LUANG PRABANG KAYAKING TRIP ON NAM XEUANG RIVER
Best places to visit: LUANG PRABANG - BAN NA PO - BAN HADSAN VILLAGE - PAK XENG - BAN HADKENG
2 days
Daily Tour
20 people
English, Cezch
This trip is designed for those who are looking for a great paddling adventure in the limestone landscape northeast of Luang Prabang. The first day on the river will prepare you for mastering the swift rapids of the second day.
Itinerary :
Lao rivers can be either wild and challenging or mellow and mild depending on the season. They also vary considerably in their depths, some navigable all year round, and others revealing riverbed rocks when flows are slow and water levels low.
Generally, between October and March, Lao rivers are Class I and II (on a scale of five). Only a few are runnable in the dry season between April and June. When the monsoon rains fall between July and October, normally tame rivers begin to rage and paddlers with rudimentary kayaking skills are advised not to venture on to them. Whitewater kayakers, however, will find plenty of challenges.
The beauty of the Lao rivers is that they are long and allow for multi-day journeys, unlike the rivers in neighboring countries. And the rivers run where roads don’t, so one passes through relatively undisturbed rainforest and encounters few signs of development, with chances to see birds and wildlife.
Day 1: Luang Prabang Kayaking Tours on Nam Xeuang River: Luang Prabang Kayaking Trips to Ban Na Po – Ban Hadsang Village of Pak Xeng
The day starts with a 2 hours road trip: first on Road 13 north and then along a dirt road into a spectacular limestone landscape. After reaching the village Pak Xeng on the Nam Xeuang, the starting point of our kayaking tour, we receive some basic paddle instructions and practice. The first river stretch takes us through rapids of grade 1-2, suitable for beginners (but rising to grade 2-3 in the rainy season.
A Lao style picnic lunch is prepared at a scenic spot on the riverside. There is time for swimming and relaxing, and the more adventurous can jump off cliffs into the deep and cool Nam Xeuang! The night is spent at the village of Ban Houa Sking of the Khmu hill tribe, where the locals have to tell some fascinating stories of how they lived through the Second Indochina War. Approximately: 2 hours driving / 6 hours kayaking End of 1 day trip: The 1 day trip starts in a village called Ban Napho and ends in Ban Houakeng, which literally means “village of the strong rapid”.
Day 2: Luang Prabang Kayaking Tours on Nam Xeuang River: Ban Hadkeng Kayaking Tours Downstream to Ban Hat Khang – Luang Prabang
In the morning, the village is revisited before paddling further down the Nam Xeuang. After lunch, the rapids reach strengths of grade 2-4, a thrilling experience for beginners and advanced paddlers alike! The trip ends at Ban Hat Khang, where a pick-up awaits the group for transfer back to Luang Prabang.
End of Service!
Note:
For Nam Xeuang, kayaking is recommended all year round, but experience more fun in the wet season. Rafting is available for wet season only (June – September).
What to bring:
Hat, sun-screen, swim suit and sarong for bathing, clothes/shoes to get wet, mosquito repellent, change of clothes for the evening.
Included:
Water, meals, English speaking guide and transport.
