Begin with a morning drive to a Nam Khan Riverside village named Ban Xieng Lom, a fantastic location in the middle of the countryside at the base of a huge mountain. We’ll cross the Nam Khan on a small boat to begin the hike through jungle up to a mid-mountain Lao Theung village (Khmu).

Taking care not to disrupt the serenity of this isolated area, we can observe locals as they engage in daily tasks. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and wander around in the small village. Your guide will be happy to translate your questions. Waving our good-byes, we enter a different world of a grander scale dominated by some jungle, soaring limestone rock faces, and flourishing ferns.

Edge forward along a steep, narrow, rocky track, we ascend to our final destination, sharing the trail with passing villagers on their days pilgrimage to market. After a short but steep walk we finally arrive at the Lao Sung village (Hmong), an isolated and quaint village high in the mountains overrun by roaming livestock. The local kids are likely to give you a warm welcome with laughter and smiles.  

We enjoy lunch in a local, humble home to take part in a unique encounter. Listen to the stories about the various cultures, play with the children or ask your questions about their way of life up here. After this tranquil pause we start our descent back through other small villages along the way. You will follow a little stream, see villagers on their way back from markets or from the fields until you reach the Nam Khan river. After a short boat ride we’ll be back to our starting point.

Total distance is 17 km (11 mi) medium to difficult trekking usually taking 6-8 hours, depending on conditions.

(For an easier trek in the same incredible area see our FT-1AM tour)