Operated by:
Eight Akha villages in Muang Sing in partnership with Vientiane Travel/Exotissimo
Supported by: GTZ
Luang Namtha Province is home to one of the largest populations of Akha Tribe. It is here that the Akha culture is best preserved and best experienced. The Akha Experience is an experimental tour which takes the participants on a 3-day learning experience into the culture and daily life of the Akha in Muang Sing. The participants experience the Akha's life in the forest, in the fields and in the village.
Benefit to villagers:
The Akha Experience encourages the Akha to preserve their traditional culture and environment as well as help them gain new skills and sources of income. The Akha Experience is run soley by the villagers themselves as a small scale business. In a special partnership they sell this tour to Vientiane Travel/Exotissimo. The tour is designed for individuals who are interested in learning about Akha culture and the environment, and who are wishing to participate in a program that protects the environment and empowers and gives benefit to Akha villagers.
Level of Difficulty & Safety:
Moderate. 5 to 6 hours of trekking per day. Some uphill climbs involved.
Trekkers must be in good shape.
Itinerary
 |
Day 1: Muang Sing - Nam Keo Noi Waterfall - Ban Lao Khao (6 hours trekking)
Departure from That Xieng Tueng following the old French road to Nam Keo Noi Water Fall.
After 3 hours trekking through primary and secondary forest, lunch is prepared by the villagers of Lao Khao at the beautiful Nam Keo Noi Waterfall. Food is cooked in the traditional Akha way using local products, forest vegetables and ancient techniques.
After lunch carry on together with the villagers to the old village site and walk through pine forest and old growth forest before descending to Ban Lao Khao. On the trail, take part in forest activity such as birth watching, collecting bamboo shoots or medicinal plants.
While waiting for dinner, visit the village with the Ban Lao Khao village hosts. Walk around the village, listen to traditional musical instruments, stories, legends while watching the preparation of the evening meal. Learn about traditional Akha architecture and houses.
After dinner, enjoy a massage provided by the young women of the village before going off to listen to the courting songs of the youth at the courting grounds.
Overnight in the Ban Lao Khao Lodge.
Day 2: Ban Lao Khao - Ban Phou Yae - Ban Houeinagang - Ban Eu La - Ban Tamee (5 hours trekking)
 |
After breakfast, start walking to Ban Phou Yae. The trail passes through old secondary forest. During the trekking, participate in forest activity such as birth watching, collecting bamboo shoots and medicinal plants with the village guides.
Arrive in Ban Phou Yae and be the guest of a family for lunch.
After lunch continue to Ban Houeinagang. Stop for an afternoon snack in Ban Houeinagang and participate in a village activity such as cotton spinning, making and playing with children's toys or pounding rice.
Continue to Ban Eu La. Along the way enjoy agricultural activity like planting rice, riding a buffalo or gathering vegetables. Stop for another snack break and visit Eu La village (it is an Akha custom for visitors to stop in the village and chat before passing on through).
Continue to Ban Tamee.
While waiting for dinner, visit the village with the Ban Lao Khao village hosts. Listen to traditional musical instruments, stories, legends while watching the preparation of the evening meal. Learn about home life and marriage customs.
After dinner, enjoy a massage provided by the young women of the village before going off to listen to the courting songs of the youth at the courting grounds.
Overnight in Ban Tamee Lodge.
Day 3: Ban Tamee - Ban Nam Hoo - Ban Phiyer - Muang Sing
After breakfast take part in village activity such as cotton spinning, pounding rice or feeding the pigs. Villagers will appreciate your attention and willingness to learn about Akha daily life. Spend some time with the children, teach them new games or learn theirs.
Departure for Ban Nam Hou. Along the way enjoy agricultural activity with the villagers. Take a break in Ban Nam Hoo.
Walk through the forest to see a magnificient view of Muang Sing. Participate in forest activity with the villagers.
Lunch is served in the family of one of the 2 villages of Ban Mona and Ban Piyer.
After lunch, visit the village handicraft shop in Ban Piyer and, if you wish, make a contribution to the villages by purchasing some of the locally-made handicraft. By doing so, you will support the local economy and have a beautiful souvenir or present from the Akha Experience.
Then take a truck back to Muang Sing.
Booking
Accommodation & Food
- Akha ecolodges with common rooms fitting up to 8 people total (one for men and one for women). Mosquito net, blankets and sheets provided.
- Common bathroom facilities equipped with solar energy.
- Local Akha food. Meals include sticky/plain rice, vegetables, meat, chili sauce. Meals on overnight treks are prepared using simple foods purchased in villages, typically rice, vegetables and on occasion some meat or fish. Bring your own snacks/sweets if you'd like.
- Vegeterian food available upon request. (Note: during the trek there will be no western style breakfast!)
Includes
Local meals, water, accommodation, transfers to/from Luang Namtha, 2 Akha guides and 1 local English speaking guide, permits.
What to bring:
2 changes of clothes, long pants and shirt with sleeves during the trek, good hiking shoes, sunscreen/hat, mosquito repellent, sandals for village, sarong for bathing (required for women), camera.
Group size:
Group size is a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests.
