Highlights

• Deep Jungle Trek: Challenge yourself on steep, rugged trails through the National Protected Forest.
• Ghost Village: Sense the history of Mock Mhoo village, abandoned over 40 years ago.
• River Kayaking: Swap boots for boats and paddle 13km down the Nam Khan River.
• Tad Sae Waterfall: Stop for a swim in these stunning natural pools (Seasonal: July–February).

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 5-8 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