If you are planning to visit Luang Namtha from October – February, stop in Vieng Phoukha and try one of the new forest treks, cave trips or village homestays offered by the Vieng Phoukha Ecoguide Service. During this time of year trekkers on the 3-day Akha Trail can hear Black-cheeked Crested Gibbons singing at sunrise.

Going to Vat Phou? After a long day exploring the ancient archaeological sites at this World Heritage Site, you can now spend the night at the community-operated traditional Lao-style guesthouse on Don Daeng, the island across the river from Champasak Town. Just ask a boatman to take you to “Ban Houa Don” and upon arrival in this friendly village your hosts will take care of the rest.

The manual “Designing and Operating an Ecolodge in the Lao PDR” in both Lao and English is now available. Visit our publications page to download the document.