The trek to the old-growth forest allows us to learn about the villager’s use of the forest. Our local Khmu lunch is served by the villagers. In the afternoon, we explore the cave known as ‘Oung Kao Rao’ in Khmu language and the guide will tell us about interesting story of the cave. Our village-based guide will perform a religious ceremony to appease the spirit of the cave and to ensure our safety.
Itinerary: Vieng Phoukha – Ban Nam Eng - Oung Kao Rao - Vieng Phoukha Morning - Nature Trail
We depart at 8:30 in the morning from the Eco-Guide Service office by pick-up or tractor (tok-tok) and head east on the main road to Luang Namtha (Eco-Guide Service office is 68 km further from Luang Namtha town). Arrive at Ban Nam Eng, a traditional Khmu village, where we meet our village-based guide. From Ban Nam Eng we hike to nearby mountains and explore the old-growth forest belonging to the village. After learning about the villager’s use of the forest, we return to Ban Nam Eng, where a local Khmu lunch is served by the villagers.
Afternoon - Cave Exploration
After taking a rest in the village community house, we depart for the cave known as ‘Oung Kao Rao’ in Khmu language. This cave is said to be at least five kilometers long. However, it could well be longer as very few have ever walked its whole distance. Legend has it that a spirit inhabits the cave which has been known to affect visitors’ vision and ability to find their way out. At the entrance of the cave, our village-based guide performs a religious ceremony to appease the spirit of the cave and to ensure our safety. We walk deep into the cave, taking time to wonder at its impressive limestone formations. The pick-up (or tok-tok) is met at the point where we enter the forest. Return to town is in the late afternoon.
How villages benefit
Local and village guide fees, food sales & preparation, accommodation fees
Important do’s & don’ts
Do not give individual gifts of sweets or money to children. Ask before taking photos of people or spiritual items. Ask your guide before entering a house or a room inside a house. Help keep the villages clean by not littering. Please purchase handicrafts but do not purchase antiques. Do not use drugs in villages
Note:
• Transfer by public bus or minivan to and from Green Discovery office in Luang Namtha is additional charge.
• If you wish to travel to Vieng Phoukha one day in advance. Accommodation can be arranged as additional charge.
• This tour is shared, no private option is offered
Information
• NT-T-10 (1 day)
* Maximum of 8 per tour
Depart from:
Eco-guide Service Office Vieng Phoukha
Arrival at:
Eco-guide Service Office Vieng Phoukha
Start time:
8:00 am
End at:
4:00 pm
Duration:
1 day
Departure days:
Daily
Activities:
Trekking
Trekking Grade:
Walking – easy to moderate
Cave – easy to moderate, some slippery areas, no crawling necessary
Transport:
-
Accommodation:
-
Meals:
Lunch
What to bring:
Hat, bandana, sun-screen, clothes and shoes to get wet, mosquito repellent, sarong for bathing, flashlight, towel, money to buy handicrafts and extra drinks.
What is included:
Water, meals, local English speaking guide, transport as listed above, trekking permit, entrance fee, service charge, and government tax
Return to town is in the late afternoon.
