2 Days Trek Golden Triangle Trail to the Historical Town & Authentic Ethnic Diversity
Trip Overview
Moderate level trek leads into the highest mountains of Xieng Khaeng Region “the old town of Muang Sing kingdom” close to the Myanmar border, where you enjoy the stunning views on the surrounding mountains. You will visit Akha villages before descending to a Tai Lue settlement at the Mekong River. On a slow boat ride down the Mekong you stop at traditional villages of Xieng Khaeng. The villages you visited they are still keeping their cultures, traditional & friendly welcome you.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Muang Sing-Ban Mom-Ban Xay “Tai Lue Village”. Approx. 5-6 hours
Departure from Luang Namtha at 7:00 AM or Muang Sing at 8:00 AM by truck (only 4 Wheel Drive), short stop visits ethnic minority villages along the Off-Road, next direct to Ban Mom (Tai Lue village). From the top of the mountain, you will enjoy view to China. After a short stop at the border checkpoint (local border Lao-China), you will continue to buffalo farm where we start trekking down (4-5 hours) from the hill to Ban Xay (Tai Lue Village) located on the bank of the Mekong River.
Ban Xay, where we stay overnight is a very picturesque Tai Lue village right at the bank of Mekong River. The nature and the view across the Mekong towards Myanmar are stunning. Before dinner you have the chance to visit to village with the Ban Xay hosts. Observe how the villages feed their animals and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the day’s end. Go for a swim in the nearby stream or Mekong River, talk to the villages, listen to stories and legends while watching the preparation of the evening meal. After dinner you will receive a relaxing traditional massage. [Meals: Lunch and Dinner]
Day 2: Ban Xay-Xieng Khaeng- Mue Toh Kao-Muang Sing. Approx. 5-6 hours
In the morning you have time to see daily lifestyle of Tai Lue. After breakfast start by slow boat down on the Mekong River to Xieng Khaeng “the old town of Muang Sing kingdom” You pass limestone rocks and on the right side is Myanmar, an hour later you will arrive Xieng Khaeng (Tai Lue village). They are still traditional and learn about the history of this area. After one hour you walk to Ban Ja Phou Thon (Akha village). And after lunch go back to Muang Sing or Luang Namtha. On the way some sorts stop to enjoy stunning views from the top of the mountains.
The Xieng Khaeng or the Old Kingdom of Muang Sing. Due to the fact that little is known of the history of Muang Sing prior to the late 18th century we start this short excursion into the history of Muang Sing at the end of the 19thcentury. In 1887 Muang Sing was established and more than 1000 subjects had to move to the new capital of the principality of Chiang Khaeng and the surrounding plain. The relocation of the capital from Muang Yu became necessary to be better protected against a Burmese punitive expedition. [Meals: Breakfast, Lunch]
– End of tour-
Detailed info & Pricing:
- Tour ID: XK-TK-01
- Start-Finish: Muang Sing or Luang Namtha town
- Season Departure: October to next year June
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Departure: 7:00 AM from Luang Namtha or 8:00 AM from Muang Sing town
- Difficulty: Moderate-difficulty, short hill climbs and descents
Pricing:
The price ranges from US$193/Person for 6 + Pax to US$386/Person for 2 Pax.
The price varies according to the number of participants. The price decreases as more tourists book the same trek!
Please contact us to check the availability of a tour & the number of people who have already signed up for the tour for an accurate pricing.
Price Including:
- All transfer by covered pickup truck (4WD and boat only).
- English speaking tour guide.
- All visits/excursions as mentioned in tour itinerary.
- Accommodation in village family hut with toilet shower outside (Some villages they don’t have toilet and shower outside).
- Sleeping bags, foam mats and mosquito nets are supplied.
- Meals and drinking as mentioned.
- Trekking permit, entrance fees and government tax.
- Community distribution.
- Government Taxes and charges.
Price Does Not Include:
- Extra activities you might choose to do in the village.
- Additional food, e.g., special kind of meat you might request.
- Insurance should you get sick. Please make sour you have a valid cover.
Note: The price above non-include transportation if you start the trek from Luang Namtha. If you would like to start the tour from Luang Namtha, you will pay more 100 US$.
Why is the trek Xieng Khaeng more expensive?
Compared to the trekking tours in other areas especially Luang Namtha, Trekking Xieng Khaeng or Goren Triangle are more expensive. The major reason is that transport is more expensive (only Four-Wheel Drives), the second reason we pay double for village services as accommodations, foods and the third reason the guide who speaking English and local guide also pay double because trekking in Xieng Khaeng are quite challenging and steep.
What to bring:
- A good pair of shoes for walking.
- A hat or cap/Sunglasses.
- Mosquito repellent/Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Raincoat (in the rainy season June-Sep).
- Some cash for handicrafts etc.
- Please wear long shirt and long pants.
Optional:
- Snacks, fruit, your own bottle of water.
- Your own medicine if you need it.
- Sandals.
- Flip-flops.
Other:
- Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian.
- Please be at our office at 8:00 am.
- You are welcome to contact us beforehand if you have any questions.
Important Do’s & Don’ts:
- Do not give individual gifts of sweets or money to children.
- Ask before taking photos of people or spiritual items.
- Help keep the trails clean by not littering.
- Please purchase handicrafts but do not purchase antiques.
- Do not remove any archaeological remains from the site of the ancient temples.
- Always stay with the guides.
- Do not use drugs.
Remark
The treks only open from October to next year month June. During the cold season from December and January, we recommend a fleece and long pants as temperatures can drop down a lot at night. In the hills and mountain of Northern Laos especially Xieng Khaeng Region, Luang Namtha temperature can drop down as low as 5o Celsius (40 o Fahrenheit) at night or early morning hours, so be prepared!
The hike can be strenuous, therefore suitable for people in good physical condition. Expect to walk 5-6 hours per day during of the program.
Village accommodation: participants must be aware that there are no western-style toilets and washing facilities. Sleeping is on a bamboo floor, dormitory style. Sleeping bags, foam mats and mosquito nets are supplied.
Note: Trekking itinerary is a basic guideline only and subject to change. All trekking areas are supervised by Laos Tourism Administration, which means all areas are frequented by tourists.
