1-day nature adventure

Operated by: Vieng Phoukha Ecoguide Service
Vieng Phoukha District, Luang Namtha Province

Morning - Nature Trail
Depart in the morning from the Eco-Guide Service office in town. For best viewing of birds departure is at early dawn. For those who prefer a relaxed pace departure is after breakfast.
Arrive at Ban Nammang, a traditional Khmu village, where our village-based guide joins us. From Nammang, we ascend through rice fields and into a district forest conservation area.
Atop the mountain ridge, referred to as ‘Mock Mooch’ (Ant Mountain) in Khmu language, we sit and take time to absorb the sites and sounds of the forest. This area attracts many bird species with its fruit-bearing fig trees, which provide an abundant food source. Local guides will help you to recognize sights and sounds of birds, as well as tracks of wild animals.
Moving through the forest, you will learn about common plants used by the Khmu people. The guides collect edible plants to add to the picnic lunch in the forest.

Afternoon - Explore the Ruins
In the afternoon, the descent from the conservation area to the plain takes us to the site of the Ancient City and Temple, ‘Ku Vieng’, ‘Mahapot Stupa’ and ‘Wat Mahapot’.
Follow the map of the ancient temple area and piece together its history, imagining the civilization that dominated this area more than four-hundred years ago. Return to the Eco-Guide Service office by mid-afternoon.

Level of difficulty
Walking – moderate, some steep ascents/descents
Distance – 4-5 hours walking

Includes
Local meals, water, local guide from town, village guide, forest conservation permit, local taxes

What to bring
Good shoes for hiking (closed shoes or sandals with straps), binoculars, nature guidebook, mosquito repellent, sunscreen/hat, camera, some money to purchase handicrafts. Better wear green/dark colored clothing to decrease visibility in the forest.

How villages benefit
Local and village guide fees

Important do’s & don’ts
Do not give individual gifts of sweets or money to children. Ask before taking photos of people. Help keep the trails clean by not littering. Do not remove any archeological remains from the site of the ancient temple.

Paying for your trek
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.

Contacts
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)