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We depart at 8:30 from the Eco-Guide Service office (Eco-Guide Service office is 59 km further from Luang Namtha town). Transfer by pick-up (or tok-tok) takes us to Ban Nam O, a traditional village of the Khmu Kwaen ethnic groups. This is where our first village-based guide joins the group. The first half of the day follows the meandering Nam O River and its lush valley. A Lao-style picnic lunch is taken on the way when hiking across several ridges offering panoramic views onto the forests of the Nam Ha NPA. The well-worn Akha trail continues pass a temporary settlement of the upland rice farmers of Ban Nam O.
The first lodge on the top of a mountain at the Akha Phouli village of Ban Nam Lo is reached by late afternoon. A traditional Akha dinner cooked by the villagers marks the end of an adventurous first day.
Approximately: 15 minutes transfer/6 hours trekking
Rising early, we may be able to hear the calling sounds of rare black-cheeked gibbons. Tour the village and its spring before setting off to a second Akha village, Ban Phouyae. The Akha group of this village is called Akha Pii, the women wearing a distinct headdress. A number of steep ascents and descents in between upland fields and old growth forest before we arrive at an idyllic spot for bathing on the Nam Mai River. Both the Nam Mai and a tributary are crossed on two impressive bamboo and wood bridges. The lodge at Ban Thong Lat is reached by late afternoon, where a sociable evening with the villagers promises a special cultural experience. 
Approximately: 6 ½ hours trekking
The rough road following the Nam Mai and winding its way down from Ban Thong Lat is a pleasant and easy walk passing through a scenery of limestone mountains, bamboo forest and upland rice fields. Upon reaching the Nam Mai River, a Lao-style picnic lunch is served. The pick-up awaits us on the other side of the river and takes us to the Prasat Cave. The limestone cave is the final stop on this tour before returning to Vieng Phoukha in the mid-afternoon.
Approximately: 30 minutes transfer/3 hours trekking
Note: The trek can be longer in the rainy season as the trail gets muddy and slippery.
Local and village guide fees, food sales & preparation, accommodation fees
Do not give individual gifts of sweets or money to children. Ask before taking photos of people or spiritual items. Ask your guide before entering a house or a room inside a house. Help keep the villages clean by not littering. Please purchase handicrafts but do not purchase antiques. Do not use drugs in villages
Note:
• Transfer by public bus or minivan to and from Green Discovery office in Luang Namtha is additional charge.
• If you wish to travel to Vieng Phoukha one day in advance. Accommodation can be arranged as additional charge.
• This tour is shared, no private option is offered
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| Price per person - NT-T-13 |
| 1 person |
135 US$ |
| 2 persons |
101 US$ |
| 3 persons |
74 US$ |
| 4 persons |
66 US$ |
| 5 persons |
57 US$ |
| 6-8 persons |
50 US$ |
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Depart from: |
Eco-guide Service Office Vieng Phoukha |
Arrival at: |
Eco-guide Service Office Vieng Phoukha |
Start time: |
8:00 am |
End at: |
3:00 pm Day 3 |
Duration: |
3 days |
Departure days: |
Daily |
Activities: |
Trekking |
Trekking Grade: |
Walking – advanced to difficult, along a well-worn villagers’ trail, long days with some steep ascents/descents; first day passing through the river many times (take rubber sandals)
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Transport: |
- |
Accommodation: |
Village lodge – dormitory style |
Meals: |
Lunch day 1 to lunch day 3
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What to bring: |
Hat, sun-screen, mosquito repellent, shoes to get wet, warm change of clothes for the evening and a sarong for bathing.
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What is included: |
Water, meals, local English speaking guide, transport by Songthew as listed above, trekking permit, accommodation and entrance fee, service charge, government tax
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