The Namtha is one of the final remaining rivers in South-East Asia where the people depend on the river as their only way of transport and communication. Take this two day tour up- and downstream respectively, with our experienced guide, and see a part of Asia that could well go lost in the near future. See how the boatmen sail the river, see remote, rustic villages alongside the Namtha. Spend the night at the boatman's family home. This is a tour that you can not miss!

 

DAY 1 – Houei Xai – Pak Tha – Ban Khonekham

At 8:30 AM you go to Houei Xai, where the guide and the boatman will join the group. You continue over the Mekong for 1 hour, to the old trading village of Pak Tha, where the Namtha and Mekong rivers cross. 

 

Here, the boat will turn around and you will go upstream for 7 hours, passing remote villages that can only be accessed from the river or through a small forest trail. You will stop on a sand bank for a Lao picnic-lunch.

 

Near Ban Peng you stop to view Buddhist cliff art. Afterwards you will go to Ban Peng for a break and to visit the small village temple. If you're lucky, you can see the trade market in Ban Peng that day. The next stop will be in Ban Khonekham, around 4:00/5:00 PM.

 

The accommodation for that night will be in the boatman's house. His family will prepare a delicious Lao meal for you. You can bathe at the village pump. Some houses have a water reserve in their bathroom. You will sleep in a dormitory style room, on the floor in the house, a mattress and mosquito net will be provided by the family. 

 

DAY 2 – Ban Khonekham – Nale – Luang Namtha

You will depart from Ban Khonekham at 8:30 AM. From there it's a 3 hour journey to Nale.

 

In the dry season (March to June), you will transfer to a pick-up truck with benches for the next part of the tour back to Luang Namtha, taking approximately 3 hours. The lunch will be provided for in a local restaurant. 

 

In the rainy season (July to February), the boat will continue, after a short stop to visit Nale's market. There will be a Lao picnic-lunch on the river bank. Going upstream you pass the protected Nam Ha area and a couple of rapids. You arrive at Luang Namtha around 4:00/5:00 PM. 

 

 

What to bring?

• Hat banana, sunscreen, extra set of clothes and shoes in case you get wet, mosquito repellent, warm clothes for the evening(Nov-Mar) women need a sarong for bathing, towel, rain jacket (if wet season), flashlight, money to buy  handicrafts and extra.