Luang Prabang Outdoor Adventure

Start the day with a scenic ride up into the mountains of Northern Laos to Ban Long Lao Village, home to three ethnic groups – Hmong, Lao and Khmu. Take some time exploring the village and observing the lifestyles of the different minorities before embarking on a picturesque, three-hour trek to Kuang Si Waterfall. The hike leads past lush rice paddies and through mountainous forest, offering spectacular panoramas of the surrounding countryside. Arrive at the breathtaking waterfall and be rewarded with a refreshing dip into one of the vibrant turquoise pools. After cooling down, enjoy a Lao picnic lunch before continuing the journey. Trek down a hill until reaching the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. Run by the Australian NGO ‘Free the Bears’, the centre cares for over 60 moon bears that were rescued from illegal wildlife trade. Learn about the sanctuary’s conservations work and watch the adorable creatures relaxing and rummaging in their new home. Continue to Tad Pan Village and peruse the local market, picking up a souvenir or two, before heading back to Luang Prabang. Along the way, stop at Laos Buffalo Dairy for an authentic farm life experience. Cooperating with people from surrounding villages, the social enterprise produces ice cream, yoghurt and cheeses, whilst supporting local farmers. Get up close with the grazing buffaloes, feed them with grass and bananas and treat them to a cooling bath before taking part in a hands-on milking workshop. Learn about the nutrients of buffalo milk and finish this educative excursion with a few delicious bites of the artisanal cheese. Return to Luang Prabang and spend the night in this charming town.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a cycling tour of the surrounding villages dotting the countryside around Luang Prabang. Whiz past local farmers, pineapple fields and rice paddies and stop at the village of Ban Laksip after about ten kilometres. Take some photos of the serene and untouched scenery and continue the ride through the remote Laotian countryside for another ten kilometres until reaching the village of Ban Pik. Take a short break to get to know the local villagers and learn about their daily lives, before carrying on. Once the belly starts rumbling, it’s time for lunch. Climb off the bikes and settle down for a delicious picnic overlooking the Khan River. Full and content, push the pedals until reaching Ban Phanom Village. Known for its artisanal silk and cotton production, explore the little town, observing weavers at work and browsing through the colourful textiles on offer. Continue this journey into the local crafts at Ban Xang Khong Village and watch how traditional Saa paper is produced from the bark of mulberry trees. Tackle the last five kilometres of the round trip and arrive back in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Enjoy a refreshing shower at the hotel and end the day with a couple of relaxing sunset drinks – a well-deserved treat after a total of 35 kilometres!

After breakfast at the hotel, hop onto a ferry and cross the Mekong River. Continue to the spectacular Hoi Khua Waterfall where an exhilarating rope course and zip line adventure awaits. Before climbing up high into the canopy of the jungle, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and follow a short safety training course. Travel up into the treetops of the nature park and feel the adrenaline rush whilst navigating from station to station along a thrilling 900-metre zip line course. In between the dozen posts are several obstacles to overcome, including suspended rope bridges, climbing nets and swinging walkways, which will get any thrill seekers’ heart pounding. After reaching the end of the course, enjoy a local Lao lunch before hiking back to the starting point along the Green Organic Trail. Take a short rest before returning to Luang Prabang. Spend the last night in this magical town browsing for souvenirs at the nightly evening market or relaxing over dinner and drinks before travelling onwards the following morning.