Nong Khiaw · With kids

An hour up the Nam Ou between cliffs to a village with no road in, departing 11:00 and 14:00 and returning at 09:00. Children get a river trip and a traffic-free village at the far end; life jackets are not guaranteed, so check what is on board before you push off.

About thirty minutes' flat walk from Muang Ngoi to a cave with a clear stream running straight out of its mouth, with rice paddies and the village of Ban Na beyond. Easy underfoot and the best short walk in the valley for children.

A short walk from Muang Ngoi to a Khmu village of traditional bamboo houses, with homestays if you want to stay over. Go with a village guide, ask before photographing anyone, and bring small change rather than sweets or pens.

In the dry season the river runs slow and green past the shingle below the bridge, and it is where local children spend the afternoon too. After rain the current picks up sharply and the water clouds — ask at your guesthouse before anyone gets in.

Pha Daeng is 1 to 1.5 hours of steep steps, ladders and unprotected drops, and Sleeping Lady is only a little gentler. With small children, take the boat or the cave walk and enjoy the karsts from the bridge instead — nobody should be hurrying children on that path.