Laos forum

Travel info Luang Prabang -Luang Namtha-Mouang Khoua

jaschonaber

newbie
Posts: 2

Hey there,

Mid of March we're about to travel from Luang Prabang to Loung Namtha to do some trekking there. After that we plan to go to Mouan Khoua and enjoy a boat trip to Nongkhew and back to LP all in 10 days.

I am already in contact with a local guy who does tours there but his offer seems a bit expensive.
I would be really glad if you can answer me following questions:

- the way from LP to LNT is about 300 km, is that possible in one day?
- is it possible to book a local there to guide indiviual trekking tours (4 days) meaning not in a big group? Or has this to be prebooked? (more expensive there than via internet?)
- Again, the way to Muang Kouah is about 230 km, I don't know how the streets are like, but possible in one day?
- You recommend prebooking a Boat trip from Mouang Khoua down Pak Ou to Nongkhew or is it easy to just go there and ad-hoc ask for transportation?

Thank you all in advance for some helpful info.. :-)

#1 Posted: 17/2/2009 - 01:43
austral31

backpacker
Posts: 20

re Muang Khua to Nongkhew,

I understand you will not have problems finding a boat but that boat may not be willing to go unless there are other travellers or you are prepared to pay a lot extra

#2 Posted: 17/2/2009 - 08:40
wanderingcat

som tam seller
Posts: 673
Private message

LPB-LNT: possible. about 8-9h by bus.

don't think need to prebook. guides shouldn't be in short supply. best to meet potential guides in person there, good guide who can communicate well with you will make big difference to your trek. March prob will be hazy.

LNT-MK: no direct bus, need to change at Udomxai (Oudomxay). LNT-Udomxai ~4h, Udomxai-MK ~3h. possible in one day if you get first morning bus out of LNT.

boats always avail, but if less than ~10 pax will have to fork out extra to make up for shortfall/charter entire boat as #2 said. ~1 million kip/slowboat for each section (MK-NK, NK-LPB) a year ago, not sure about current cost.

transport schedules here: http://laomeow.blogspot.com/2008/07/bussongthaew-schedulesdetails.html

#3 Posted: 17/2/2009 - 09:21

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Laos transport timetables
seagypsy

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 136

Lots of good advice already above.
No problem getting from LP to LN in one day but it's better/faster to take the shared vans departing from LP's north bus station to Udomxai and transfer to the bus for Namtha. The local bus to Namtha from LP takes longer.
Likewise with above getting to Maugn Khua from Namtha in one day. Should be no problem departing Namtha in the early morning and tranferring at Udomxai to songthaew for MK.
AS to taking boat downstream to Nong Khiaw/Moung Ngoi, you have to wait around for others to share the cost or charter the boat urself costing ~U$100.
10 days should be fine to do the loop.

#4 Posted: 17/2/2009 - 12:08
jaschonaber

newbie
Posts: 2

Loads of useful tips! Thank you
I bet I have more questions soon..

Great forum!
I'll be useful as well, when I come back :-)

Cheers

#5 Posted: 18/2/2009 - 01:34
marakusch

motodop
Posts: 22

Hey just an info for your plans. Trekking in MARCH is not really a good idea, and I wish I could show you our pictures from this time of year...especially Luang Namtha is quite good in slash and burn and has already a lot of plantations, the national protected area has been shrinking since its foundation it seeems. Nong Khiaw, defiantely worth staying another night and do some hikes there, the 100 waterfall tour is super cool, and we also had a great Tour called Culture Logdge tour with the guide Mr. Home who works for Tiger Trail, check it out. If you want package and book in advance, ask your agent for join in transportation NOT private minivan, which gives you a much better rate and still security with a guide who leads through the trip... Anyways...enjoy Laos!

#6 Posted: 16/12/2010 - 17:39