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Long tail boats are the best way of navigating the waterways in Laos
Pak Ou caves
Children fishing in the Nam Ou

Nam Ou River Adventure

Leaving Luang Prabang in the morning by road you travel first to Nong Khiaw, from where you are transferred by boat upstream to Muang Ngoi on the banks of the Ou River.

The Ou River is a tributary of the Mekong and its valley has some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of Laos. You will take longtail motorboats to cover the distance through the valley back to Luang Prabang, stopping en route to visit some of the local hill tribe villages and the holy Pak Ou Caves.

Here there is a huge limestone cliff, containing within it two caves of special religious significance to the local population. The King of Luang Prabang often used to make pilgrimages here, and the caves are crammed full of Buddha images. The lower cave can be seen in natural light, whereas the upper cave (a steep five-minute walk up steps) requires a torch.

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Photos of Nam Ou River Adventure

  • Long tail boats are the best way of navigating the waterways in Laos
    Long tail boats are the best way of navigating the waterways in Laos
  • Children fishing in the Nam Ou
    Children fishing in the Nam Ou
  • Local fisherman on the Nam Ou
    Local fisherman on the Nam Ou
  • Nam Ou River adventure (Full day), Luang Prabang
    Nam Ou River adventure (Full day), Luang Prabang

Other experiences in Luang Prabang

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

  • Alms Giving
    Alms Giving Luang Prabang

    Alms Giving

    Alms Giving

    Each morning at dawn in Luang Prabang the local Buddhist monks form a procession around the streets of this charming town, collecting alms of rice and vegetables from the local population.

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  • Evening Baci Ceremony
    Traditional dress

    Evening Baci Ceremony

    Evening Baci Ceremony

    The Baci ceremony is a mix of Animism and Buddhism. These ceremonies are common to Laos. Their purpose is to call back your own spirits to your body because they sometimes escape.

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  • Kuang Si Waterfalls
    Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang

    Kuang Si Waterfalls

    Kuang Si Waterfalls

    Kuang Si Falls are 30 kilometers from town. The excursion leaves Luang Prabang in the morning and heads toward Ban Ou by boat.

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  • Living Land Rice Experience
    Workers at the Living Land Rice Experience, Luang Prabang

    Living Land Rice Experience

    Living Land Rice Experience

    This is a great opportunity to experience the hard life of a farmer and try your hand at some of the activities, such as working with Suzuki the water buffalo, in knee-deep muddy rice paddies. Enjoyable and very educational, you will learn about the 13 steps and various methods involved in planting, growing, harvesting and cooking rice.

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  • Luang Prabang Discovery
    Temple in Luang Prabang

    Luang Prabang Discovery

    Luang Prabang Discovery

    The day is spent with your guide discovering the magical temples and ancient crafts practiced in this beautiful city in the mountains. Exactly what you choose to do on this day is up to you and can be discussed with your guide.

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.