Khmu Eco Retreat (2 days)

Set on the banks of the Mekong river with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, the Khmu Lodge is an excellent way to experience rural Laos. The accommodation is 'safari style' tents with a built bathroom. The lodge is ecologically friendly, with local staff, solar powered electricity and their own rice paddies. There is also a small spa by the river offering a range of simple treatments. This unique accommodation is a first in Laos and with all the comforts you need, it makes for a memorable stay. The experience offers a myriad of activities, including rice planting and harvesting, gold panning, learning the Lao method of fishing and other traditional activities.

Name	Khmu Eco Retreat
Duration	2 days / 1 night
Price from	160 USD / pax (based on 2 pax)
Itinerary in short	Day 1 : Luang Prabang / Pak Ou / Khmu Lodge Day 2 : Khmu Lodge / Luang Prabang

TRAVEL NOTES
• Please bear in mind that Khmu Lodge has no Wi-Fi, no satellite TV, not even 24–hour electricity. We’d like to quote Edward Gargan, modern day Mekong voyager who described this corner of South East Asia as where ‘the wagon train of globalization has yet to venture’. OK, you have been warned and we think you get the idea by now.
• In dry season (from February to August), the river level is low, leaving higher number of steps up to the lodge. You may need more physical efforts to reach the reception but the staff are more than happy to carry your luggage.

DAY 1 : LUANG PRABANG / PAK OU / KHMU LODGE (-/L/D)
On the start we take a traditional long boat at the Khmu lodge pier to sail upstream on the Mekong river. At 08h30 we will start from Luang Prabang and take a leisurely Mekong cruise upstream while enjoying the refreshments served on the boat. Along the way stop at the Pak Ou Caves. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The Buddhas range in size from a few centimeters to the size of a human. The caves are as well a destination for local pilgrimages. Continue upriver for another hour to reach the Khmu Lodge for lunch.

This afternoon, you may choose to participate in a variety of different activities. You will be rewarded with a very original Lao experience:
• rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields
• gold panning (January to June) in the Mekong. Anything you find is yours!
• traditional fishing techniques in the Mekong. You can sample your catch for dinner!
• Local village visit and encounters

Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

NOTE : You are staying in a lodge which is part of a sustainable project. In order to avoid any unexpected surprise, please bear in mind the following facts:
- Please fully charge your electronic equipments as there is no outlet available at Khmu Lodge
- Power is solar so you may have some gaps in electricity and it may take time to get hot water. However this is part of the experience when you want to be off the beaten track
- There is no Wifi, no satellite TV so you can get away from internet, cell phones and enjoy nature.
- The lodge is staffed by the people who live in the village closeby, so some of them are learning as they work and may have limited English, but do everything with a smile and great enthusiasm.

DAY 2 : KHMU LODGE / LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)
This morning is at your leisure to enjoy breakfast and relaxing surroundings of the Kamu Lodge. Travel by boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, arriving in time for lunch. If time allows, you will make a stop en route at Ban Xang Hai. This small village on the riverbanks is known for its production of local rice alcohol. Referred to as lao lao or lao khao, this strong concoction is normally drunk for social events such as weddings, births and other celebrations.

This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on the number of people in your group and time of travel. Please send us your enquiry for availabilities & the most up dated price.

INCLUSION
• Transfer and transportation by private car, including pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Luang Prabang
• Accommodation at Khmu Lodge, in twin or double sharing room basis with daily breakfast
• Meals: as indicated in above itinerary (L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Sightseeing and entrance fee as per the mentioned itinerary
• Return boat trip Luang Prabang//Khmu Lodge
• Welcome drink
• English- speaking guide
• 24/24h assistance from our company
• Service charges and government tax

EXCLUSION
• Travel insurance
• Visa to Laos
• Drink and beverage
• Personal expenses
• Bananas for elephant feeding
• Camera fees (if any)
• Tips for guide, mahout & driver
• Surcharge in peak season (Christmas, New Year, local public holidays)
• Other items than mentioned in the program
• Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.

ACCOMMODATION

The Khmu Lodge features 20 private canvas tents, each one of which is protected from the elements by a thatch roof. The tents are also decorated with bamboo and wooden furniture allowing the Lodges' grounds to harmoniously blend with surrounding nature. They each feature private attached bathroom and toilet with solar powered hot water and electricity.

Thick-walled tents shut out the elements while a sturdy thatch roof guards against rain and sun. However rustic the look and feel, Kamu's mattresses guarantee a good night's sleep. In the spirit of sustainable lodging, solar panels fixed to the roofs gather just enough energy to keep your fan turning all night and your interior lit.

Every lodge features a whitewashed stone annex, and the familiar trappings of a traditional bath and shower. On the apron of every lodge, a thatch-covered veranda and its rustic easy chairs encourage passive enjoyment of a timeless view over the slow-moving Mekong.

Please note that all 20 canvas tents are of the same category. So if you are a family of more than 2 people, you’ll need to split your group into two separate tents.