Explore Luang Prabang's rural life on this challenging two-day trek into the hills of Chompet district acroiss the Mekong River, and face difficult climbs on the way to green forests, views of Luang Prabang, farmers' fields, a cave and three ethnic groups: Hmong, Khamu and lowland Lao.

Supported by the LNTA-ADB Mekong Tourism Development Project

Itinerary

Day 1: Ban Moungkham - Ban Houaypong - Ban Phuluang Tai

Depart Luang Prabang in the early morning for a 30-minute boat ride up the Mekong River to Ban Moungkham in Chomphet district.

From here, walk 2 hours on a forested trail to Ban Houaypong, a Khamu Rok village. Take a short break in Ban Houaypong before continuing 15 minutes to Houaypong stream for a picnic lunch.

After lunch, the trek begins an uphill climb to Ban Phuluang Tai. The trail is steep for 2 hours, before reaching a ridge. The path follows the ridge for 2 hours, and offers sweeping views across the mountain range and valleys below.

Arrive in Ban Phuluang Tai, a Hmong community, by late afternoon in time to walk around the village, bathe at the local spring or relax at the guesthouse, while the villagers prepare the evening meal.

Phuluang Tai also has beautiful night views of the lights of Luang Prabang in the distance. The village offers optional services such as drum and kaen musical performances and selling traditional embroidery.

Visitors spend the night in the village guesthouse, which is constructed in traditional Hmong style and managed by the community.

Day 2: Ban Som - Tam Nang Anh Cave

Eat an early breakfast in Ban Phuluang Tai before departing on a trek down to Ban Som that takes a little over 1.5 hours. The steep downhill trail passes the Hmong village, Ban Mok Prai.

The path leads to Ban Som, an idyllic Lao Loum village surrounded by rice paddies, a creek, and mountains, and it provides an excellent spot to rest and refresh.

Trekkers then leave their bags behind for the 30-minute uphill hike to Tam Nang Anh Cave and a swim at a small waterfall at the base of the mountain. A village guide accompanies trekkers and provides information on the cave.

Upon returning to Ban Som, the villagers serve lunch, before trekkers embark on the final 3-hour hike back to Ban Moungkham on an easy road and trail. From here, a boat returns the group to Luang Prabang for an early evening arrival.

Booking

• Contact Action Max at +856-71-252-417 [email protected]

• For more information, contact the Provincial Tourism Office Luang Prabang at (+856 71) 212-487.

Accommodation & Food

• Village lodge with one common room.

• Common bathroom facilities available. Public bathing (women need a sarong)

• Hmong & Lao cuisine. Typical meal includes chicken, soup, sticky rice, vegetables and chili.

• Vegetarian food is available upon request.

Level of Difficulty & Safety

Moderate-Difficult: Steep climbs make this trail challenging. Trekkers must be in good physical shape and be able to walk 5 hours per day.

What to Bring

One change of clothes, sandals for village, 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 a shirt with sleeves during the trek.

Includes

Local meals, water, accommodation, transport to/from Luang Prabang, local guide(s) & English speaking guides, and permits.

Group Size

Group size is a minimum of two and a maximum of eight persons.

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