Laos Jungle trek
 

Hi there,

I am travelling to Laos and am looking for a good jungle trek with an overnight stay in the jungle, if possible, but doesn't have to include this. I am looking for a trek through dense jungle with lots of scenery and possibly wildlife. I want something that is not overly commercial so I can experience the jungle without bumping into other travelling. If anyone has any ideas or has done something like this please let me know. Thanks for your help

A few years ago, I visited Laos, beginning in Luang Prabang, continuing to Vientiene, and finishing in Pakse. I don't remember where I stayed in the south, except that it was outside Pakse, that it was rustic, and that I went on a memorable morning elephant ride through small settlements (too small to be called villages) where people seemed to be living a traditional life. After this, I took a local wooden ferry across the Mekong, caught buses, and found my way to Bangkok. This was true immersion in Laotian life. What the circumstances are today and what might be available along the lines of a jungle experience I cannot tell you. However, you could start your search with Pakse. ZZ

South gets far less tourists.

We have done a fair amount of trekking in Laos mostly in the far north around. Muang Sing, Luang Namtha and. Phongsali. That was quite a few years ago bit we are returning this year for another visit. The trekking took us through some beautiful forrested areas to rarely visited minority peoples villages. A magical time but I suspect that it may have changed somewhat over the intervening years.

As you seem to be seeking treks with few other tourists, I would avoid anywhere near the major towns like Vientienne, Luang Prabang, Pakse etc.

You could try contacting a few operators like www.greendiscoverylaos.com etc to explain exactly what you want. www.travelfish.org may have some good suggestions.

There are plenty of lodges in the jungle that will provide an overnight stay and jungle walks but this doesn't seem to be what you are looking for. To get that you do need to get off the track somewhat. Luang Namtha is now more on the track but easier to get to. Muang sing and especially Phonsali are harder to get to but arguably, more rewarding.

Our plan is just to turn up at one or more of these places and hire a guide at the time.

Be careful where you tread!
Northern Laos is littered with unexploded ordnance...

http://www.copelaos.org/ban_cluster_bombs.php

Thanks for the replies. Crellston did you have a good experience in Luang Namtha? - If this is a place that has a great jungle trek and there are a few other travels then I would be okay with that. I will definitely look into Muang sing and Phonsali to see what they are about. Also, LancasterLad I am aware of these dangers, but appreciate you posting a link to some stats. I will be making sure that even though I want something a little less travelled it will still be a clear path that has been walked and is safe.

We had a great time in and around Luang Namtha.. I was a few years ago mow so it will be interesting to see how much the place has changed when we go back, probably in January. I suspect it has got busier and hope that the Chinese influence has not become too great. Don't expect too much in terms of accomodation and food etc., although that may well have changes too.

Forgot to add. Lancaster. Lad makes a VERY important point re UXO. Do not attempt to trek without a guide and stick to the trails which are usually marked to indicate they have been cleared.