Thank you Kathie, a lot of great detailed tips! All that stuff you describe I'll be able to do in the day going south the lake?
And the main part of the lake will be what you call the tourist route?
Any tips on what to add the last day when going to kakku?

Crellston, thank you so much for the info. If I fly to luang prabang where would I trek? But I don't think that will be an option to me. I think there are some very expensive flights from Chiang Mai to luang prabang that I think might be a bit too much for me.
what about getting on a bus to luang namtha for trekking in that area? Where have you treked in Laos? I don't mind the homestays I'm not looking for luxaries this trip, just like things clean enough, the rest if fine and hopefully a good experience!

Has anyone ever went to konglor cave in Laos?

We trekked around Luang Namtha, Phongsali and Muang Sing. All were very good and quite different but Muang Sing was probably my favourite. The minority peoples villages were amazing.

Here is a link to a LP fair trade tour operator which details some of the trekking around the area.

http://www.laos-adventures.com/trave...6-404FF4BD25F8

One day should be Sankar (the southern part of the lake), the other day, on the main part of the lake would be #2 - 7 (as many as you are interested in). The tourist circuit consists only of various "workshops" - cheroot-making, etc.

You might want to stop in the nearby town, Taunggyi, which is an interesting place. You have to go through Taunggyi to get to Kakku. You will stop and pay a small permit fee to the Pa-O.

Crellston, you always help me so much regarding Laos. I think a little too much that you get me too excited for the time I have got!!! I might be happier in the ignorance that such places did not exist. Laos doesn't look as it has so much "must see" places as some other countries in SEA but it's looks so natural, so slow and peaceful. It's like I just can't get my priorities straight when it comes to Laos since I find it hard to say "next time" to every single place there. I promise I will report back whatever I decide to do. When in Muang Sing and Luang Namtha, you trekked for how many days? I've looked into it some time ago looks really amazing. I have to work on my time, change my flight to get one earlier to SEA. Just hope I can!

Kathie, thanks again for the added info. The cherrot-making wouldn't sound so bad as long as it was "real" not an exhibition like thing. I always get confused on weather the "touristy" stuff are nice or no. I live in Portugal and some of the most beautiful parts of Lisbon are in fact touristy. I understand that sometimes the constant presence of tourists can disturb the exotic experience but with so much information on getting off the beaten track and on avoiding tourist crowds sometimes gets confusing if it's really a scam that should be avoided or just a beautiful place/experience that everyone wants to see or do.