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[iamdingo]

Paul mentioned a Mr Laolee Saelao (leelosaelao@hotmail.com) in this thread.
http://www.travelpod.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9682

Just wondering how you know him, how you found him and why you recommend him.

Also what prices did you pay. He is asking for 2,500 baht per day, plus $600 baht per person per day. ie. 3,700 baht per day. That seems very excessive, so a 2 day trek costs 7,400baht or $250AU.

All my research shows the treks in Chiang Mai are 1,000 baht per day for a private guide. My understanding is it should be less in Nan and less because there is no agent involved. What is a realistic price I should be accepting from him. I do not want

Anyone else used this guy?
Anyone else done any trekking in Nan. Maybe with FHU Travel?

Cheers
Sam

[Paul]

Hi - he was recommended to me via an US American humanitarian funder, who utilised his services to make contact with the Mlabri.

I've met him and since been further involved with the Mlabri and (thanks for reminding me) now wouldn't too highly recommend him.

The trips he runs are 'staged' for want of a better explanation, and the way his village has treated the neighbouring Mlabri village hasn't always been perfect. Although I should note there is good and bad and it is a complicated situation.

Anyway - I would be happy to withdraw my recommendation now - sorry, I had based that on work done by someone else, and it turned out they really didn't know the situation that well.


Prices - I am no expert on prices, but I agree with you that the quote seems high. I think 1000 - 1500 Baht per day would be fair.

Less than 1000 Baht seems unrealistic unless you have a decent sized group.

Good luck with it all.

[iamdingo]

What do you mean staged?

Now I am hell confused.

I'm definantly not versed in Hmong vs Mlabri politics.

Are you aware of any community tourism projects in the Nan region, similar to the organisation you are involved in in Chiang Rai.

Or anyone better to contact in the region.

We are coming from Hongsa in Laos and wanting to go via Nan. Maybe we will go to Nan, than hop on a flight to Chiang Mai straight away, than go to Mae Hong Son instead.

Or is there an easy way for me to get up your way. I don't want to do the boat thing all the way to Huay Xin in Laos. But maybe there

I'd like recommendations to avoid the whole circus.

Your post definantly has thrown me.

Thanks,
Sam

[Paul]

Sorry to throw you.

"Staged" - I mean if he is taking you on a trek to see the Mlabri, from the pictures I have seen of his trips, he has them placed in little shelters and you meet them - ha ha - but those Mlabri in the shelters, they actually live in a village. Does that make sense?


Sorry I don't know Nan well enough to suggest any projects there. But I like your idea. And I think if you get into Nan and talk to the receptionist at where you are staying and grab some local info and talk to people - you are likely to find things.

Sorry - that is the best I can do for you in Nan. But I'd go there and check it out. I think you'll enjoy it.

[Paul]

By the way - is there an official entry point from Laos to Thailand in Nan?

I've tried looking it up, but my internet connection is being less than user friendly - so please make sure you look that up.

[iamdingo]

By the way - is there an official entry point from Laos to Thailand in Nan?

I've tried looking it up, but my internet connection is being less than user friendly - so please make sure you look that up.

Yep it definantly is. But if anyone does know what time the border opens, i'd love to know.

[Paul]

Just a guess = 0800.

But not sure

[lunthom]

As I knew the border from Nan-Lao is non official , it's use for the local Thai & lao to trade so maybe it's difficulf to find the bus in to the Hongsa city.

For the trekking I always do it with my Thai group it's not expensive , if you know the local people but the point is we are Thai ... if you wanna join a trip we re welcome. Next in Mar to trek in the cave at Kanchanaburee.

[iamdingo]

As I knew the border from Nan-Lao is non official , it's use for the local Thai & lao to trade so maybe it's difficulf to find the bus in to the Hongsa city.

For the trekking I always do it with my Thai group it's not expensive , if you know the local people but the point is we are Thai ... if you wanna join a trip we re welcome. Next in Mar to trek in the cave at Kanchanaburee.

Not true.

http://www.fhutravel.com/visa_to_laos.html
(the site of the most established travel agency in nan"
"The international immigration desk at Huaygon-numngern, (gateway to Indochina via Nan province) is now officially opened. You can apply the visa upon arrival"



"Day 4
http://www.lotuselephant.com/Jumbo_Guestho....R./U.DAYS.html
(foreign run guesthouse in Hongsa)
There is also the opportunity to go directly from Hongsa to Thailand via the international border crossing in Muang Nguen.


We are going Hongsa to Nan, not the other way around. The Jumbo Guesthouse is organising transport for us, so that is not an issue.

[lunthom]

That's great to hear. It's my note for the next trip.

[Paul]

That's great to hear. It's my note for the next trip.

Trekking with your group sounds like a great opportunity Lunthom

[lunthom]

That's great to hear. It's my note for the next trip.

Trekking with your group sounds like a great opportunity Lunthom

yes,,,

[lunthom]

yes,,,
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