and friendly, but don't take advantage of their kindness. As with all village folk, seek their permission if you'd like to take photographs of them. I didn't have to ask for permission from the children, though- kids all over the world love a camera.

Friendly Khmu women Laos 

3 Don't leave your litter behind; take it with you.

4. Do have fun and breathe in the fresh air! Enjoy the scenery- the Lao countryside is lush and beautiful.

What to bring:

Luang Prabang is in north Laos, which can get chilly if you visit during winter (December-March), more so if you venture into the highlands. If you visit Luang Prabang during that time, bring a light jacket which you can slip on when necessary and take off when you reach the low levels. 

The trek isn't very demanding but I would suggest proper footwear (either walking shoes or a good pair of sandals) and not flip-flops or slippers. The ground could be slippery. 

Tour companies:

There are lots of companies along the main street in Luang Prabang, but I recommend an adventure travel  company I knew, ACTIVETRAVEL LAOS. The guides were helpful, pleasant and well-informed. ACTIVETRAVEL LAOS (ATL) is member of ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA offers a wide selection of Laos adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, kayaking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages. Their packages and custom itineraries will take you through exotic destinations to really experience the culture, history and nature of Laos. 

 Whichever tour you choose, have fun!

Tad Fane _A picturesque twin set of waterfalls

Just past km 38 along the road to Pak Song is Tad Fane - a picturesque twin set of waterfalls spilling 200 metres down into a deep gorge, located in the jungle of Dong Hua Sao, which is a National Biodiversity Conservation area. 

By Kelly 

We did a day long tour of waterfalls in the vicinity. First of all the 120m high Tad Fane. We only got as close as a viewing platform but we talked to a French couple who were going on a trek to the top of the falls, which sounded like an adventure.

Tad fane, Laos

Nearby we stopped at Tad Yuang. Here I could get closer to the top of the falls. Much to Sue’s concern…

Careful Kelly!

But I wanted to get a shot looking down the waterfalls to the pool below.

Looking down to Tad Fane

We then walked down a path to the bottom of the falls.

Tad Fane, Laos

The falls are quite striking, but unlike other falls in the area, swimming opportunities aren't available unless you take a half-day hike under the supervision of a guide -- both the top and the bottom of the falls are a long haul from the resort through the jungle. Where we went for a refreshing swim, getting right under the intense spray.

Refreshing Swim

We thought we’d continue renting the bike and our explorations but that night, over dinner at Mama’s, we talked to another traveler who had gone on some of the roads we were thinking of taking. Apparently there was a lot of construction and rough roads with deep dust and dirt. He’d spilled and showed us his injuries. We decided that we weren’t ready for that adventure yet.

We loved staying where we were. It was the most mellow place we’d been yet. We met lots of great people there, some who’d been there for weeks, soaking up the easy lifestyle. For the casual visitor, pretty much all you can do is look at them. You can choose trekking tours to the top of waterfall. This is another good example of how the Lao government is wisely developing the tourist infrastructure -- local villagers are allowed to sell handicrafts to tourists only if they promise not to engage in illegal hunting and logging which has been having a negative impact on the ecosystem. So, save a tree and buy something.

Getting a feel for the real experience, ACTIVETRAVEL LAOS can arrange a trekking tour in Dong Hua Sao protected area  for you.visit: http://bit.ly/ZLC9kR

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT WEEK 3 (8/4-13/4/2013)

Winner announcement week 3

A huge congratulation to ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA‘s lucky travelers in summer promotion program 2013.

Here are the winners in week 3 (8/4-13/4/2013):

1. FREE: Airport pick-up in Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
Harvey Burdett, ATVR008 
Tour: Son Doong cave discovery

2. FREE:  01 meal in restaurant for two travelers
Ms. Jim, ATVR009
Tour: Trekking Sapa

Please check the email if you are lucky winner.

Thank you so much for your participation!

Join with our event  “ https://www.facebook.com/events/125745387611125/” to receive lucky gifts for your jouney!

Luang Namtha Trekking Experience.

Luang Namtha_ an ASEAN Heritage Site, now has a reputation as being one of South East Asia’s premier trekking destinations. 

This article is intended to help you to make a good choice:

Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA) primary forest is amazing!

 Nam Ha forest, Luang Namtha

1. Decide exactly what you want to get out of your Luang Namtha trekking experience: 

The 2 big draw cards of this area are the impressive Nam Ha national protected area’s mountainous jungle and the different ethnic minority villages that reside outside (sometimes inside) its borders. So do you want the culture or the nature or a mix of both? Do you want to trek, kayak or bicycle (or do a combination tour)? How many days do you want to go for? Do you want to stay overnight in the forest immersed in nature or learn about a different culture doing a homestay? Once you have decided what you want to do it will be much easier finding a tour that fits the bill instead of being inundated by all the options.

2. Find a professional tour operator:

 In Luang Namtha (as in the rest of Asia) you get what you pay for; the cheaper tour agencies usually won’t have equipment, guides, accommodations, food and itineraries as good as the slightly more pricey ones. Some operators try to cut costs by not actually going into the NPA. Ultimately shortcuts taken here to save a few dollars could jeopardise what should be a “must do” experience in Laos. Find out if your tour company supports local villagers, guides, and what they do to maintain their jungle trails and jungle houses.  You can refer travel companies operating adventure tour in Nam Ha NPA as ACTIVETRAVEL LAOS, a member of ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA offering a wide selection of Laos adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, kayaking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages.

Trek Nam Ha Forest, Luang Namtha

3. Ask the right questions: 

To maximize your trekking experience you need to be informed; ACTIVETRAVEL LAOS recommends you some infomations:

- Does the trip go inside the National Protected Area? Get shown exactly what areas of jungle and villages on a map.

- Is there any primary forest in the area of the trail? How much will there be compared to secondary/bamboo/rubber/agricultural crops/rice paddy?

- How difficult is the trek? 

  3-days trekking tour, 6-7hours trekking per day

- Do you trek to villages or is it purely jungle? What is the ratio?

   Combine villages and jungle.

- What are the sleeping conditions (if staying overnight)? You should get mattress/blanket/mosquito net/pillow or a sleeping bag provided.

   Overnight at the forest camp 2 nights.

- How much water is provided? 

   01 bottle of water per day

- What type of food is provided?

The Khmu forest camp our village guide and villagers will show us how to collect wild vegetables for dinner.

Trek Nam Ha forest, Luang Namtha

4. Get a group together: 

If you go on your trip with a group of different minded individuals it will not only be cheaper but be a much more unforgettable experience. Putting you trust in a good tour agency you think is capable of attracting a group for your tour is very important. You can even be really proactive about forming a group by going around town yourself and finding out if nice people you meet want to join you. You can also check the group sign-up list, see where the people are from and how old they are to ensure it is a good fit for you, a good tour operator will give you the chance to meet them beforehand.

5. Knowing what to expect from your trek:

 One of the most common comments people make about trekking in the Nam Ha NPA is “that was harder than I expected” so, be prepared to challenge yourself on the steep uphill and often slippery (especially in wet season) downhill sections of the mountainous NPA jungles. A trek in Luang Namtha is definitely not a gentle walk in the park as some people expect, it is real trekking! Trekking in the primary (first growth) forest is the most challenging but also the most rewarding. Other things you should expect from your trek are:

- Insects; wear long sleeves and pants while trekking and at night.

- You probably will have to carry your own water (3 or 4.5 litres per day) for the duration of the days walking.

- Showering will usually be in a river or using a bucket of water; so bring soap. Girls should do as the local females      and wear sarongs.

- Toilets will be of the squat variety, or a ‘dig your own’; BYO toilet paper is a very good idea.

Now you should be informed enough to have an outstanding trekking experience while in Luang Namtha. We recommend Forest Retreat Laos.

Recommend Trek Nam Ha Forest Camps, Luang Namtha by ACTIVETRAVEL LAOS

This trek is entirely within the Nam Ha National Protected Area, an ASEAN Heritage Site. The 3 days trek is entirely in the forest. This is a trip for those who want a true forest experience. The villagers of a Khmu village will host us at our first forest camp deep in the forest. At the second camp Akha villagers will be your hosts. The camps, built out of bamboo and wood by the villagers themselves, are places to immerse oneself in the beauty of the jungle. Along the way, local Khmu and Akha guides will explain the forest products used by villagers for food, medicine, materials and religious ceremonies. Rise early on the third day for the sunrise and go with an Akha bird caller to learn how the Akha can call wild birds in.

Highlights 

• Jungle trails

• Jungle lodges

• Guided by the Khmu & the Akha guides

Lucky Adventure Travel Indochina – Summer Promotion 2013

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA has launched “Great summer holiday with lucky travels” for summer promotion 2013 in Vietnam, Lao, Cambodia. The program applies for all customers request tour on website from 25 March to 30 September 2013. Variety gifts such as discount up to 15% on tour request, free city tour, free one night at a luxury cruise or at hotel, free meal at elegance restaurant and others are in listing lucky gift. 

Summer Promotion ATA 2013

Escape to learn from difference. Instead of staying at home, let’s trek through the jungle closer with wildlife, actively ride on bike or motor along the legendary trail to hotspots, the remote place in Vietnam, Lao , Cambodia to live like local people,  enjoy the amazing  food, learn new language, experience in  rich culture, gain the historic knowledge. Leave everything behind to see the life in the different way. Why not?  

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA would like to assist all customers to travel in period between 01 May 2013 and 30 September 2013. Just have fun and get luck by request tour on website – get ticket number. Customers chance to receive summer promotion 2013. Each Monday ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA will announce lucky people via website, social network channel. 

Customers have right to get the summer promotion 2013, following the Terms & Conditions:

• The offer applies for all customers send the request and book tour with ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA from March 25th to September 30th, 2013 for travel period between 01 May 2013 and 30 September 2013.
• The offer applies for all request of package tour (from 2 days more), cannot be applied to airfares, travel insurance, extra accommodation…
• The promotion is only valid for request & booking tour in Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia.
• The request applies for booking which is not too different from the original request in terms of location, activities, duration.
• The prizes are not transferable and cashable.
• End of promotion time, the prizes will be no longer available.

For more details: http://www.activetravel.asia/special_offer/2013_summer_promotions.html

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, kayaking, overland touring and family travel packages. For more information, please contact ATA for tailoring your very own tour via:

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA)

Telephone: +844 3573 8569

Fax: +844 3573 8570

Email: info@activetravel.asia 

Website: www.activetravel.asia