New Guided Nature Walks into the Xe Pian National Protected Area

Two new guided nature walks based out of Kiet Ngong Village in Champasak Province opened in January. These programs showcase the local flora and fauna of the Xe Pian National Protected Area and explore the Vat Phou Asa archaeological site. While on the trails your guide will show you medicinal and edible plants, identify bird-calls, and bring you to two shrines etched into the rock-face of Phou Asa – the Buddha Cave and Buddha Footprint. Tours can be booked at the tourist information center in Kiet Ngong Village or by contacting the Kingfisher Ecolodge www.kingfisherecolodge.com

New Trekking Route Opened in the Nam Ha National Protected Area

Due to popular demand a new trekking route has been opened in Luang Namtha’s Nam Ha National Protected Area. This program crosses some nice old-growth forest, skirts the central core zone of the protected area then overnights in an Akha village. Local guides lead you out of the forest the next morning on your return trip to Luang Namtha. For more information, visit the new Luang Namtha Ecotour Service based out of the night market in the center of Luang Namtha. This locally owned company was opened by a group of local guides trained by the Nam Ha Ecotourism Project. If you want to make advance reservations, call Mr. Khammouane at 020 5885277.

Celebrate Khmu New Year in Meuang Khoua on 8 January 2008
If you plan on being in Meuang Ngoi around the beginning of January, take a trip a bit further north on the Nam Ou River to Meuang Khoua in Phongsali to catch a very large Khmu New Year festival being organized there.