Highlights

• Ghost Village: Discover the ruins and history of Mock Mhoo, abandoned over 40 years ago.
• Remote Farmstay: Experience authentic local living with an overnight stay in a rustic farm bungalow.
• Contrasting Landscapes: Traverse both the deep, enclosed jungle of the protected area and the open, sunny vistas of the high ridges.
• Deep Immersion: Visit multiple ethnic communities, including mixed Hmong and Khmu villages, for a genuine cultural exchange.

Day 1: Forgotten Villages on the Mock Mhoo Trail (L,D)

Prepare for a demanding yet deeply rewarding journey into the wild heart of Luang Prabang’s mountains. Designed for the adventurous hiker the first day combines steep terrain, history, and the raw beauty of the protected rain forest.

Our day begins with a short 15-minute transfer to the base of Tad Thong waterfall. Here, we step onto a lifeline of the jungle—a well-trodden path used daily by local villagers carrying fresh produce to the markets below. We follow this trail upward, tracing the water’s edge until we reach its source at Ban Houay Thong.

Nestled at the edge of a plateau, Ban Houay Thong is a unique community where Hmong and Khmu families live side-by-side. From here, we traverse the mountainside toward Mock Mhoo, a "ghost village" abandoned over 40 years ago. Although the residents moved down to the valleys decades ago, the land tells their story to everyone who is willing to listen.

After lunch, the true challenge begins. We leave the familiar behind and enter a long-forgotten trail cutting through dense protected rain forest. This leg of the journey takes us over a rugged mountain range where the canopy is thick and the biodiversity is rich. As we navigate the climb, the trees occasionally part to reveal hard-earned, breathtaking views of the valleys far below.

Finally, we descend toward our destination for the day, our remote farmstay. Here, the evening is yours: unwind with a home-cooked Khmu dinner, relax in the mountain air, and watch the sun dip behind the peaks.

The farmstay offers basic amenities such as a western-style toilet and bucket shower and solar power for some lights (no phone charging possible). Sleep like the locals do: on a thin mattress under a mosquito net.

Total distance is 10 km (6.5 mi) medium to difficult trekking usually taking 6-8 hours, depending on conditions.

Day 2: Jungle Paths and open Vistas on the Houy Nok Phit Trail (B,L)

Wake up to the sounds of the mountains and a hearty breakfast before we begin our descent to Ban Houy Thao. We’ll spend time here connecting with the local community, gaining insight into the daily life and rich culture of the Khmu people before stepping onto the trail.

The trek plunges us into a world of vibrant green, navigating a narrow path through dense, breathing rainforest. Just as the canopy feels endless, we emerge onto the farmlands of Houy Nok Phit, greeted by sweeping open vistas. Here, high above the Nam Khan Valley, we’ll pause for a scenic picnic lunch, dining with one of the best views in the region.

The afternoon hike offers a gentle rhythm as the path widens. We traverse rolling hills and open terrain, enjoying an easy-to-navigate descent toward Ban Lak Sip. A short transfer brings us back to Luang Prabang, refreshed by the mountain air.

Total distance is 9 km (5.5 mi) easy to medium trekking usually taking 5-6 hours, depending on conditions.

Services

Included Travel Services

• All transfers
• English speaking guides with license
• Picnic lunch and drink (water, tea, coffee)
• Local dinner and breakfast at the farmstay
• Overnight in a basic farmstay
• Entrance fees and permissions
• FairTrek Project village fund payments

Not Included Travel Services

• Specialty drinks
• Gratuities