Apr 12, 20195 min read

Travel in Laos with your family, visit Luang Prabang with kids (part 2)

Updated: Jul 24, 2020

Luang Prabang is an ideal destination for a family trip. We have seen in a previous article that the city is full of activities to discover the local craft in a fun way. But traveling with your tribe is a matter of compromise, right? This is why in this article; we will focus on sport and outdoor activities. We will give you all the tips for your children and teens to have fun while discovering!

Immersion in ethnic Nam Ou lands, 6 days trekking tour, Off Road Laos Adventures,

Sports & Outdoor in Luang Prabang and around

Kuang Si waterfalls and the bear rescue center

The Kuang Si waterfalls are a must-do in the Luang Prabang area. Bathing in a naturally turquoise water sounds like a dream, right? Well, there are several waterfalls just a few kilometers from Luang Prabang. From the city, it takes 45 minutes to get to Kuang Si. You can easily spend half a day enjoying this idyllic place. Swimming, relaxing, walking, you will not be bored. In addition, the site is home to a sanctuary for bears rescued from poaching. They spend a well-deserved retirement in a place adapted to their needs. Your kids will especially enjoy watching the cubs play together in their own paddock.

Cruising – Camping on the bank of the Mekong river

Have you ever dreamed of waking up on a white sand beach on the banks of the Mekong? Well, even if the answer is no, ORLA Tours offers an extraordinary activity that will delight nature lovers. It is a half-day cruise on the Mekong towards a wild beach. You will then set the tents and light a campfire. Your guide will teach you how to fish with a net, the youngest ones will love it. Then, family barbecue dinner on the beach. You will be woken up the next day by the sunrise above the Mekong, magic moment. You will then leave for another half day cruising with a visit of the Pak Ou caves. Rather tempting program, right? Watch this video to be sure of it.

Spend a night camping at the Tad Keo waterfalls

Bathing in a waterfall is good, but doing it away from tourists is better. That's why we recommend you to visit Tad Keo. They are smaller but much less crowded than Kuang Si. It's the perfect place to relax with your family! And if you want to spend an unusual night, it is even possible to camp there. We did it ourselves, so we can guarantee that it leaves unforgettable memories. Campfire, sunset on the waterfall, night with the sound of water ... what can we ask for more ?

Elephants of the Tad Sae waterfalls

How about swimming and meeting elephants? Know that it is possible at Tad Sae waterfalls. You will be able to visit the Elephant village which is a sanctuary for pachyderms. You will learn a lot about these animals rescued from work in the forest. You can also enjoy an elephant ride. Note that we are not talking about going up to 4 at the same time on a wooden seat. No, to respect the animal, you will ride bareback on the animal. Communion is guaranteed 😊 After visiting the camp, the waterfalls are only 10 minutes by small boat. It is the ideal place to relax and have a good time.

Walking in the trees and ziplining at the Nam Dong Park

Your teens have plenty of energy and you do not know how to keep them busy? Nam Dong Park is here for you. This site has many pools for swimming, walking paths and many fun activities to keep the whole family busy. And above all, a zip line! It's a great way to discover the surrounding forest while having fun. You will progress from tree to tree about fifteen meters high. You will be literally in the canopy, it's unforgettable! For craft lovers, it is possible to attend a workshop manufacturing Sa paper made from mulberry.

Activities and family excursions outside Luang Prabang

Sayabouri Elephant Conservation Center

This is the place not to be missed if you love elephants. Located 2 hours from Luang Prabang, it is very easy to get there as a shuttle system is organized. You will learn about the pachyderm in a very responsible way. Indeed, there is no question of getting on the elephant and to walk with it. But rather to bathe with him, to get to know him, to feed him. It is very playful while being educational. They offer packages of 2 and 3 days or even a week.

>> visit their website

Go hiking in Nongkhiaw, jungle, rice fields, and small authentic villages

3 hours’ drive north from Luang Prabang is the small town of Nongkhiaw. It's a real paradise on earth! At the bottom of mountains and crossed by the Nam Ou River, the atmosphere is relaxing and peaceful. It is also the ideal starting point for hikes of a few days. It is possible to adapt the level of difficulty of the treks, even to the youngest. From jungle trekking to rice paddies, you will love this immersion in nature, boat trips and visits of tribal villages.

Stay overnight in a tribe village

Want to live an unforgettable family experience? Add to your visit of Nongkhiaw a night in a tribal village. You will discover a traditional way of life, typical houses of wood and bamboo. You will learn a lot about Lao culture. But above all, you will come back all transformed from this night with the inhabitant. Why? Because all the members of the family will reevaluate the notion of modern comfort. And you will rediscover a simple way of life. Sleeping in the village is accessible to all, the conditions of comfort can be compared to camping. The toilet and shower are common to all the villagers.

Boating on a small wooden boat and fishing

If you are in Nongkhiaw or Muang Ngoi, do not leave because you still have one thing to do: Discover the way of life of local fishermen. The area is crossed by the NamOu river which is particularly appreciated by all types of fishes and shrimps.

We strongly recommend you to take a ride in a small local pirogue. It will be the opportunity to discover all the life that takes place on the river and its banks. Moreover, learning to fish with the net will delight young and old members of your family. The technique may seem simple; but it takes years of training to master it.

We hope that this article has convinced you that Luang Prabang is an ideal destination for sport and nature holidays. Plus, with our previous article on crafting, you have all the cards in your hands for dream family vacation. So, do not hesitate, buy your plane tickets, and go to Laos with your tribe! Check out our special family tours on our website and if you want a personalized trip, contact us. We will for sure know how to design a program that will fit all the members of your family.