The trip takes us to the lush forests where the sounds of the Black-Cheeked Gibbons can be heard. Akha village is our host for the night and their unique culture will be rediscovered over a traditional Akha dinner cooked by the villagers. When hiking across several ridges, we’ll enjoy panoramic views onto the forests of the Nam Ha NPA. Trip ends at the Prasat Cave, a limestone cave
Itinerary:
Day 1: Vieng Phoukha - Ban Nam O - Ban Nam Lo
We depart at 8:30 from the Eco-Guide Service office (Eco-Guide Service office is 59 km further from Luang Namtha town). Transfer by pick-up (or tok-tok) takes us to Ban Nam O, a traditional village of the Khmu Kwaen ethnic groups. This is where our first village-based guide joins the group. The first half of the day follows the meandering Nam O River and its lush valley. A Lao-style picnic lunch is taken on the way when hiking across several ridges offering panoramic views onto the forests of the Nam Ha NPA. The well-worn Akha trail continues pass a temporary settlement of the upland rice farmers of Ban Nam O.
The first lodge on the top of a mountain at the Akha Phouli village of Ban Nam Lo is reached by late afternoon. A traditional Akha dinner cooked by the villagers marks the end of an adventurous first day.
Day 2: Ban Nam Lo - Prasat Cave - Vieng Phoukha
Rising early, we may be able to hear the sounds of the Black-Cheeked Gibbons. Tour of the village before setting off to a second Akha and Khmu village, Ban Taleng, where we’ll have lunch. During this day, we walk through the primary and secondary forest, and discover “Pa Mai Hok” , a bamboo forest area. After walking to the rough road following the Nam Mai river, the pick-up takes us to the Prasat Cave. The limestone cave is the final stop on this tour before returning to Vieng Phoukha in the mid-afternoon.
Note: The trek can be longer in the rainy season as the trail gets muddy and slippery.
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-12 (2 days)
* 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:
3:00 pmDay 2
Duration:
2 days
Departure date:
Daily
Activities:
Trekking
Trekking Grade:
Walking – advanced to difficult, along a well-worn villagers’ trail, long days with some steep ascents/descents; first day passing through the river many times (take rubber sandals)
Transport:
-
Accommodation:
Village lodge – dormitory style
Meals:
Lunch day 1 to lunch day 2
What to bring:
Hat, sun-screen, mosquito repellent, shoes to get wet, warm change of clothes for the evening and a sarong for bathing.
What is included:
Water, meals, local English speaking guide, transport by Songthew as listed above, trekking permit, accommodation and entrance fee, service charge, government tax
