Operated by: Vieng Phoukha Ecoguide Service

Vieng Phoukha District, Luang Namtha Province

Day 1:

Meet at 8:30 at the Eco-Guide Service office for departure by pick-up or tok-tok to Ban Pa Daeng. The first village-based guide joins the group in this traditional village of the Khamu Yuan and Khamu Kwaen ethnic groups. Traverse swidden rice fields and then climb through a sacred forest. The guides explain about medicinal plants, traditional forest use and point out wild animal tracks. Take a break at a giant strangler fig tree. The journey continues to a limestone crag for a Lao-style picnic lunch. The a short climb through the cave-like crag. From the hilltop, descend to the first Lahu and Khamu village Ban Nam Kap Tai, where the second village-based guide joins the group. Trekking through bamboo forest takes us to a waterfall for a refreshing break. The final leg of the trail passes through mixed upland agricultural fields and some forest and reaches a panoramic viewpoint which overlooks Vieng Phoukha District and the Lahu village, where the group stays the night.

Arrival at Ban Nam Paman and Ban Nam Noi in the late afternoon, two Lahu villages nestled in the hills. Eat dinner with villagers and stay overnight in the eco-lodge.

Day 2:

After sharing a morning meal with our village hosts, embark on a hike through upland rice fields, following the same path traveled daily by locals on their way to work. From the hilltops enjoy panoramic views of the area. Passing through swidden fields and secondary growth forest, the guides explain traditional agricultural practices. The final descent ends at the Nam Fa River, a tributary to the Mekong River, for a relaxing lunch and swim. Situated nearby the river is Ban Lave, a Tai Lue village. Stop in this village before making the way to the road to meet the pick-up (or tok-tok) for return to the Eco-Guide Service office in the afternoon.

Booking

• Contact the Vieng Phoukha Guide Service Unit at +856-81-212-400

Level of difficulty

Walking – moderate to advanced, moderately long days with some steep ascents/descents

Distance – 25 km (6 hours per day)

Includes

local meals prepared by villagers, water, local guide from town, village guide, accommodation, forest conservation permit, transport, local taxes

What to bring

1 change of clothes, sandals for village, good shoes for hiking, sarong for bathing (required for women), mosquito repellent, flashlight, sunscreen/hat, camera, money to purchase handicrafts, sleeping bag (optional – available to borrow if needed)

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 wander off designated trails. Do not use drugs in villages.