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Camping is a new activity in Xe Pian NPA with trails having been surveyed in 2008/9. Trails take you deep into the jungle far away from villages and is best for those who would like a chance to experience old growth forests and signs of wildlife. Those who choose camping programs should be in good shape and ready for adventure, as the area is wild and remote. All camping tours require that you travel with a local guide, available from Kiet Ngong village or by booking a tour with a local tour company.
3-Day Camping: Kiet Ngong-Ta Ong Trail
Trek deep into the jungles of Xe Pian NPA by foot or by elephant back. Camp on night one. Stay overnight in Ban Ta Ong Village on night two. Canoe down the Ta Euang River on day three.
| Day 1 |
- Depart Pakse early morning (7am) for Kiet Ngong Village.
- Hike deep into the jungles of Xe Pian NPA with local guides. Have a picnic of Lao food under the cool shade of the thick forest.
- Total walking time is 7+ hours (22km).
- Camp under the stars. Enjoy cooking over an open fire.
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Option: Elephant Trekking on Day 1
On day 1, instead of trekking by foot, trek by elephant back. This requires that you leave from Pakse earlier, as elephants take their time in the forest. |
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| Day 2 |
- Wake up to the calls of gibbons (depending on season, weather and luck.)
- After breakfast and coffee, continue your trek through the heart of Xe Pian to Ta Ong Village, an ethnic Brau village located inside the park.
- Total walking time is 7+ hours (17km). Arrive in Ta Ong in the late afternoon.
- Stay overnight in the village guesthouse and dine on local food prepared by the village cooking group.
- Optional: Listen to traditional Brau gong music.
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| Day 3 |
- After breakfast in the village, depart on a trek to the bat cave (tam chia) for spectacular views of Xe Pian. (Total walking time is 2.5+ hours - 4km.)
- Arrive in Nong Ping Village locted along the Ta Euang River, where you will have lunch prepared by the village cooking group.
- Take village canoes down the Ta Euang River (2+hours), which is good for bird watching and possibly seeing large tailed macaques.
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| What to Bring |
- A good backpack. You will be asked to help carry food.
- A sleeping bag and a mattress are optional. You will be provided with one if you don't have your own.
- Wear long pants and a shirt that covers your shoulders, preferably dark colors.
- Carry your valuables in a plastic bag to protect them from water during the canoe ride.
- Bring one change of clothes, sandals for the village, good shoes for hiking, mosquito repellent, a flashlight (no electricity in the village), sunscreen and a hat (the sun is hot during the day).
- Women should wear shorts and a T-shirt for public bathing.
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| Level of Difficulty |
- VERY DIFFICULT - 7+ hours of solid trekking per day!
- Can be difficult as the jungle is thick and wild.
- You should be in good physical condition and be prepared for adventure.
- Be prepared for walking through small streams and be extra careful on river crossings, which can be dangerous.
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How this Trek Helps
This trek spreads benefits to three villages. Fees that you pay for village guides, homestays, boats and food go directly to villagers, providing an alternative livelihood to hunting and other environmentally unfriendly practices. |
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Prices
For prices for camping trips purchased from tour companies or the Kingfisher Ecolodge please contact them directly. If you would like to book directly with Kiet Ngong Village at the visitor information centre, click here for prices. Please remember that when booking directly with the village, village guides do not speak much English and food prepared during the trip is strictly local style. |
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Booking
You can simply arrive in the village and book your homestay at the village information centre without advance reservation. You can book in advance through local tour companies. |
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