Arrival in Huay Xai (Laos / Thailand border)
Overnight in Vieng Phoukha.
Depart in the morning from the Eco-Guide Service office. For best viewing of birds0. Arrive at Ban Nammang, a traditional Khmu village. From Nammang, ascend through rice fields and into a district forest conservation area. Atop the mountain ridge, referred to as ‘Mock Mooc’ (Ant Mountain) in Khmu language, then sit and take time to absorb the sites and sounds of the forest. This area attracts many bird species with its fruit-bearing fig trees, which provide an abundant food source. Local guides will help to recognize sights and sounds of birds, as well as tracks of wild animals. Moving through the. The guides collect edible plants to add to the picnic lunch in the forest.In the afternoon, the descent from the conservation area to the plain takes to the site of the Ancient City and Temple,Ku Vieng,Mahapot Stupa and Wat Mahapot. Follow the map of the ancient temple area and piece together its history, imagining the civilization that dominated this area more than four-hundred years ago. Return to the Eco-Guide Service office by mid-afternoon.
Overnight in Vieng Phoukha.
In the afternoon, explore the many minority villages in the area, including a BLACK TAI VILLAGE. The Black Tai are known for their silk production and weaving. Sometimes water wheels can be seen milling rice. Continue to a 200 year old LENTEN village, whose inhabitants are known for paper making and indigo dyes; and a KHMU VILLAGE known for basketry and water gourds. Time permitting, visits can be arranged to a HMONG VILLAGE with a handicrafts cooperative, which has a selection of handicrafts from surrounding ethnic groups and/or another LENTEN VILLAGE near a nice waterfall (cold season only).
Overnight in Luang Nam Tha.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Transfer by car to an ELEPHANT CAMP and board an elephant at Ban Xieng Lom for a leisurely trek in the nature of Luang Prabang (about 1.5 hours). Continue traveling by boat past beautiful countryside, villages and rice paddies to the TAD SAE WATERFALL, where visitors have free time to swim or relax (This is not possible in the dry season during February - August). In the afternoon, trek for 3-4 hours to a KHMU VILLAGE, nestled at the foot of a mountain range. Meet with some of the local villagers and learn about their life and culture, based on traditional methods of farming and fishing. Return to the pick-up point on foot or by a short boat ride and transfer back to Luang Prabang by car.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
