{"id":1321,"date":"2015-03-31T14:48:20","date_gmt":"2015-03-31T14:48:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ganeandmarshall.com\/blog\/?p=1321"},"modified":"2015-04-02T19:16:49","modified_gmt":"2015-04-02T19:16:49","slug":"trekking-in-laos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ganeandmarshall.com\/blog\/trekking-in-laos\/","title":{"rendered":"REMOTE TREKKING HOLIDAYS – TREKKING IN LAOS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our latest blog on Remote Trekking holidays takes us into South East Asia as we go trekking in Laos.<\/p>\n

Luang Namtha Hills<\/h2>\n

Location: Northern Laos<\/i>
\nChallenge rating: Low<\/i><\/p>\n

Trekking in Laos<\/h2>\n

Many are familiar with Northern Vietnam\u2019s<\/a> beautiful highlands, the land of Sapa and its famous hill tribes. Few, however, have heard of, let alone experienced northern Laos\u2019 equally beautiful highlands.<\/p>\n

\"Trekking<\/p>\n

Often dubbed the \u2018sleeping beauty\u2019 of South-East Asia, Laos <\/a>has long wowed the few travellers it receives with its quiet beauty and pristine landscapes. Most travellers will focus on a few core areas\u2014the sleepy capital of Vientiane<\/strong><\/a>, the enigmatic Plain of Jars<\/strong>, and World Heritage listed Luang Prabang<\/strong>. Very few make it into Laos\u2019 remote northern Hills. Those who do, however, find that the trekking in Laos offers some of the best lightweight trekking of any region in SE Asia.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most Northern Laos<\/a> trekking itineraries start in the town of Luang Namtha,<\/strong> just outside the Nam Ha Protected Area. One of the northernmost outposts on the Laos-China border, Luang Namtha doesn\u2019t offer much in the way of cultural attractions, but, like so many Laotian towns, it has a quiet charm and relaxed atmosphere in keeping with the character of its people. Divided into a \u2018New\u2019 and \u2018Old\u2019 town, most of the tourist infrastructure, so far as it exists, is situated in the New Luang Namtha, while the well-preserved old town, with its stilt homes set amid green paddy fields, offers a glimpse of traditional Laos life.<\/p>\n

\"Trekking<\/a><\/p>\n

Of course, the main attraction of Luang Namtha isn\u2019t the town itself but the landscapes that surround it\u2014the lush forested hills for which this region is best-known. Northern Laos<\/a> is unique in that it doesn’t have a long dry season. The hills are coloured deep green throughout the year, even when the southern plains are hot and arid. The temperatures are generally cooler than in the south, hovering around the high 20s. Close to Luang Namtha, the land is cultivated, but further afield the hills and forests are wild. This makes for a great trekking environment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Trekking<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Luang Namtha, it\u2019s possible to set off into the hills for short day-trips or, if you\u2019re more adventurous, for extended walking expeditions, with the option of either camping or staying in remote hill villages along the way. As in Northern Vietnam, one of the core attractions of Luang Namtha is the local hill tribes<\/strong>, with Ikho, Hmong, and Black Thai villages scattered throughout the region. Many of these tribes live very different lives to the majority Lao population, even practicing alternative religions. They provide a fascinating insight into a vanishing way of life.<\/p>\n

Our Scenic Laos itinerary<\/a>, which visits Luang Namtha and Muang La, provides a taste of what\u2019s possible during a short visit to the hills of northern Laos. Longer itineraries (up to two weeks) are also an option for those who really want to get a feel for the local culture and environment. The terrain is beautiful but generally very easy\u2014this is not a tough trekking environment.<\/p>\n

Get in touch if you\u2019d like to learn more about the possibilities for trekking in Laos around Luang Namtha.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

… And keep an eye out for our upcoming blog on another of South-East Asia\u2019s least-known walking destinations, Putao in northern Myanmar.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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