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We leave Luang Prabang at 8:30 and after a 40 minutes drive on a "dirt" road to the south-east we arrive in Ban Xeng Mouk, a village well known for its small pineapple and vegetable plantations. Here we spend some time to learn more about life in this rural lowland Lao and Hmong community. Our following trek leads us first for about half an hour through paddy fields and pineapple gardens before entering dense mixed growth jungle with a remarkable diversity of tree species.
After 2 hours of an up-and-down hike though the forest we reach the first peak of the mountain range. Here we enjoy the great views of the surrounding landscape, the fresh air and the sounds of birds and insects, while resting for a typical local picnic lunch. Again walking up and down, we soon reach after 20 min another peak, after which our trail is heading down on the backside. The forest is a bit more sparse here, but chances to see tracks of wild animals are good.
On the way we pass a tiny settlement of 5 Hmong families. Getting here takes us about one and a half hours. However, we leave this village quickly behind us and follow a trail of secondary growth. After an hour or so the forest opens up and we approach Ban Nong Touk, surrounded by small corn and rice fields.
The last leg of the day is a half hour walk to Ban Long Lao, where we will stay overnight. Here we have the opportunity of getting more insights into the culture of the two ethnicities, Hmong and Khmu, who live here in a mixed settlement as in Ban Nong Touk.
Note: this 5-6 hour walk can be done throughout the year.
After breakfast, we follow a trail that reaches some forest with steeper parts. A cave is explored on the way, which during the Second Indochina War, served as a bomb shelter for the villagers living in this valley.
One more hour of trekking takes us to the crystal clear water of just one of the springs that feed Tad Kuang Xi: a beautiful pool full of big sacred fish. After descending from the top of the waterfall, a Lao-style lunch is served in the lush forest setting around the waterfall.
The afternoon is spent bathing and relaxing by the turquoise pools below. It is worth to drop by at the Bear Rescue Center close to the entrance gate, where more than 10 animals, Sun Bears and Malayan Black Bears, are cared for after they've been rescued from bile farms or wildlife traffickers. Also walk around nearby Ban Thapene, a Khmu village that lies nestled around some of the 0most beautiful pools of Tad Kuang Xi. We return to Luang Prabang by Songtheaw.
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Depart from: |
Green Discovery Laos, Luang Prabang office |
Arrival at: |
Luangprabang |
Start time: |
9:30 am day 1 |
End at: |
5:00 pm day 2 |
Duration: |
1 day or 2 days |
Departure date: |
Daily |
Activities: |
Transfer and trekking |
Trekking Grade: |
2-easy |
Transport: |
Private songthaew |
Accommodation: |
Home stay or camping |
Meals: |
Lunch day 1 to lunch day 2 (4 meals)
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What to bring: |
Hat, sun-screen, swim suit and sarong for bathing, clothes/shoes to get wet, mosquito repellent, warm change of clothes for the evening
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What is included: |
Water, meals, English speaking guide and transport as listed above |
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This two day tour is spent with trekking through different types of forest from the deep wild jungle to the community woods, crossing mountains, and passing agricultural lands of remote villages. It is designed for moderately active people who love getting into the great outdoors.
