Uncover Laos’ last wild frontier on the Nam Nern River Safari—by boat, by night, by heart. Wildlife, mystery, and meaning all in one journey.
Venture deep into the heart of Laos and discover an experience unlike any other, the unique Nam Nern River Safari (24h), a journey into one of Southeast Asia’s last true wildernesses. Set within the breathtaking Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park, this adventure takes you far from the beaten path, where dense jungle, winding rivers, and elusive wildlife create an atmosphere of pure, untamed magic.
From the moment you step into the long-tail boat in the village of Ban Son Koua, the real world begins to fall away. You’ll glide upstream into a landscape ruled by nature, surrounded by towering trees and the calls of hidden creatures echoing through the forest. As dusk settles over the water, you’ll take part in a truly unique experience: a silent night-time river safari, where the boat engine cuts off and all you hear is the rustle of leaves, the splash of fish, and the quiet excitement of scanning the banks for wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might spot a civet, sambar deer, otters, or even the glowing eyes of a slow loris.
At night, you’ll fall asleep in a cozy bamboo bungalow tucked deep in the forest, lulled by the sounds of the jungle around you. Then, at first light, you’ll wake for another river drift, this time at dawn, when the jungle stirs with life and the mist dances on the surface of the water. Birdsong fills the air and the entire forest seems to hold its breath.
And for those who crave even more, there’s an option to extend the journey to 3 days and 2 nights. With the extra time, you’ll hike to secret salt licks used by animals, explore hidden jungle trails with expert Khmu guides, and gain deeper insight into the medicinal plants, folklore, and ancient stories that shape life in this region. It’s a total immersion into one of the most biodiverse corners of Laos.
What makes this adventure even more meaningful is its impact. The Nam Nern River Safari is an award-winning conservation tourism initiative, directly supporting 14 local villages. Wildlife sightings are recorded and help determine how much each village receives through a shared fund, meaning every animal spotted helps protect the forest and those who live closest to it.
This is not your average tour. It’s thrilling, it’s raw, and it’s deeply rewarding and with the knowledge that your journey contributed to something much greater.
24h Tour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accommodation: Jungle Bungalow
3 Days 2 Nights Tour
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Accommodation: Jungle Bungalow and Tent
The jungle is calling. Are you ready to answer? Contact us at sales.laos@khiri.com. Photo credit: Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park