Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ForestRetreat
020 5568 0031,
forestretreatlaos.com
.
Since opening in 2011, this Kiwi-
run operator has established a strong reputation for its huge range of trips and activities, from
cookery courses to “cultural immersion”, plus plenty of rafting, kayaking, biking and ”multis-
port” options. They're very strong on ecotourism and run various interesting projects bene-
fiting local communities.
Green Discovery
086 211484,
greendiscoverylaos.com
.
Generally agreed to be the
best-set-up operation in town (and also the priciest), offering an excellent range of trips and
treks, from a two-day kayaking adventure on the Nam Tha (from $69), to two-day moun-
tain bike rides to Muang Sing (from $94) and overnight treks into Nam Ha NBCA, staying
at hill-tribe villages (from $62/person in a group of eight up to $112 each for two). They are
committed to low-impact, eco-conscious tourism, using local staff, and the office staff will
help you choose the right trip for you.
Jungle Eco-Guide Services
086 212025,
thejungle-ecotour-laos.com
.
The best loc-
ally owned outfit (and a little cheaper than some of the competition), with a network of nine
well-maintained trails through the NBCA, plus kayaking and boating options on the Nam Tha
River and more. Their tough but exhilarating three-day Jungle Camp Adventure Trek tramps
through ninety-percent primary forest, rich in wildlife, with fishing and swimming stops en
route (from $70). Other unusual treks include a two-day Lahu homestay and their Akha Camp
trip, using the services of an Akha guide with a fine talent for mimicking birds (both from
$44).
BIKE RIDES FROM LUANG NAMTHA
The best way to spend a day in Luang Namtha is to rent a mountain bike and explore the
local area - the map usually provided with rental bikes details some good routes, or down-
load the Luang Namtha area map from
hobomaps.com
. One of the best routes (around
20km in total) takes you south through the old town to
The Boat Landing
(a good stop for
lunch), from where you head east across the Nam Tha into the Black Tai villages of
Ban
Pasak
,
Ban Pong
and
Ban Tongkwa
, following dusty streets through paddy fields. The
last stretch is on a generally very quiet main road, which loops past a few more villages
before taking you back to the town.
ACCOMMODATION
Luang Namtha has the best selection of
accommodation
north of Luang Prabang, and stand-
ards are generally very high. Most of the following are situated north of the local bus station
in the new town. Note that many guesthouses get full by early evening, so it's worth booking
ahead if you know you'll be arriving later in the day.
