Day 1: Muang Sing – Nam Keo Noi Waterfall – Ban Lao Khao
Tour departs from That Xieng Tueng, Muang Sings most sacred Bhuddist
site. For the first hour, the tour follows the old French road which was
cut through the jungle in colonial times. You can still witness some
remains of a soldier camp. The trail goes up and down, reaching about
1100 m altitude.
After three hours trekking through primary and secondary forest, lunch
is prepared by the villagers of Ban Lao Khao at the beautiful Nam Keo
Noi waterfall. Food is cooked in the traditional Akha way using local
products, forest vegetables and ancient techniques.
After lunch, carry on together with the villagers of Ban Lao Khao to the
old village site and walk through pine forest and old growth forest
before descending to their village.
On the trail the guides have a forest activity such as bird watching,
collecting bamboo shoots and medicinal plants, depending on season and
villagers suggestions.
Stay overnight at the lodge in Ban Lao Khao.
While waiting for dinner, visit the village with Ban Lao Khao hosts.
Walk around the village, observe how the villagers feed their husbandry
and prepare for the day ending. Listen to traditional musical
instruments, stories and legends while watching the preparation of the
evening meal. You could also ask about traditional Akha architecture.
After dinner you will receive a massage which is traditionally given to
the guests staying overnight in the village. You can go off listening to
the courting songs of the youth at the courting grounds.
This first day is a moderate to strenuous walk. It is the most exhausting of the three days trekking.
Day 2 : Ban Lao Khao – Ban Phou Yae – Ban Houeinagang – Ban Eu La – Ban Tamee
After breakfast start walking to Ban Phou Yae. The trail passes
through the old secondary forest. During the trek, the village guides
can tell you about old trees inhabited by spirits and show you the place
where wild animals come for drinking water. The forest also provides an
abundance of wild fruits. Arrive in Ban Phou Yae where you will be the
guest of a family for lunch. After lunch, continue to Ban Houeinagang.
Stop for an a tea in Ban Houeinagang and do a village activity such as
cotton spinning, making and playing with children’s toys, or pounding
rice. Continue to Ban Eula. Along the way you can learn about upland
rice cultivation and during planting season try it yourself. Continue to
Ban Tamee where you will stay overnight.
After a nice hot shower tour the village and learn about home life and
marriage customs. Dare riding on a buffalo! Enjoy the traditional
massage before listening to the villagers playing traditional
instruments. They will invite you to sing along or try out the
instruments. This is also a good time to try Lao Lao, the Lao rice
liquor, in case you have not done this before.
Day 3: Ban Tamee – Ban Nam Hoo – Ban Phiyer
After breakfast, do an activity with the Akha people such as cotton
spinning, pounding rice or feeding the pigs. They will appreciate your
attention and willingness to learn about the Akha daily life. Spend some
time with the children, they will enjoy new games or you can learn
theirs. Depart for Ban Nam Hoo. Along the way share some of the
agricultural activities with locals. Learn and experience paddy rice
farming and realize just how much work has to be done before you can eat
your rice! Stop for a break in Ban Nam Hoo, where there is time for
another village activity. Afterwards, walk through the forest to see a
magnificent view of Muang Sing. Do a forest activity with the villagers.
Lunch is served in Ban Mona.
Visit the village handicraft store in Ban Piyer and take the opportunity
to buy some handicrafts. You will be supporting the local economy and
can have a beautiful souvenir or present for friends and relatives. Take
the truck back to Muang Sing in late after noon.
GroupCost: US$ per pax |
1 pax |
2 pax |
3-6 pax |
7-11 pax |
Standard |
165 |
160 |
155 |
147 |
Price includes:
- Accommodation in the Akha homestay
- Local food as mentioned in the program
- Activities
- Local guide/English speaking guide
- Joining trip
Price excludes:
- Visa stamping fee on arrival US$30.00/pax
- International airport departure tax US$10.00/pax
- Arrival or departure transfer from/to your hotel
- Personal expenses
- Personal insurance