Nam Ha Trekking Experience

Depart from Luang Namtha for a short drive to Poumpouk temple where we will meet our village guide. Local guides in this area are usually elderly but sturdy men who live in the surroundings of the Nam Ha NPA. Knowing the routes by heart, they have lived off the forest their whole lives.

Our first point of interest will be Poumpouk Stupas. There are two of them- a new one recently built to compensate for the loss of a damaged ancient one that was destroyed during the Secret War which took place at the same time as the Vietnam war; a side of history too often overlooked that is strongly intertwined with Laos’ heritage. Both the old and new stupas remain side-by-side, veneered equally to this day.

From the temple grounds, start hiking along trails that cut through the lush tropical forest.  We will be constantly shaded by the dense canopy, which keeps the temperature comfortably cool and the hike enjoyable. For most of the locals, the forest still provides the bulk of their dietary intake; locals in and around the NPA are allowed to gather food for their personal consumption and for medical purposes.

Walking along the trails, our local English guide will share with you stories and anecdotes of local beliefs linked to the forest. Luang Namtha and the NAM Ha NPA is home to a great diversity of ethnicities , a crossroad of tribes cohabiting for centuries. Getting closer to the village, we will be going through hevea fields, where the sap is extracted to make rubber. This has become an important source of income for many inhabitants of Luang Namtha Province and it is interesting to understand the process of cultivation. Curiously enough, locals call this tree “Pará”, which is the same word used in Brazil, where this variety of rubber tree is from.

After an enjoyable hike, arrive in the charming Akha village of Ban Nammat, where the village chief will host you for lunch at his home. After lunch, take a stroll through the village and learn more about the daily life of this colourful and welcoming community. The Akha originated from China in the early 20th century and can be found throughout the north of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Yunnan province in China.

Say goodbye to your new friends before driving off to Ban Nam Dee, a surprisingly creative and productive village of weavers from the Lanten ethnic community.

Then meet a local family of lady weavers who will show you how they use natural indigo dyes to make their traditional clothes and handicrafts. If you are in the mood to buy souvenirs, this is the perfect place, as the profits go directly to the weaver. Lantern stitching is a joyful local craft. Creating images of stars, animals, plants and sometimes even dinosaurs -these women’s imaginations have no limitation!

Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the village before visiting the nearby waterfall which is very well preserved, maintained and respected by the Lanten people of Nam Dee.

Before the sun sets, say goodbye to your hosts before driving back to the centre of Luang Namtha town and back to your hotel.

Approximately total 20 min transfer & 3 hours trekking

Estimated time to arrive at the hotel is around 16:00 hrs.

What To Expect: This is a soft to medium level hike. During the wet season, parts uphill will get slippery. As the hiking trail is under the canopy, do not forget to protect yourself from mosquitoes, wear long trousers for protection.

What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes, back pack, insect spray, comfortable clothes, refillable water bottle.

Our Services Include:

- 1 English Speaking Guide (for other languages supplements apply)

- All entrance fees as mentioned

- All permissions and local taxes

Our Services do not Include:

- Alcoholic drinks & drinks at mealtime

- Transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle

- Personal travel insurance

- Tips for guideand driver

- Visa

- Personal expenses

- Meals other than those mentioned above

- Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusion abov

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner