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. Arrive at Ban Nam Eng, a traditional Khmu village, where we meet our village-based guide. From Ban Nam Eng we walk to the sacred spring and then hike to nearby mountains and explore the old-growth forest belonging to the village. After learning about the villagers’ use of the forest, we reach the cave known as ‘Oung Kao Rao’ in Khmu language, where you enjoy a local Khmu lunch. This cave is said to be at least three kilometers long. Legend has it that a spirit inhabits the cave which has been known to affect visitors’ vision and ability to find their way out.
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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 entered the forest. Return to town in the late afternoon.
Walking – easy to moderate
Cave – easy to moderate, some slippery areas, no crawling necessary
Distance – 4-5 hours walking
Local meals prepared by villagers, water, local guide from town, village guide, transport, forest conservation permit, local taxes and cave fee, small donation to the cave spirit
Good shoes for hiking (closed shoes or sandals with straps), flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and hat, camera with flash, money to purchase handicrafts
Local and village guide fees, food sales & preparation
Do not give individual gifts of sweets or money to children. Ask before taking photos of people. Do not touch limestone formations inside the cave. Help keep the cave clean by not littering. For your safety, please wear the helmets provided when inside the cave. Stay with the guides at all times.
All treks must be paid for in advance and in cash unless you are booking from elsewhere. Treks can be paid for in Lao kip, US dollars or Thai baht. As all local payments have to be made in kip, however, it would be much appreciated if you could pay in kip. Please be aware that there is nowhere to change money officially in Vieng Phoukha, and even unofficially you will find it difficult to change anything other than baht or yuan.
With tourist numbers still low, there is no need to book your trek ahead unless you want to arrange a special package. Getting in touch can sometimes be a bit difficult, but try the following phone numbers:
020 5985289 Vongxay (English-speaking lead guide)
020 5101670 Somhak (English-speaking lead guide)
