Kayaking at Nong Khiaw: Trek, Villages & Waterfall

Two days walking through primary forest, learning from villagers, then paddling downriver to caves

A two-day trek and kayaking trip from Nong Khiaw that combines 2–3 hours of walking to remote tribal villages, an overnight stay in Ban Naluang where you learn bamboo handicrafts, and a second day of paddling by boat to Muang Noi village, its history cave and Phanoi viewpoint. A licensed guide leads throughout. Food, drinks and fruit are included, and you depart at 9 AM.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Trekking to remote villages and forest

• Depart Nong Kiaw by touk touk
• Walk 2-3 hours to Ban Naluang village
• Break for lunch and village visit
• Walk 3-4 hours through primary forest
• Enjoy mountain landscape views
• Arrive at mixed tribal village
• Learn bamboo handicrafts
• Cook and have dinner
• Overnight in village

Day 2: Boat trip and village exploration

• Breakfast with tea or coffee
• Boat to Muang Noi village
• Visit history cave and Phanoi viewpoint
• Walk around Muang Noi village
• Enjoy lunch
• Travel to Sopkong village
• Trek 1 hour to waterfall

The experience

The trip starts with a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from Nong Khiaw to the trailhead, then 2–3 hours of walking to Ban Naluang, a village of Lao, Khmu and Hmong people. You'll break for lunch there and spend time in the village before another 3–4 hours of trekking through primary forest. Your guide takes you through sections with mountain views good for photos, and by late afternoon you arrive at a small mixed-tribal village where you stay overnight. After tea and breakfast on day two, the route shifts to water: you continue by boat to Muang Noi village, where your guide shows you a history cave and the Phanoi viewpoint, then you walk around the village. Lunch comes along the way, and the trip ends with a trek to a waterfall on the Tail River.

The overnight in the village is where the experience deepens. You learn to make bamboo handicrafts with an old craftsman, then cook and eat dinner with the community. This is not a hotel night. It is time spent in the place itself. The second day's boat travel to Muang Noi gives your legs a break and opens a different landscape. A licensed guide speaks English throughout and carries the food, drinks and fruit for both days, so you travel without the weight or the worry of finding meals.

What’s included

• Licensed English-speaking guide throughout both days.
• pickup by tuk-tuk from Nong Khiaw.
• meals including lunch on both days and dinner and breakfast at the overnight village.
• all food, drinks and fruit carried by the guide.
• boat transport on day two to Muang Noi village.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (45 years) · Senior (50 years) · Youth (40 years) · Child (39 years) · Infant (35 years) · Under 35: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by tick sonethonphet

Is this one for you?The two-day commitment means you cannot do this as a half-day add-on to other plans, but it also means you see the villages as they are, not rushed stops on a longer itinerary. If you have only one afternoon free, a shorter trek from Nong Khiaw would work better. If you have two full days and want to sleep in a place you've walked to, this one uses that time fully.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (40 years); Child (39 years); Infant (35 years). Children under 35 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How much walking is there on each day?

Day one involves 2–3 hours of walking to Ban Naluang, then another 3–4 hours through primary forest to the overnight village. Day two is lighter: a boat ride to Muang Noi, a visit to the cave and viewpoint, a walk around the village, and a final trek of about an hour to the waterfall.

What is Ban Naluang village like?

Ban Naluang is a remote village of Lao, Khmu and Hmong people where you spend the night. You'll learn to make bamboo handicrafts with a local craftsman, cook dinner together and eat with the community. It is a working village, not a tourist site.

Do I need to bring my own food and water?

No. Your guide brings food, drinks and fruit for both days, and you eat lunch in the villages and dinner at your overnight stop. You break for lunch at Ban Naluang on day one and again on day two along the route to Muang Noi.

What is the Phanoi viewpoint?

Phanoi viewpoint is a stop on day two in Muang Noi village that offers views of the surrounding landscape. Your guide will take you there as part of the village visit before you trek to the waterfall.

Is there a history cave to visit?

Yes. On day two in Muang Noi village, your guide takes you to a history cave as part of the village tour before the final trek to the waterfall.