5 Days Trek Golden Triangle Trail on the Stunning Mountains & the Old Kingdom of Muang Sing.
Trip Overview:
5 days trek in the northern of Laos are available in the Xieng Khaeng Region (the old kingdom of Muang Sing). This area just opened for tourists, the ethnic minority villages you visited mainly Akha and Tai Lue, they are still very traditional. Enjoy an hour on a slow boat up or down on the Mekong River and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Mekong River.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Muang Sing-Ja Phou Thon-Xieng Khaeng. Approx. 2 hours by car/Trek 5-6 hours
Departure 8:00 AM start from our office in Muang Sing or 7:00 AM from Luang Namtha by 4 Wheel Drive short stop visit ethnic minority villages along the Off-Road, drive up to the higher mountain in Xieng Khaeng Region (more than 1,800 meters from the sea level) visit Mueto Kao and Ja Phou Thon they are Akha, next start treks to Xieng Khaeng (Tai Lue Village) the village we stay overnight for today. [Meals: Lunch and Dinner]
The Xieng Khaeng Village 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 19th century. 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.
Day 2: Xieng Khaeng-Slow boat-Phayaluangkhamping-Pha Ngoua. Approx. 2 hours by slow boat/Trek 3 hours
In the early morning is the best time to see Tai Lue daily work on the Mekong River, the local people from Myanmar will cross the river for sell/exchange local food between the villages. After breakfast start by slow boat on the Mekong River and stop at the way to Pha Ngoua (Akha Village). The traditional lunch will eat on the way. Next continue walk to Sompan Mai (Akha Village) the village you stay overnight for this day. From the village you will enjoy the stunning mountain. After dinner you will enjoy traditional Akha massage which is traditionally given to the guests staying overnight in the village. [Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
Day 3: Sompan Mai-Mai Khong. Approx. 5-6 hours
In the morning the weather quite cool that you will see Akha people sitting around the fire and cooking. After breakfast walk on the small path with excellent landscape and stunning mountain to Mai Khong (Akha Village) the village you are sleeping for this night. [Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
Day 4: Mai Khong-Landscape Mountain-Ja Kuern. Approx. 5-6 hours
After breakfast start walk on the dirt road pass through mountain landscape. The traditional picnic lunch will eat on the way. After lunch continue walk to Ja Kuern (Akha Village) the village you stay for this night. The Akha massage will serve after dinner. [Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
Day 5: Ja Kuern-Stunning Mountain-Muang Sing. Approx. 3 hours walk/Car back 3 hours.
The traditional breakfast will eat at the homestay. After preparing your bags continue walk through agriculture field, mountain landscape and stunning view to where the Four-Wheel Drives waiting for pick up you back to Muang Sing or Luang Namtha.
The villages and the areas above just open for tourists, all ethnic minority groups are Akha and Tai Lue they are still keeping their culture and Traditional. [Meals: Breakfast, Lunch]
– End of tour-
Detailed info & Pricing:
- Tour ID: XK-TK-05
- Start-Finish: Muang Sing town or Luang Namtha town
- Season Departure: October to next year month June
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Departure: 7:00 AM from Luang Namtha town or 8:00 AM from Muang Sing town
- Difficulty: Moderate-difficulty, short hill climbs and descents
Pricing:
The price ranges from US$336/Person for 6 + Pax to US$636/Person for 2 Pax.
The price varies according to the number of participants. The price decreases as more tourists book the same trek!
Please contact us to check the availability of a tour & the number of people who have already signed up for the tour for an accurate pricing.
Price Including:
- All transfer by covered pickup truck (4WD and boat only).
- English speaking tour guide.
- All visits/excursions as mentioned in tour itinerary.
- Accommodation in village family hut with toilet shower outside (Some villages they don’t have toilet and shower outside).
- Sleeping bags, foam mats and mosquito nets are supplied.
- Meals and drinking as mentioned.
- Trekking permit, entrance fees and government tax.
- Community distribution.
- Government Taxes and charges
Price Does Not Include:
- Extra activities you might choose to do in the village.
- Additional food, e.g., special kind of meat you might request.
- Insurance should you get sick. Please make sour you have a valid cover.
Note: The price above non-include transportation if you start the trek from Luang Namtha. If you would like to start the tour from Luang Namtha, you will pay more 100 US$.
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.
