FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Q1) WHAT IS INCLUDED IN AN ECO-TOUR?
Vehicle transport
Local English speaking guide
Minority assistant guide
Accommodation
Drinking Water
Meals
Sleeping equipment for village stay ( mosquito net, blanket, pillow and bedding )
National Park Fee
Community distribution
Government Taxes and Fees
Dry bag (for required tours)
Local English speaking guide
Minority assistant guide
Accommodation
Drinking Water
Meals
Sleeping equipment for village stay ( mosquito net, blanket, pillow and bedding )
National Park Fee
Community distribution
Government Taxes and Fees
Dry bag (for required tours)
Q2) WHAT Should WE BRING FOR OUR TOUR?
Comfortable Hiking Footwear
Long Trousers
Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Swimwear
Towel
Warm clothes (for cooler evenings)
Flashlight or Head torch
Personal Medications
Camera
Personal toiletries
Toilet Paper
Rain jacket (rainy season June-Sep)
Cash (if you would like to buy any handicraft or extras)
*NOTE: Winter time is between October-March and rainy season is between June-September (for trekking during this time, a rain jacket or rain gear is highly recommended and hiking footwear due to possible mud)
TREKKING: We recommend wearing longer trousers in the forest, comfortable hiking shoes or trainers, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Bring a backpack that you can carry these essentials plus bottled water which will be provided to you at the start of the trek.
OVERNIGHT STAYS (2-3 days): Bring a towel, swimming wear (if you want to take a dip or a wash in the river), personal overnight essentials, flashlight/headlamp, warm sleeping clothes maybe including scarf and socks.
KAYAKING/RAFTING: For ladies, wear your bathing suit under t-shirt and shorts and for men, t-shirt and swim shorts. Getting wet in the kayak is guaranteed but you will catch the daytime sun; water fights may be inevitable! Wear sandals, flip flops or water shoes to protect your feet from the riverbed stones. Sometimes it is necessary to get out of the kayak during the dry season when the water is shallow in some areas of the river as well as stopping to visit minority villages along the way.
Worried about your valuables getting wet? No worries! We've got you covered with 15-20L dry bags available to use for your phone, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, camera, sunglasses, etc.
In terms of your general belongings and backpacks, don't worry, we'll keep them safely in the tuk-tuk while you’re out kayaking. They'll be waiting for you with the driver by the riverside collection point at the end of the day. We strongly recommend having warm clothes to change into at the end of kayaking for the tuk-tuk ride back to the office, it gets very chilly.
EXTRAS: Bring a camera or Go Pro, toilet paper, sunglasses and any personal medications.
There is only a need for cash if you wish to buy village made handicrafts, or additional snacks and drinks. If you are staying overnight in certain villages you may be invited to share beers with the locals which means getting a round or two!
Long Trousers
Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Swimwear
Towel
Warm clothes (for cooler evenings)
Flashlight or Head torch
Personal Medications
Camera
Personal toiletries
Toilet Paper
Rain jacket (rainy season June-Sep)
Cash (if you would like to buy any handicraft or extras)
*NOTE: Winter time is between October-March and rainy season is between June-September (for trekking during this time, a rain jacket or rain gear is highly recommended and hiking footwear due to possible mud)
TREKKING: We recommend wearing longer trousers in the forest, comfortable hiking shoes or trainers, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Bring a backpack that you can carry these essentials plus bottled water which will be provided to you at the start of the trek.
OVERNIGHT STAYS (2-3 days): Bring a towel, swimming wear (if you want to take a dip or a wash in the river), personal overnight essentials, flashlight/headlamp, warm sleeping clothes maybe including scarf and socks.
KAYAKING/RAFTING: For ladies, wear your bathing suit under t-shirt and shorts and for men, t-shirt and swim shorts. Getting wet in the kayak is guaranteed but you will catch the daytime sun; water fights may be inevitable! Wear sandals, flip flops or water shoes to protect your feet from the riverbed stones. Sometimes it is necessary to get out of the kayak during the dry season when the water is shallow in some areas of the river as well as stopping to visit minority villages along the way.
Worried about your valuables getting wet? No worries! We've got you covered with 15-20L dry bags available to use for your phone, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, camera, sunglasses, etc.
In terms of your general belongings and backpacks, don't worry, we'll keep them safely in the tuk-tuk while you’re out kayaking. They'll be waiting for you with the driver by the riverside collection point at the end of the day. We strongly recommend having warm clothes to change into at the end of kayaking for the tuk-tuk ride back to the office, it gets very chilly.
EXTRAS: Bring a camera or Go Pro, toilet paper, sunglasses and any personal medications.
There is only a need for cash if you wish to buy village made handicrafts, or additional snacks and drinks. If you are staying overnight in certain villages you may be invited to share beers with the locals which means getting a round or two!
Q3) DO WE visit MINORITY VILLAGES ON THE ECO-TOURS?
Yes, all our tours have village visits and overnight home stays for 2/3 or more day bookings in minority villages incorporated into the itinerary. If you have certain preferences then we are happy to personalize a new tour to your requirements which can include certain tribe villages of interest.
There are many ethnically diverse tribal villages in the protected area, therefore we understand the importance of flexibility and creativity for our customers.
There are many ethnically diverse tribal villages in the protected area, therefore we understand the importance of flexibility and creativity for our customers.
Q4) Is it possible to stay in lodgings overnight in a MINORITY village?
Yes, there is an Eco-lodge on the riverside in the village of the Khmu tribe. The Eco-lodge contains beds, bedding, pillows, blankets, mosquito nets, toilet, sink and a relaxing area for night time camp fire. Others tour operators are also able to use this Eco-lodge, therefore other visitors will be around sharing the vicinity.
We're currently constructing our own Discovering Laos ecolodges in two different villages. Only our customers have exclusive access and can enjoy their stay completely undisturbed all year round! The project is estimated to be completed by June-July 2018, so please do Contact Us if you're interested in staying in them.
*The Eco-lodges are options for guests, although we try and promote staying with an indigenous family as a unique home stay experience. They receive financial contribution for hosting guests which helps them to sustain and preserve their culture.
We're currently constructing our own Discovering Laos ecolodges in two different villages. Only our customers have exclusive access and can enjoy their stay completely undisturbed all year round! The project is estimated to be completed by June-July 2018, so please do Contact Us if you're interested in staying in them.
*The Eco-lodges are options for guests, although we try and promote staying with an indigenous family as a unique home stay experience. They receive financial contribution for hosting guests which helps them to sustain and preserve their culture.
Q5) CAN WE INCLUDE A HOME STAY experience WITH A MINORITY FAMILY?
Yes, indeed, this is the best choice! If you want to fully immerse yourself then we be happy to include an authentic home stay experience with a tribe family in their bamboo hut. Don't worry, all bedding, pillows, blankets and mosquito nets are provided for your comfort.
*This is our recommended suggestion to experience the authentic way of life alongside the minority people in NamHa NPA. All of our customers have such positive feedback about their unique experience where they were able to engage with their host family. Our friendly English speaking guides are happy to interpret for you during your stay, this sort of experience does not come often!
*This is our recommended suggestion to experience the authentic way of life alongside the minority people in NamHa NPA. All of our customers have such positive feedback about their unique experience where they were able to engage with their host family. Our friendly English speaking guides are happy to interpret for you during your stay, this sort of experience does not come often!
Q6) HOW DO YOUR ECO-TOURS SuPPORT SUSTAINABLE TOURISM?
Eco-tours and sustainable tourism ultimately means ultimately supporting and conserving the natural untouched environment along with its inhabitants through responsible travel.
When you book one of our tours, we make a financial contribution to the village for every visitor. Yes, that means each visitor for EACH of our tours. We also pay the National Park fee each time and employ an additional guide from a minority village for each tour as well as local drivers.
More than half of the money paid to us gets shared out for the betterment of the communities and beautiful environment that you've come to see in Luang Namtha.
When you book one of our tours, we make a financial contribution to the village for every visitor. Yes, that means each visitor for EACH of our tours. We also pay the National Park fee each time and employ an additional guide from a minority village for each tour as well as local drivers.
More than half of the money paid to us gets shared out for the betterment of the communities and beautiful environment that you've come to see in Luang Namtha.
Q7) can we mix and match the adventures?
Yes, absolutely!
As thrill-seekers and people needing adrenaline rushes ourselves, it really excites us when we have a chance to create a specialized adventure tour package that's completely customized. We will listen to what you want, what you need and desire, so that we can plan the best itinerary; incorporating any of your special requirements in terms of trekking, kayaking, cycling, jungle camping, or all of them put together in a neat package!
If there are any external constraints concerning landscape or seasonal issues then we'll tell you but at the same time provide solutions to get around it, voila! While we're enthralled by the prospect, it is first and foremost our duty to ensure the safety of our clients. If the specific tour requires extra measures then we'll add further highly trained guides and equipment. Whatever it takes to keep the adventure going smoothly.
If you are hoping for us to create the ultimate and daring adventure tour up to 10 days or even two weeks, you don't need to look any further. Contact Us now to start the conversation with Vanxai, the owner of Discovering Laos and certified trained guide with 15 years of experience in this field.
As thrill-seekers and people needing adrenaline rushes ourselves, it really excites us when we have a chance to create a specialized adventure tour package that's completely customized. We will listen to what you want, what you need and desire, so that we can plan the best itinerary; incorporating any of your special requirements in terms of trekking, kayaking, cycling, jungle camping, or all of them put together in a neat package!
If there are any external constraints concerning landscape or seasonal issues then we'll tell you but at the same time provide solutions to get around it, voila! While we're enthralled by the prospect, it is first and foremost our duty to ensure the safety of our clients. If the specific tour requires extra measures then we'll add further highly trained guides and equipment. Whatever it takes to keep the adventure going smoothly.
If you are hoping for us to create the ultimate and daring adventure tour up to 10 days or even two weeks, you don't need to look any further. Contact Us now to start the conversation with Vanxai, the owner of Discovering Laos and certified trained guide with 15 years of experience in this field.
Q8) CAN I BOOK A TOUR WHEN I AM IN LUANG NAMTHA?
Yes, certainly. We would be pleased to meet you at our Discovering Laos office and get you booked on a tour. We are open from 08:00-20:00 everyday. Our office is located across from the LDB Bank at the first intersection when you come in to town.
*We also take advance bookings if you wish to have this organized before your arrival. Some customers even book one year ahead of their trip to Laos!
You can Contact Us via WhatsApp, email or phone. We look forward to hearing from you!
*We also take advance bookings if you wish to have this organized before your arrival. Some customers even book one year ahead of their trip to Laos!
You can Contact Us via WhatsApp, email or phone. We look forward to hearing from you!
Q9) How can i pay, do you take cash or card?
We take cash and card payments at our Discovering Laos office in Luang Namtha.
We accept cash in:
LAO kip (LAK)
US dollars (USD)
THAI baht (THB)
We do not take card payments online at the moment but may do in the near future.
We accept cash in:
LAO kip (LAK)
US dollars (USD)
THAI baht (THB)
We do not take card payments online at the moment but may do in the near future.
Q10) DO the tours start and end in luang namtha?
Yes, all our tours start and end at our Discovering Laos office in Luang Namtha.
On the day of your tour, you will meet us at the office where our local tuk-tuk driver will take the group to the start of the respective trail. When the day comes to an end, the tuk-tuk driver will take you back to our office. It is generally easier to book a guesthouse in the central area near the night market so you’re only a few minutes walk away!
On the day of your tour, you will meet us at the office where our local tuk-tuk driver will take the group to the start of the respective trail. When the day comes to an end, the tuk-tuk driver will take you back to our office. It is generally easier to book a guesthouse in the central area near the night market so you’re only a few minutes walk away!
Q11) DO YOU PROVIDE EXTRAS LIKE SLEEPING BAGS, TENT, MOSQUITO NETS AND DRY BAG?
Yes, all of the above. If you choose our tours that involve needing certain extras then we'll provide with no extra charge.
Basically:
If the tour involves jungle bushcraft and building shelter, we will provide the mosquito net and sleeping bags at no charge.
If you prefer to sleep in the jungle but camping style, we'll provide the tents and sleeping bags, no charge.
If the tour involves kayaking or rafting then we provide life vests, helmets and dry bags, no charge.
If the tour involves trekking, then we'll make a bamboo walking stick for you, no charge! :)
Basically:
If the tour involves jungle bushcraft and building shelter, we will provide the mosquito net and sleeping bags at no charge.
If you prefer to sleep in the jungle but camping style, we'll provide the tents and sleeping bags, no charge.
If the tour involves kayaking or rafting then we provide life vests, helmets and dry bags, no charge.
If the tour involves trekking, then we'll make a bamboo walking stick for you, no charge! :)
Q12) ARE THE TOURS SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE?
We have tours from easy, moderate and moderate to challenging, suitable for relaxed or avid trekkers of all physical fitness levels. The duration of the treks are usually 5-6 hours in addition to lunch and water breaks.
The one day trekking tour is deemed as easy with slight elevation, it has narrow and interesting trails through the protected area. This trek is suitable for people who enjoy leisurely hikes through forest landscape.
The two day trekking and combo tours that include kayaking are easy-moderate, for those who love a good hike and paddle but still relaxed enough to come back refreshed.
For the go-getter types and trek enthusiasts, the three day tours do require good fitness levels. It can get challenging in certain parts but completely exhilarating as our past customers have mentioned. Bamboo sticks at the ready!
Do you love trekking but only have one day to spare in Luang Namtha? Well, we can book you on a long day tour which can take you deeper into the ancient forest than the normal one day trek tour - perfect solution! This tour would be great for those lacking in time but want to make up in hours delving into the ancient forest of NamHa NPA. We will start earlier at 8am and make full use of the day!
When you're discussing or booking the tour with us then please do mention any limitations and expectations in order to create the best possible tour. If we know your requirements then we’ll have the opportunity to provide our professional guidance, make suitable suggestions or tailor-make a completely customized tour for you. We want to manage expectations and ensure every customers leaves delighted with their experience.
The one day trekking tour is deemed as easy with slight elevation, it has narrow and interesting trails through the protected area. This trek is suitable for people who enjoy leisurely hikes through forest landscape.
The two day trekking and combo tours that include kayaking are easy-moderate, for those who love a good hike and paddle but still relaxed enough to come back refreshed.
For the go-getter types and trek enthusiasts, the three day tours do require good fitness levels. It can get challenging in certain parts but completely exhilarating as our past customers have mentioned. Bamboo sticks at the ready!
Do you love trekking but only have one day to spare in Luang Namtha? Well, we can book you on a long day tour which can take you deeper into the ancient forest than the normal one day trek tour - perfect solution! This tour would be great for those lacking in time but want to make up in hours delving into the ancient forest of NamHa NPA. We will start earlier at 8am and make full use of the day!
When you're discussing or booking the tour with us then please do mention any limitations and expectations in order to create the best possible tour. If we know your requirements then we’ll have the opportunity to provide our professional guidance, make suitable suggestions or tailor-make a completely customized tour for you. We want to manage expectations and ensure every customers leaves delighted with their experience.
Q13) what is the capacity of the kayaks and raft?
We have 2 and even 3 person kayaks. Our rafts can accommodate up to 8 customers in total (the guides occupy the other 2 seats at the front and back)
We provide life-jackets, helmets and dry bags for every guest, just get your Go-pros ready!
We provide life-jackets, helmets and dry bags for every guest, just get your Go-pros ready!
Q14) WHAT IS THE NAMHA NPA AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Namha NPA is short for Namha National Protected Area. People also commonly refer it as Namha National Park. This is the most famous national park where people can do eco-tourism in Luang Namtha.
“Nam Ha National Protected Area is a national protected area in Luang Namtha Province in northern Laos. This mostly forested park is home to a variety of ethnic groups and diverse animal and plant species. The park is an ecotourism destination,” According to Wikipedia.
By the way, do you know that this national park is designated an ASEAN Heritage Park, the only one in Laos.
The Namha NPA has a great jungle to do trekking, visiting minority villages and kayaking. This is a place where you can connect with the nature.
It became a national park in 1993, but the villagers had been living there long before then. The government wanted to keep the forest and protect the forest. To do so, it gave some land to the minorities for agricultural purpose and at the same time, it taught them to protect the forest around them. Eco-tourism is very important to help the villagers protect the forest because every time people visit the forest, the minorities would receive financial contributions. The minorities of the Namha National Protected Area would then have the means to preserve their culture and the surrounding natural ecosystem.
Inside the NPA, there’re many minority villages. The size of the villages varies. One of the largest villages is Nalan Village and it has a population of 300. The smallest village is Namkoy Village, which has only around 100 people.
“Nam Ha National Protected Area is a national protected area in Luang Namtha Province in northern Laos. This mostly forested park is home to a variety of ethnic groups and diverse animal and plant species. The park is an ecotourism destination,” According to Wikipedia.
By the way, do you know that this national park is designated an ASEAN Heritage Park, the only one in Laos.
The Namha NPA has a great jungle to do trekking, visiting minority villages and kayaking. This is a place where you can connect with the nature.
It became a national park in 1993, but the villagers had been living there long before then. The government wanted to keep the forest and protect the forest. To do so, it gave some land to the minorities for agricultural purpose and at the same time, it taught them to protect the forest around them. Eco-tourism is very important to help the villagers protect the forest because every time people visit the forest, the minorities would receive financial contributions. The minorities of the Namha National Protected Area would then have the means to preserve their culture and the surrounding natural ecosystem.
Inside the NPA, there’re many minority villages. The size of the villages varies. One of the largest villages is Nalan Village and it has a population of 300. The smallest village is Namkoy Village, which has only around 100 people.
Q15) What is the difference between jungle camp, eco-lodge and homestay?
Jungle camp: sleep in the jungle under a banana leave shelter or in a tent
Homestay: sleep in a house in a minority village
Eco-lodge: sleep in an eco-lodge in a minority village
Homestay: sleep in a house in a minority village
Eco-lodge: sleep in an eco-lodge in a minority village
Q16) What is the difference between Namtha River and Namha river?
NamTha River is located right outside of the NPA. It actually touches the border of the NamHa NPA. As you paddle through the Namtha River, you will be able to look into the NPA. The Namtha River is calm and good for beginners as it's not too challenging. On the other hand, NamHa River is located inside of the Namha NPA. Both sides of the NamHa River are surrounded by tropical forest. The NamHa River is a bit more challenging than the Namtha River, but it’s still manageable for beginners.
Q17) Any recommendations for places to stay before and after the trek?
We recommend Zuela Guesthouse, Singsamoud Guesthouse and Thoulasith Guesthouse. All of them are located in the center of Luang Namtha town and are within a few minutes walking distance from Discovering Laos office. However, if you’re not sure where you want to stay, once you arrive Luang Namtha, you could walk around the town to find a guesthouse that you prefer.
Q18) What’s your most exciting tour?
It depends on your preference. Personally, I like the 4-day Combo tour. It combines 2 days of trekking and 2 days of kayaking in the NamHa NPA. In the tour, I get to visit minority villages and get the chance to sleep in the jungle as well as in eco-lodges or homestays in the minority villages.
Q19) Does the trip go inside the National Protected Area?
Yes, all of our trekking tours go inside the NamHa NPA.
Q20) Is there any primary forest in the area of the trail?
Definitely! When you join our trekking tours, majority of the time, you’ll be trekking in the primary forest area. However, when you’re near the village area inside of the NPA, you will find secondary forest.
Q21) How long do you walk before you get to the jungle?
5 seconds. In the morning of departure, the tuk tuk will take you from the Discovering Laos office to the trail head in the NPA. Take a few steps and you will be inside of the jungle in 5 seconds.
Q22) How much water is provided?
3L per person per day
Q23) What type of food is provided? Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
We usually make local Laotian minority food during the trip. We can also cater to vegetarians. Just be sure to tell the guides at the beginning of the trip that you prefer the vegetarian option.
Q24) Do I need to bring or carry a sleeping bag?
Nope. We provide a sleeping bag for you. Some of our customers do prefer their own sleeping bags, so in that case, they bring their own sleeping bags.
Q25) What is the difference between a private group and an open group?
To give you an example, if you have a group of 4, you can choose between a private group or an open group. In a private group, only the 4 people from your group will be on the tour. However, if you choose to have an open group, there’s a possibility that more people will join the same tour, thus it will bring down the price for each person in the tour. The more people join the same tour, the lower the rate for you.
You can choose to have a private group or an open group whether you’re only a party of 1 or 10.
Many of our customers choose to have an open group for the possibility of getting a lower rate if more people join the same tour.
You can choose to have a private group or an open group whether you’re only a party of 1 or 10.
Many of our customers choose to have an open group for the possibility of getting a lower rate if more people join the same tour.
DON't SEE YOUR QUESTION OR HAVE FURTHER QUERIES?
Please do not hesitate to Contact Us for further assistance or questions.
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