Region:
near Luang Prabang
Level:
very easy, suitable for all ages
Season:
all year, but Jan - May are low water months
The
Khmu ethnic group is mostly animistic
with some Buddhism influence. They only live
in the northern half of the country.
They
tend to inhabit fairly lowland jungle from 400
to 800 meters in elevation. They produce sticky
rice and raise farm animals such as poultry,
goats and pigs. Some villages produce sesame,
peanuts, cotton and vegetables. They are, as
with most groups, very much into the hunting
and gathering.
The
Khmu follow a patrilineal inheritance family
system. They are also manogamous.
You
will learn a lot more about the Khmu and how
they live. This tour is as much about them as
it is about Nature and adventure.
Five-day
Itinerary
Luang Prabang - Drive to Put-in - Upriver
by Motorboat - Homestay in Khmu Village (Kon
Vay) - Kayak Practice - Afternoon activities
- Khmu Village Depart LPQ by 0800hrs.
Put
in on the river (last village where river meets
road). Boat 1.5 hours (approx) to Khmu Village
(Kon Vay).
You'll
have a local picnic lunch at the village and
then a safety briefing by our staff with respect
to the coming kayaking/rafting. You'll learn
the basics through practice with our guide/staff.
You'll learn self-rescue, assisted rescue, the
proper use of safety gear such as throw bags,
towing, etc. and you'll learn essential paddle
strokes. 
Options:
Village Walk
- stroll through the village and meet the headman
and elders (if and when appropriate or required).
Please practice basic Khmu language as outlined
in your travel manual, so that you can show
respect to local people (especially the village
elders). Your guide will be on hand to instruct
you in basic etiquette as the need arises.
Enjoy
experiencing the life the Khmu people.
Climbing
- Walk the short distance to the nearby limestone
cliff-face where we will set up a 'top rope'
which is best suited climbing activity for 1st
timers and beginners.
If you are an experienced climber, we will locate
and plan a challenging climb for you that are
appropriate for your level of ability.
Jungle Craft -
Plants have always been used medicinally here,
but today only certain old folks - usually the
village Shaman - hold this body of knowledge.
You may choose to learn how to weave textile
and/or bamboo. How cool would it be to make
your own souvenir?
Return to the village before dark, shower and
relax while your guide prepares dinner. You
will have a choice of both local Lao food, and
also western food prepared by your guide. Since
there is no electricity here, villagers usually
go to sleep not long after dark, and you should
too, as tomorrow will be an active day.
Accommodations:
Village homestay
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Around Khmu Villages
- Activity options 
After
a simple breakfast, enjoy the day participating
in one or more of the following activities.
You can arrange this will your guide before
hand, or on
the spot.
Village Walk
- stroll through the village and meet the headman
and elders (if and when appropriate or required).
Please practice basic Khmu language as outlined
in your travel manual, so that you can show
respect to local people (especially the older
ones). Your guide will be on hand to instruct
you in basic etiquette as the need arises. Enjoy
experiencing the life the Khmu people.
Climbing
- Walk the short distance to the nearby limestone
cliff-face, where we will set up a 'top rope'
which is probably the best suited climbing activity
for 1st timers and beginners. If you are an
experienced climber, we will locate and plan
a challenging climb for you, appropriate for
you level of ability.
 Jungle
Walk - Plants have always been
used medicinally here, but today only certain
old folks - usually the village Shaman - hold
this body of knowledge. Learn forgotten natural
arts of the Khmu
Return to the village before dark, shower and
relax while your guide prepares dinner. You
will have a choice of local Lao food and also
western food prepared by your guide. Since there
is no electricity here, villagers usually go
to sleep not long after dark and you should
too as the next day is an active day.
Accommodations:
Village homestay
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Khmu Village -
River Kayaking all day - Hidden Valley Resort
 After
a simple local breakfast (plus the option of
a French bread & eggs), you'll prepare for
the day's kayaking. Your guide will brief you
by looking over the map and identifying areas
of short rapids on this pool-drop type
of river.
You'll
pPaddle until lunchtime, then we'll find a convenient
and shady spot for your picnic lunch.
Enjoy lunch and take a few minutes after to
stroll if you like. Then put in once again,
and continue down river, enjoying the dramatic
scenery on either side of you. This is the best
way to catch close look at Lao life.
You'll
stop at various points along the way including
another village and a view point.
You'll continue paddling to the resort where
our staff will stow your kayaks and gear. You
may go directly to your room where your bags
and belongings will already be waiting.
Dinner
will be at the resort this night.
Accommodations:
Hidden Valley Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hidden Valley
resort - Local Activity Options (listed below)
- Hidden Valley Resort
After
a leisurely breakfast, take your pick of possible
activities for the morning. Relax on your own
or explore the exceptionally beautiful landscape
surrounding this resort on your own, or take
part in one of the following:
 Waterfall
and Jungle Hike: Take a local boat
to a waterfall and walk up the cascading creek
of clear, cold water. You can climb the calcified
rock from level to level. Once at the top, another
hour's walk brings us back to the Hidden Valley.
During
the rainy season the water can be chest-deep
or more in places. Note that water level depends
on time of year and local conditions.
Mountain Biking: There are
many excellent biking trails here, so you can
explore these trails with your guide. There
are trails ranging from mild to wild.
Walking / Trekking: Your guide
can suggest several walking routes based from
the resort to suit your fitness and comfort
level.
 Elephant
Center Training and Elephant Trekking:
Spend the afternoon with mahouts from the project
and your guide learning about the lives of these
gentle giants and the hurdles they face in the
modern world.
Lunch will likely be a picnic lunch in any of
the above cases, but also may be a local restaurant.
Return to the resort to enjoy the magnificent
views and atmosphere. Local or Western dinners
are available at the resort.
Accommodations:
Hidden Valley Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hidden Valley
Resort -
Kayak to UNESCO World Heritage Luang Prabang
Town
Shower and change before checking out and either
driving or kayaking to the World Heritage town
of Luang Prabang depending on your needs of
the day. We will deliver you to the airport
or to the hotel of your choice.
Accommodations:
none
Meals: Breakfast
.
Note:
Additional nights at this hotel or others can
be arranged.
End of Services
|
