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Kamu Lodge
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River Journey
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Activities
Kamu Lodge
On the banks of the mighty Mekong River flanked by jungle and hills, some 30 km or so by boat, north from Luang Prabang, Kamu Lodge is a deliberately rustic retreat in northern Laos, with 20 luxury safari tents offering a comfortable base for exploration of this fascinating corner of Laos.
Locals go about their daily lives in this part of Laos little changed for decades and the river here is also pristine.
Between the lodge and the village, is a two-hectare rice field in which villagers work and were guests can also experience working the rice paddy.
Accommodation at Kamu Lodge consists of 20 freestanding ‘lodges’. 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. Lodges all have verandas and easy chairs from which to admire the views.
Kamu Lodge tries to strike a delicate balance between tourism and the maintenance of the region's cultural and ethnic heritage. Kamu Lodge is all about a low-impact footprint. Everything is done on a small scale and the lodge supports the empowerment of the Kamu villages.
63 families make a living in traditional Kamu fashion in the neighbouring village, fishing and farming. No visit to Kamu Lodge is complete without a visit to the village to witness life as the Kamu live it.
What’s so Special?
The scenery here is spectacular. The Mekong here channels between dramatic flanks of Lao hills, scenery that very well may be unrivalled in the river's 4,350-kilometer journey to the sea.
We have to love anyone mentioning Thoreau in their marketing literature and we endorse the idea of slowing down, disengaging and confronting the essentials of life. That’s the idea of a stay at Kamu Lodge.
Bear in mind
No Wi-Fi, no satellite TV, not even 24–hour electricity. Kamu 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.
Accommodation at Kamu Lodge consists of 20 freestanding ‘lodges’. 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. Our full board package feature return transfers from Luang Prabang to Kamu Lodge.
Dining
Perched on a bluff above the Mekong, dining at Kamu Lodge is a cultural experience all its own.
In this unique, stilted pavilion, guests dine as local Kamu villagers frequently do, in the open air or under thatch.
Beyond dining, the bar at Kamu Lodge is a thirst quenching and social experience.
At dinner, feast on fish harvested from the Mekong, on pork raised by local farmers, on beef and buffalo and curry flavoured Kamu style. Most of the rice and produce is grown within walking distance and fruit is from the immediate forest.
Likewise, lunch is a local affair. The pork, beef and vegetable dishes vary with the season, and availability. What doesn't vary is the local appeal. You're eating what the locals are eating.
Breakfast is more of a hearty Western affair, eggs and bacon, baguettes and jam.
Rice planting and harvesting
Rice is the most important staple in Southeast Asia, providing substance for millions of people and playing a central role in festivals and traditions. Kamu Lodge encourages guests to get up close with this miraculous grain, with paddy walks, planting and harvesting lessons.
Traditional net fishing
Fishing is one of the most important sources of income for families in many small towns along the river in Laos. There is an intricate link between various fishing techniques and knowledge about the fish and their behaviour including migration, foraging and habitat, which are influenced by the position of the sun and the moon.
Try your hand at net fishing and even if you don’t catch dinner, you can learn the tricks of the trade from the locals who know best.
Traditional gold panning
The oldest form of gold mining, panning is also one of the simplest ways to extract gold. Traditional gold panning is popular with geology enthusiasts because of its inexpensive costs and relatively easy process.
At the Lodge, guests are taught the correct way to sift and search for gold dust and nuggets. Anything you find is yours to keep!
Archery
Archery as a sport or hobby can be enjoyed by young and old. Archery was once a prized skill used in hunting and battle. Today, guests at Kamu Lodge can sharpen their skill and learn proper technique from our local archery experts.
Trekking
Trek through the forest and picnic at the waterfalls (two-hour hike and boat ride in green season, three-hour hike in summer time).
Explore the Laos forest, discover new trails, learn to identify local flora and fauna and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views in this unspoiled corner of the world.
Traditional Kamu Massage (Spa overlooking the Mekong River)
The Kamu people have relied on the curative powers of traditional massage for centuries. Today, visitors to Kamu Lodge can partake of the healing power of Laotian massage in our open-air pavilion on the banks of the Mekong.
Relax under the hands of expert masseuses and tune in to the soothing sounds of nature.
Shore excursion to Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou caves are home to hundreds of antique wooden Buddhist statues, filling the floors and shelves of the caves’ interiors.
The figures take many different positions, including meditation, teaching and reclining (nirvana). Gazing out over the Mekong River, being inside the caves is a surreal and peaceful way to explore Laos’ deeply rooted religious beliefs.
2 Day package
Day 1: Luang Prabang – Kamu Lodge
Transfer to the pier for the longtail boat trip (around 8:30) upriver towards Kamu Lodge.
Visit Pak Ou caves, with its numerous Buddhist statues and towering limestone cliffs.
Arrive at Kamu Lodge around midday in time for lunch.
After lunch, either relax or enjoy traditional Kamu activities such as rice planting and harvesting, gold panning in the Mekong (anything you find is yours!), traditional fishing techniques (you can sample your catch for dinner), visit the Kamu village or try archery.
Dinner is a great chance to sample a wide variety of local cuisine.
Overnight Kamu Lodge. Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 2: Kamu Lodge - Luang Prabang
After breakfast board the boat around 9 am for the cruise back to Luang Prabang arriving around midday.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Inclusions:
- Return boat transfers from Luang Prabang
- Pak Ou Caves entrance fees
- Accommodation in twin sharing tent
- Meals as per itinerary
- Activities in the lodge
- Service of local English guide
3 Day package
Day 1: Luang Prabang – Kamu Lodge
Transfer to the pier for the longtail boat trip (around 8:30) upriver towards Kamu Lodge.
Visit Pak Ou caves, with its numerous Buddhist statues and towering limestone cliffs.
Arrive at Kamu Lodge around midday in time for lunch.
After lunch, either relax or enjoy traditional Kamu activities such as rice planting and harvesting, gold panning in the Mekong (anything you find is yours!), traditional fishing techniques (you can sample your catch for dinner), visit the Kamu village or try archery.
Dinner is a great chance to sample a wide variety of local cuisine.
Overnight Kamu Lodge. Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 2: Kamu Lodge Experience
After breakfast, enjoy a 4-hour trek in the surrounding forest to the waterfall. The walk is reasonably demanding.
Have a picnic lunch by the waterfall. On your way back to the Lodge, visit a village by the Mekong. In the afternoon, relax at the lodge, swim in the Mekong or perhaps indulge in a one hour Lao traditional massage (additional cost). Dinner is served at the restaurant.
Overnight Kamu Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Day 3: Kamu Lodge Experience – Luang Prabang
After breakfast board the boat around 9 am for the cruise back to Luang Prabang arriving around midday.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Inclusions:
- Return boat transfers from Luang Prabang
- Pak Ou Caves entrance fees
- Accommodation in twin sharing tent
- Meals as per itinerary
- Activities in the lodge
- Service of local English guide
What kind of Tours of Laos do you do?
All of our tours are private tailor made itineraries, customised for you - we can amend things to entirely suit you.
You will have your own private car, driver and guide on excursions.
What are the departure dates?
Let us know your preferred dates of travel and we will find the best and most suitable flights to fit your itinerary.
As all of our tours are on a private basis, there are no set departure dates.
Which Airlines do you use?
We work with all the major airlines flying to this part of the world.
Typically for Laos, Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines would be airlines we most often use.
However, just let us know your preferred airline if you have one. We can organise flights from any regional destination in the UK.
Which Hotels do you use?
We're careful with our choice of hotels, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels, just let us know.
We specialise in boutique hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller hotels where we think these will be suitable.
We keep on top of hotel developments in Laos from our office in Vietnam and regularly inspect the hotels we use.
Do you cater for Solo Travellers?
Yes, we have many solo travellers, and Laos is a very safe, friendly and welcoming destinations for those travelling alone.
River cruises on the Mekong through Laos are a popular option for solo travellers, especially with Pandaw Cruises who offer no Single Supplements on many departures.
How long have you been organising holidays to Indochina?
We've been organising tailor made holidays to Laos & Indochina for over 10 years.
Our team has a wealth of combined experience in the industry and our Director has been involved in organising holidays to Indochina since the early 1990's.
Our partners on the ground in Indochina have over 20 years experience in operating there.
They understand the region extremely well and have a strong infrastructure of staff, guides and vehicles.
We've had the same partnership in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos for over 10 years.
How does your office in Vietnam help?
We have our own staff in Saigon which helps in many ways with our customers in Indochina and South East Asia.
It helps us to keep on top of any new hotel and travel developments in the region and forge stronger relationships with hotels and other partners.
We regularly do our own inspections of hotels and destinations in the region.
Should our clients need any assistance during a trip, we always have at least one of our own staff on the same time zone, and we're open 7 days a week in Saigon.
2019 - 20 Price Guide:
- 1 night package from £110 pp
- 2 night package from £165 pp
This is a guide price only, based on travel in low season.
Prices will vary according to seasonal surcharges.
Please ask us for any current special offers.
Package Inclusions:
- Return boat transfers from Luang Prabang
- Pak Ou Caves entrance fees
- Accommodation in twin sharing tent
- Meals as per itinerary
- Activities in the lodge
- Service of local English guide
Contact Us:
All of our Indochina Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.
Call us now to speak to a Laos expert about your Indochina holiday or honeymoon to Indochina.
Call us now on 0333 7000 747
We're open from 9 until 9 daily and our 0333 number is a local rate number included in most call packages.
