Discover the Biggest Hiking Trail in Luang Prabang

Laos, a Southeast Asian country renowned for its natural beauty, offers a plethora of hiking trails that cater to adventurers of all levels. These trails traverse diverse landscapes, from verdant forests and towering mountains to cascading waterfalls and tranquil rivers. Here are the five largest and most captivating hiking trails in Laos:

1. The Bolaven Plateau Trail (160 km):

• Located in Champasak Province, the Bolaven Plateau Trail is a challenging yet rewarding 10-day trek.
• Hikers will encounter a tapestry of landscapes, including lush coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints.
• Highlights include the Tad Lo and Tad Yuang Waterfalls, the Alak Crater Lake, and the villages of the Laven and Katu ethnic groups.

2. The Luang Prabang Loop Trail (50 km):

• This 3-day loop trail is perfect for those seeking a moderate challenge and a taste of Laos’ cultural and natural heritage.
• Starting from Luang Prabang, the trail leads through villages, rice paddies, and forests, offering glimpses of traditional Laotian life.
• Hikers will also encounter numerous temples and caves, including the Pak Ou Caves and the Kuang Si Falls, a stunning multi-tiered waterfall.

3. The Nakai-Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area Trail (100 km):

• Spanning Khammouane Province, this 7-day trek immerses hikers in the heart of Laos’ biodiversity hotspot.
• The trail passes through pristine forests, home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the saola and the black-shanked douc langur.
• Hikers will also encounter cascading waterfalls, remote villages, and the opportunity to learn about traditional hunting and gathering practices.

4. The Phou Bia Trail (120 km):

• Nestled in Xiangkhouang Province, the Phou Bia Trail is a 9-day adventure that takes hikers to the summit of Phou Bia, the highest mountain in Laos.
• The trail traverses lush forests, rugged peaks, and remote villages, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Highlights include the Plain of Jars, a mysterious collection of stone jars, and the Hmong villages where hikers can learn about local culture and traditions.

5. The Tad Sae Waterfall Trail (10 km):

• This 1-day trail in Bolikhamxay Province is perfect for families and those seeking a more leisurely hiking experience.
• The trail leads to the Tad Sae Waterfall, a picturesque cascade surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Along the way, hikers will encounter rice paddies, bamboo forests, and the chance to swim in natural pools.

These five hiking trails offer a glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Laos. Whether you’re an experienced hiker seeking a challenging adventure or a nature enthusiast looking for a leisurely stroll, Laos has something for everyone.

The 7 Biggest Hiking Trail near Luang Prabang

Nahm Dong Park

• Address: Ban Xieng Mouark, Luang Prabang 06000, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.4 (363)
• Phone: +856 30 56 09 821
• Website:
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Marta Ołowska✭✭✭✭✭

  in the last week

  Great place just 10km from Luang Prabang, easily reachable by motorbike. This park is totally underrated!

  The entrance fee is only 20k Kip per person for which you can enjoy multiple walking routes, cave, small waterfall and great mountain view’s. In addition to that there are additional options such as ziplining, weaving workshops etc for additional fee. They also have cute place to eat where we had delicious fresh rolls (really decent portion for just 50k Kip) and mango sticky rice. One could spend there one/two hours, others easily the whole afternoon.

  John McCracken✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  Beautiful park that is up high in the hills. The access road is mainly dirt and gravel which is not unheard of in Laos, it’s worth the effort when you get there. There are plenty of activities or you can just relax in the shade. They were doing a Laos cookery class when we were there. The restaurant is good and offers some traditional Laos dishes.

  Filip Czyż✭✭✭✭✭

  in the last week

  For me, hidden gem of Luang Prabang. When I was there, the place was almost completely empty. Go and visit before Asian tourists will swarm this place – it’s so worth it. Great opportunity to witness beauty of the Laotian nature. The only downside is super bumpy road if you get there on a scooter but nothing too crazy.

  Mimi Le✭✭✭✭✭

  3 months ago

  A gorgeous park like area high up in the mountains outside of the town center with many great activities for the whole family. I did bamboo weaving and dream catcher making while another person did zip lining and tree top walking. Areas with recliners, tables and little streams…The park picks you up and drops off at hotel, Everyone is super nice with their children playing in the background. The day I went it was a quiet afternoon but can be fun with large groups too. Highly recommend!

  Robin Adil✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  Nahm Dong Park is located almost 10km from the centre of Luang Prabang.

  It’s spread over an 18 hectares land which is full of beautiful plants and flowers. If you are looking for a fun place for your family specifically kids, then this would be the best option.

  There are a lot of picnic spots which include straw huts, flower gardens, water spots and open spaces.

  An entire day or a half day trip would be a great choice.

  Fun Activities: You could go walking, lounging, swimming, trekking, zipline or just sit at some serene place and do reading,

  Zipline: It’s almost 45mins to 1h30min including six stations. You could enjoy a real forest, beautiful waterfall and the voice of the running water along the way.

Tiger Trail Travel (Tour Office & Bike Garage)

• Address: Kingkitsarath Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.2 (77)
• Phone: +856 71 212 311
• Website:
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Silvia✭✭✭✭✭

  a year ago

  We had a really nice experience with Tiger Trail. We did the 3 days tour biking, kayaking, hiking and visiting the villages in the mountains. Homestays have been a really highlight of our travel and and an experience that you cannot do easily otherwise. We had the chance to participate to a village party and everyone was so welcoming! Our guide Cha was really good and he makes us totally comfortable and safe in everything we were doing. Definitely recommended if you want to take a glimp of authenticity and a real experience of ecotourism. And… They provide loads of good food multiple time a day to be eaten in the craziest locations 🙂

  Thanks all!

  Oliver Denton✭✭✭✭✭

  4 months ago

  I did the overnight hike to a Khmu village. Guys, if you were wondering whether to go or not – absolutely do it. It was everything I hoped it to be and more. I will remember the experience for the rest of my life

  Marie-Helene Robin✭✭✭✭✭

  6 months ago

  We did a 3 day tour with Tiger Trail and it was lovely. Sim Sai our guide was engaging and sociable. We biked, we hiked and we kayaked. We also got to see elephants. It was definitely a highlight.

  Yannick Cale✭✭✭✭✭

  a year ago

  For anyone interested in a high quality, off the grid, authentic and traditional excursion deep in the jungle, river and high up in the limestone mountains, TIGER TRAIL is the one stop shop.

  There are over 25 tour groups in Luang Prabang, and they all vary in quality and authenticity, even though they may tell you it’s the “same” excursion. We spoke to a couple who were on the “same” tour but booked with a different company and their experience was garbage in comparison to ours.

  We opted for tiger trails intensive excursion called the BTK-3 tour. The daily breakdown was as follows:

  Day 1: – gear up with enough clothes for three days. – leave on a bike from tiger trail – bike 29km to the elephant sanctuary as the drop off point. With multiple stops and visits to local shops, villages, and landmarks. – prep for a 3km walk to the first village named Huay Nok where you will stay amongst the locals.

  Day 2: – breakfast with your group – pack up for a 10km hike before visiting the Huay Nok public school. – hike all the way to the second village with multiple stops including a remote Hmong village in the mountains before arriving to the second stay Huay Fay.

  Day 3: – pack up and visit the local school – short 2 km hike to the waterfalls and then down to the river for a 2 km kayak back to the bamboo bridge crossed on day 1.

  All the above is thoroughly explored and explained in great detail if you ask for our guide OUN BUNDASACK.

  I Cannot express enough gratitude to Oun and all the staff at tiger trail. He went above and beyond to make sure we were well equipped, safe and comfortable through out the entire process. His knowledge of Lao history, culture and the trails themselves are unmatched according to what we’ve heard from others.

  Oun is a kind human, who wants nothing more than to share his heritage with everyone on the tour. He’s very passionate and strives to perfect his craft with each excursion!

  Much love to everyone at tiger trails, we will be back 🙂

  Anjum Guppy✭✭✭✭✭

  4 years ago

  My daughter and I booked a 3 day trek with Tiger Trails in Luang Prabang. We were in for a treat. Our guide, Onchanh, was extremely knowledgeable, experienced and kind. I wanted to see elephants but those that were treated kindly. He took us on a 15 km mountain bike ride through beautiful scenery and paddy fields to the elephant rescue centre where the elephants were not in chains and cared for and we were able to help bathe the elephants (we got bathed too!!). We then took a short boat ride to Tad Sae falls where we indulged in the zip wire experience above the canopy before we started our trek through the jungle.

  My daughter is quite fit but I am not. Onchanh was extremely kind. He kept good pace so we could reach the village where we were staying overnight before dark but yet not too fast that I could not cope. He was very thoughtful and often stopped to show us interesting flora and fauna whilst giving me some breathing time and later made up a walking stick to help me through some steep muddy sections. He made the trek so interesting that I soon forgot how tired I was. At the village he was again very concerned for our wellbeing and ensured our rooms were clean and insect free and gave us good advice and even organised a local lady to give me a foot massage! Very nice. Even showed us how to eat the dinner the way the locals do and was very meticulous in ensuring my daughter who’s vegan had a variety of foods. He enlightened us about life in Laos and in the village in general and it proved to be a very humbling experience. At the same time he was full of optimism and positivity. He was sure to point out all the interesting things that we would have missed easily.

  By nightfall I wasn’t sure I could manage the steeper and longer trek for the next day but Onchanh immediately understood and appreciated that and advised a shorter trek with 20km of kayaking to follow which was brilliant and very manageable. He ensured we stopped over to have some fruit that he bought along the way. He was always carrying things for us as he wanted our comfort and for us to be able to complete the trek with enjoyment.

  The people we met along the way and the scenery was amazing and I am sure our experience would be different if it wasn’t for him. On the 3rd day we went to Kuang Si falls as there had been no water at Tad Sae due to the late rains. I swam in the refreshing pools whilst Onchanh did a hike with my daughter.

  There was great kindness, knowledge , experience and sensitivity shown to us. We have already decided to return for an more extensive trek with Onchanh when my daughter finishes Uni. If you visit Luang Prabang, do request for him as you will be in for a fabulous time.

  Thank you Onchanh and thank you Tiger Trails.

Phousi Hill

• Address: Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.3 (4374)

Lao Heritage Trails

• Address: Ban Navieng Kham, House Number: 278, Unit: 21 Luang Prabang, 06000, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 5 (1)

Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort

• Address: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 3.4 (250)

Green Jungle Park

• Address: V2FF+FR9, Pak Long, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.1 (236)

Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre

• Address: Ban Saylom, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (168)

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Top Hiking Trail Alternatives in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, located in the north of Laos, is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. The region offers a stunning natural landscape, with lush forests, picturesque waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views. Here are three top hiking trail alternatives that you should consider when visiting Luang Prabang:

• 1. Kuang Si Falls Trail:

  The Kuang Si Falls are one of the most famous attractions in Luang Prabang. Instead of taking a tuk-tuk to the falls, consider hiking there to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. The trail starts from the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre and takes you through the dense forest, passing by small streams and local villages. The highlight of the hike is reaching the stunning multi-tiered turquoise waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing swim. The entire hike takes approximately 2-3 hours, and it is recommended to start in the morning to avoid the crowds.

• 2. Mount Phousi Hike:

  Mount Phousi is a small hill located in the heart of Luang Prabang, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The hike to the top of the hill is relatively easy and can be done in approximately 20-30 minutes. The trail is well-maintained and features steps and handrails, making it accessible for all fitness levels. Along the way, you will pass by several temples and Buddha statues, adding a cultural aspect to the hike. Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Mekong River, the city’s rooftops, and the surrounding mountains. It is especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.

• 3. Tad Sae Waterfall Trail:

  The Tad Sae Waterfall is another popular attraction near Luang Prabang. Instead of taking a boat or elephant ride to the falls, consider hiking there to fully appreciate the natural surroundings. The trail starts from the Ban Xeng Moung Village and passes through lush greenery, rice fields, and local gardens. It is a moderate-level hike that takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your pace. Once you reach the waterfall, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool cascading waters or relax on the surrounding rocks. The hike is best done during the rainy season when the waterfall is at its fullest.

These three hiking trail alternatives in Luang Prabang offer a unique opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you choose to hike to the Kuang Si Falls, Mount Phousi, or the Tad Sae Waterfall, you are guaranteed to have a memorable outdoor adventure in this picturesque part of Laos.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Hiking Trail spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.