TOURCODE FTB-3 DESCRIPTION
Immerse yourself in local culture on this 3 day Fair Trek adventure. Wind your way through the majestic mountains to two rural villages in northern Laos. Each night, stay with local families in homestays in Khmu and Hmong villages of Nong Khuay and Long Lao Mai. The Tiger Trail “Fair Trek” initiative was developed to benefit the local community while giving travelers a rare and unforgettable experience.
DAY 01 HALF-DAY TREK TO LOCAL VILLAGE AND HOMESTAY (L, D)
Meet your guide and enjoy a 35-minute ride through the countryside to our trekking start point. When you arrive at Ban Phonexay, you’ll begin the 4-hour trek to the Khmu and Hmong village of Nong Khuay that will take you deep into the jungle, over streams, under bamboo forests and up steep hills that offer magnificent views of Laos.
You’ll have a picnic lunch along the way. When you reach Nong Khuay, your tour guide will introduce you to your host family for the night. If time permits, trek 30 minutes to Tom Douk cave. Your guide will tell you more about this hidden cavern as you explore its dark terrain.
Back in the village, settle in to your homestay and explore the village to get to know your hosts – learn a few words of their language, try your hand at cooking traditional meals or share some pictures you’ve taken of your trip in Laos on your digital camera. Enjoy dinner in the village.
DAY 02 VILLAGE HOME STAY (B, L, D)
Have breakfast with your hosts this morning. The village name Nong Khuay translates to “buffalo lake,” and you can hike to this famous lake afterward. (Note: Visit to the lake only during the rainy season from July – December). Then head out on the trail again to the Hmong village of Long Lao Mai. It’s a 4-hour hike but you’ll be able to stop along the way for lunch and soak in the stunning natural scenery around you.
At Long Lao Mai, your guide will show you your homestay for the night. Then, take a tour of the community where you’ll meet some of your neighbors. A few villagers sell beautiful hand-made bracelets and other handicrafts to earn supplemental income that supports their main livelihood as subsistence farmers. The handicrafts make unique and meaningful souvenirs!
Share a meal with villagers in their home. Afterward, rest after the last few days of trekking.
DAY 03 VILLAGE LIFE (B)
Spend some time getting to the village after breakfast. Help them with their daily activities like cooking or farming, or learn how to weave from villagers who are masters of the craft.
After you’ve said your goodbyes, we’ll transfer you back to Luang Prabang.
INCLUDED TRAVEL SERVICES
- English-speaking guide
- Drinking water
- Transfer from guesthouse to trekking point
- Return transport from village to guesthouse
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Village fund
- Permits
NOT INCLUDED TRAVEL SERVICES
- Specialty Drinks
- Tips
PREPARATION
- Trekking shoes
- Light clothes
- A warm jacket/sweater (October – March)
- A rain poncho (May – October)
- Personal articles & medicine
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- A shade-providing hat
- Flashlight
- Extra spending money