They are very nice , and kind people, perfect trekking.
We Will come back to them again for sure !
If you are in hauy xai don't need to rush, do some tours with them, they do good things for their country, and their villages. ( supports those young people by get some tour with them)
We went on the two-day hiking tour and experienced a singularly dedicated tour guide. He led us deep into the jungle, where we not only saw the gorgeous landscape, but also got to know the incredible hospitality of the local people. The atmosphere was always friendly. We were welcomed warm-heartedly and felt like part of the family. Never before had we experienced such an affectionate and selfless contact with foreigners.
The tour was organized brilliantly and left enough open space for individual wishes. In addition, we could learn a lot about the life of people, animals and plants.
We would always do the tour again, but then for three days.
A great thank you to the whole team for these unforgettable days.
Résumé:
Those who want to get to know the authentic Laos in its marvellous magnificence and the incredible hospitality of the local people apart from the flow of tourists, those who want to experience something absolutely unique – with “New Challenge Discovery” you will be in good hands.
If you are flexible timewise and open for variety you can experience a wonderful adventure. If, on the other hand, you need a warm shower and a well-planned mass tourism schedule this tour isn't suitable for you.
We tried New challenge discovery because of the recommendation of the Stephan Lose guide on Laos.
We visited the the office and in an easy going and talkative atmosphere discussed the options we had for a one day activity. We we're provided with a good insight into each option (kayaking or trekking with varying amounts of intensity) and finally decided to do a long trek which requires a good level of fitness.
The following day we started the trek with two guides. From the office we went to a village and started our trek from there into the dschungle and hiked up a hill with a spectacular view.
The guides have a profound knowledge of the
area and gave us intriguing information about the plants and wildlife we were able to see. Later we had an authentic lunch all together which was delicious and also communicative due to the fact that we shared the food (as opposed to the practice of other tour providers).
Generally the guides are respectful, attentive and keen to get to know their clients as well as always happy to provide and share insights into their culture.
In contrast to other treks we did in Laos this experience was the most authentic one.
The nicest people we've met in Asia. They were super helpful and thoughtful, even came with us to an internet company for our phones. Sat down and talked to us for a long time. Amazing people!
Good:
MJ and SiPoon was our private tour guide. Had there were other guests, then we would have to share them.
The whole experience was great. Nice cold water on a hot sunny day, full filling local Laos lunch packed with flavors, calm, quiet, a few areas with whirlpool (but manageable for us kayak newbies), swimming, lodging, drinking half a can of beerlao with my hubbie, while floating on the Mekong River.
It was full day of discovery about Lao and other Southeast Asia countries from MJ.
SiPoon speaks enough English to have a pleasant conversation. MJ, on the other hand, he pack filled with history, current events, and culture. He is passionate about his community coming together to help his city, Huoey Xai, to flourish. For that alone, is my reason to go back to him and his place of work when I come back.
Not good:
Napkins during lunch would have been nice. If we had to share our tour guide.
I give the Challenge Discovery 5* for a few reasons One: they're offering an experience no one else is offering - aside from the Gibbon Experience there aren't many cool active things to do in Houay Xie and there could be; Two: MJ was there always with a ready smile, trying to make the experience more, and Three: the day long kayak journey down the Mekong was really quite cool. The Mekong is interesting, alive in some places and so very quiet in others. Floating along the border between Thailand and Laos is just neat. Anyway, awesome experience, i'd tour with them again. Note this is not a budget tour. But like I said they offer service no one else in Houay Xie has. And there's always the charity angle with them if that helps you justify the spend. Cheers and good touring!
Great people and a great cause. I did a one day kayaking trip on the mekong river. Trip was great, the view is very nice and we got to swim in the river. The guide is awesome and is really involved with the Lao community and children. With the raised money they help educate poor children in the community.