Highlights

• Scenic Ridges: Hike along high mountain tracks with sweeping views of the valley below.
• Rustic Farmstay: Sleep in the mountains in a traditional, off-grid lodge with home-cooked Khmu meals.
• River Kayaking: Paddle 13km down the Nam Khan River, exploring the landscape from the water.
• Tad Sae Waterfall: Visit the turquoise pools for a refreshing swim (Seasonal: July–February).

Day 1: The Ascent to the Farmstay on the Houy Nok Phit Trail (L,D)

Our adventure begins with a short 15-minute transfer to Ban Lak Sip, the gateway to the mountains. We start the day with intention, pacing ourselves on a steady 2.8km ascent through the forest. As we climb, the dense canopy gradually gives way, revealing a patchwork of farmland, rolling hills, and deep green forests.

Reaching the crest, the hard work is behind us. The trail transforms into a winding dirt track—a quiet route known only to local farmers on small tractors. For the next hour and a half, we hike along this ridgeline, treated to sweeping, uninterrupted views of mountain farms and the Nam Khan Valley stretching out below. We’ll find the perfect spot along the way for a scenic picnic lunch.

The final leg of the day leads us back into the embrace of the wild. We trek through the dense, untouched forests of the protected area, where nature is left to flourish undisturbed. After 5-6 hours on the trail, we arrive at 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 9 km (5.5 mi) easy to medium trekking usually taking 4-6 hours, depending on conditions.

Day 2: Village Life & River Drifts (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.

From the village, we follow the road down to the riverbanks, where our mode of transport shifts from boots to boats. Boarding our kayaks, we let the current guide us down the Nam Khan River. We’ll drift past lush jungle banks and pause on a quiet shore for a riverside picnic.

Depending on the season (July to February), we will stop at the famous Tad Sae Waterfall. When the water is flowing, its turquoise tiered pools offer an irresistible spot for a refreshing dip. Afterward, we paddle the final stretch to Ban Xieng Lom, where our driver waits to shuttle us back to Luang Prabang.

Total distance is 5 km (3 mi) easy trekking usually taking 1.5 hours, and 13km kayaking, taking 3-4 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
• Kayaking equipment incl. helmet and life vest
• Entrance fees and permissions
• FairTrek Project village fund payments

Not Included Travel Services

• Specialty drinks
• Gratuities