For the girl’s October break we went to the north of Laos to Luang Namtha. Luang Namtha is located next to the Nam Ha National Forest, one of the biggest and most diverse national protected areas in Laos. We went on a kayaking excursion for 3 days, kayaking during the day and sleeping in villages at night. We went down the Nam Ha river in the National Park. The first night we stayed at a Lanten village. The Lanten are one of many ethnic groups in Northern Laos. They came down from China about 500 years ago and settled in the area. They speak their own language but those who can write do so in Chinese. The closest road to the village we stayed in is a 5 hour walk and then another 5 hour walk to the nearest town. Needless to say there is no electricity, no running water, they rely on the river for water, fish and transportation.
