Operated by: Provincial Tourism Information Office & Champa Mai Travel

Champassak Province
Supported by the LNTA-ADB Mekong Tourism Development Project

Description

2-day Trek: This is the first and only overnight trek in the Xe Pian National Biodiversity Conservation Area, considered to be the second most important protected in Laos for its wildlife and forest types. The trek is led by knowledgeable village guides who will take you through the protected area's forests and show you its many medicinal and useful forest products, signs of wildlife and birds. The trek includes an overnight homestay in an ethnic Lave village, a people who speak Khmer language and have their own a unique and distinct culture and traditions. The trek also includes a boat ride in log canoes (water levels permitting).

Elephant Riding: This trip can be extended for a 2nd night in Ban Kiat Ngong, where you can enjoy elephant rides to the archeological site of Pu Asa and stay overnight in the village's bungalows, which overlook the Pha Pho wetland, rich with bird life.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Boat-Trek-Homestay)

Depart Pakse at Xe Pian NPA (Phalaibok village) in early afternoon. Take a 1-hour boat ride to Nong Ping village, bird watching along the way. Trek with local guide to Ta Ong village. Relax late afternoon in this traditional ethnic village. Enjoy local meal with villagers in the evening. Homestay with village families.

Day 2 ( Forest Walk)

Wake up early for a morning walk into surrounding forest with village guides. Visit cave filled with bats. Return for late breakfast/lunch. Depart on final trek through protected area jungle (3 hours) back to Phalaibok. Return to Pakse in early afternoon.

Optional: Day 3 (Elephant Riding)

Follow itinerary for Day 2 and then drive to Kiat Ngong or walk the full day to Kiat Ngong village (instead of Phalibok)—strong walkers only. Overnight in Kiat Ngong village bungalows overlooking wetland.
Day 3 - Ride elephants to Pu Asa archeological site, viewing birds along the way. Return to Pakse in afternoon.

Booking

• You can also book tours directly with Champa Mai Travel in Champassak Province . Contact +856-31-212-932 and ask for Ms. Sone Sida. [email protected]
• Alternatively contact the Provincial Tourism Office at +856-31-212-021. Ask for Sulichan.

Accommodation & Food

• Family homestay. Common bathroom (currently under construction).
• Local Lao cuisine. Typical meal includes chicken, soup, sticky rice, and chili paste.
• Soft drinks and other snacks are available.
• Vegetarian food is available upon request.

Level of Difficulty & Safety

Moderate-Difficult: Trekking is Xe Pian is of moderate difficulty, with little climbing. Can be difficult in the hot season.

What to Bring

One change of clothes, sandals for village, good shoes for hiking, sarong for bathing (required for women), mosquito repellent, flashlight, sunscreen/hat, camera, money to purchase handicrafts; life jackets for those who cannot swim in case of emergency. Wear long pants & shirt for trekking.

Includes

Local meals, water, homestay accommodation, local guide(s), boats permits for Xe Pian NPA, and roundtrip transportation from Pakse.