Day 1:
Leave Ngoi Kao by foot at about 1:00 pm and hike to Tam Gang and Tam Pha Keo Caves, which are situated about 30 minutres from the village. These cool, water-filled caves are several kilometers in length with waterfalls and rock formations inside, and were used as bomb shelters during several wars.
Leaving the caves, the trail continues for 1.5 hours through fields and towering limestone cliffs before arriving at Ban Houay Sens. Take a short break with refreshments in the village rest house before continuing to Ban Kiew Kan on a two-hour climb through primary forest with beautiful views of the limestone peaks.
Ban Kiew Kan is a friendly Khamu village where visitors can can watch baskets being made, take photos of the traditional Khamu homes, and bathe in the natural spring. After eating a locally-prepared meal and participating in a baci eceremony, trekkers overnight in the two community guesthouses, constructed in the Khamu style.
Day 2:
After breakfast, trekkers journey three to four hours to Ban Hadsapeuy on the Ou River.
From Ban Kiew Kan, the trail makes a brief climb before descending through the forest and fields to arrive at a stream.
The next hour is spent on a shady walk in the river, before emerging to hike a small group of hills to Ban Hadsapeuy.
Take a break with refreshments including fresh coconut before boarding a local boat for a stunning 30-minute trip down the river to Muang Ngoi. Kayaking back to town can also be arranged.
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Homestays in community guesthouses built in local Khamu style.
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Public bathing (women need a sarong).
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Khamu cuisine. Typical meal includes chicken, soup, sticky rice, vegetables and chilli.
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Vegetarian food available upon request.
Moderate-Difficult: Steep climbs make this trail challenging. Trekkers must be in good physical shape and be able to walk up to 5 hours through the forest in a day.
One change of clothes, sandals for village and river walking, good shoes for hiking, sandals and sarong for bathing (required for women), mosquito repellent, flashlight, sunscreen/hat, camera, money to purchase handicrafts. Please wear long pants and shirt with sleeves during the trek.
Four local meals, water, accommodation in bamboo hut in Ban Kiuokhan, local guide(s), boat trip back to Muang Ngoi from the village, English speaking guide and village guides, and entrance fees for Tham Kaang Cave. Transportation from Luang Prabang to Muang Ngoi is extra.
