Luang Namtha Provincial Department of Tourism

17-24 March 2019 -7 Days Fam Trip Between Bokeo Province – Luang Namtha Province, Laos.

Luang Namtha

Calling all travel journalists and bloggers.

Do you love nature and outdoor adventure? Are you interested in learning about Laos and its rich ethnic diversity? Are you passionate writing about food, culture and local travel? Then Luang Namtha wants you. We’re inviting media (writers, bloggers, photographer and videographers) to join our 2019 Fam trip.

Located in northwest Laos just a few hours from the Thai border, Luang Namtha Province is a wondrous combination of nature and ethnic diversity. Its mountains and many rivers make it a nature lovers paradise. The Nam Ha National Protected Area is filled with opportunity for trekking, kayaking and rafting, while just outside the provincial capital, visitors can cycle to beautiful waterfalls, rice paddies and temples. There are also over 20 unique ethnic minority groups to discover. Experiencing village life and a homestay are highlights.

The Fam trip will immerse participants in what the province has to offer. We’re looking for travel writers to publish a story in a traditional outlet or for bloggers/influencers who will promote Luang Namtha through social media, blog posts and/or video blog.

We provide participants:

• Transportation from Vientiane Capital or Luang Prabang City to Luang Namtha Province
• All transportation, accommodation & meals during the fam trip in Luang Namtha

Not covered:

• visa (price based on nationality, around US$20-43)
• transportation to the Fam Trip starting point, either Vientiane or Luang Prabang
• travel insurance

Eligibility:

Traditional travel journalists must have commission for a story in a formal publication. In the application, please include details about the commission such as length of story, if print, online or both.

Bloggers should have social media presence with notable number of followers on multiple platforms such as (but not limited to) Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube. Blogs should ideally be active for at least 2 years.

Videographers who can create high quality video stories.
As a guideline, we require a minimum of 4 blog posts. Minimum 500 words per blog and rich with good photography.

Blog posts/videos should highlight the activities and sites, and include relevant links to the Luang Namtha Tourism website. As a guideline, we are asking for a minimum of 16 social media posts/stories (can be spread out during and after the Fam Trip).

Fam trip is not limited to English-language media. Other languages would be considered though the Fam trip guides will be English-speaking.

How to apply:

Please write why you’re an excellent fit for Luang Namtha and how you would meet the criteria (maximum 400 words). Send select links of best work and social media profiles.
You may also attach a CV.

Please send to lnt-tourism@hotmail.com & leego2010@gmail.com
Transportation
Vientiane – Luang Namtha

–  17 March, 2019: flight with Lao Airline to Luang Namtha
Time: 11:45 am – 12: 45 pm.

–  24 March, 2019: Flight Luang
Namtha – Vientiane.
Time: 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm.

Transportation:
Luang Prabang – Luang Namtha

16 March – Public Minivan departs 830am arrives 500pm

24 March – Public Minivan departs 830am arrives  500pm

Itinerary

17 March

Arrive Luang Namtha, overnight in Guesthouse.

18 March

Breakfast in the guesthouse before we depart at 800 am from Luang Namtha by van to Muang Sing, visiting local villages along the way, traversing through a section of the NamHa Conservation Area, to the scenic Muang Sing Valley. Here we will visit the Muang Sing Museum and French Garrison. Lunch will be at local restaurant and in the afternoon will visit Yao and Akha villages, noodle making and whiskey making villages, before returning to Luang Namtha.

Dinner in town at the lively night market and overnight at same guesthouse.

19  March

Trekking day, we start from Nam Ha Village and trek around 4 hours with a stop for lunch at camping site, and then trek to Nalan Village also located on the Nam Ha River. Trekking is through the Nam Ha Biodiversity Conservation Area, the most popular trekking area in Luang Namtha.

Overnight homestay in Na Lan village.

20 March

Today we will spend approximately 4 hours kayaking along the Nam Ha River with a break for lunch on the river bank. You will enjoy the lush forest in this remote area. Returning to Luang Namtha in the afternoon. Take the rest time to Phieng Ngam Handicraft center (If possible). Overnight the guesthouse in Luang Namtha.
Dinner at Night Market.

21 March

Today we will spend cycling around Luang Namtha on the Luang Namtha Valley Route, visiting Luangkhoune Temple, the oldest in the area, the Tai Daeng weaving village, Ban PhiengNgam, the Luang Namtha stupa and a Lanten village, Nam Dee village and Nam Dee waterfall.

Dinner in town at the lively night market and overnight at Vieng Neua viallge – Lao Yuan Homestay (A traditional performance is available for guests).  Dinner with host family.

22 March

Go to Viengphoukha district at 8: 30, visit Phouphetphoukham garden Golden Mountain) it is a private garden, with organic farm, kayaking and camping. Lunch in the garden. In the afternoon we visit Nam Mang, a Khmu village, a local market and Borkung (Shrimp Stream).

Overnight the guesthouse in Viengphoukha District.

23 March

Up early to visit local market before breakfast. After breakfast head out to Visit Nam Phae Viewpoint, with views over the Golden Triangle. Then go to Mekong River town Houay Xay, Bokeo Province. Visit Lanten ethnic village, Ban Nam Chang, known for indigo dyeing, Lanten handicraft, and bamboo paper. Lunch in Houey Xay, and afternoon for sightseeing Houysay Town, visit Fort Carnot – the best preserved and most outer French garrison in Laos.

Overnight guesthouse in Houay Xay.

24 March

Comeback to Luang Namtha Province, Overnight in guesthouse.

Remark: For Bloggers who have plan to Thailand, can directly cross to Thailand on the same day.

25 March

Return to Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

Contact Information:
Leeko Vanh

Luang Namtha Tourism Sector, Luang Namtha Province, Lao PDR Tel: +85620 2239 0197, +85620 5871 2226
Mail: lnt-tourism@hotmail.com
Website: www.luangnamthatourism.org/free-fam-trip-in-luang-namtha