Half-day Guided Nature Walk

3.5 - 4.5 Hours, Moderately Difficult
This guided nature walk allows you to experience the local flora and fauna of the Xe Pian National Protected Area and explore the Vat Phou Asa archaeological site in about half a day. Your guide will identify medicinal and edible plants along the trail, identify bird-calls, and bring you to two shrines etched into the rock-face of Phou Asa-the sacred Buddha Cave and Buddha Footprint.

From the top of Phou Asa you will enjoy a spectacular view of the forest canopy and wetland below. This trip includes one moderately strenuous climb and a descent through thick forest and rice fields.

Village Guides
A local guide is required on every tour. One guide is required for 1-4 tourists per group, and two guides for 5-8 tourists. There are twelve trained village guides who are very knowledgeable about the forest. They will accompany you on the trek and point out plants and other interesting natural, cultural and historical sites along the way. The guides do not speak English. However, you can do two things to improve communication: (1) Buy the booklet "A Guide to Nature Trails around Phou Asa Mountain", sold at the Kiet Ngong Village Information Centre and the Kingfisher Ecolodge; or (2) book your tour through a local tour company or the Kingfisher Ecolodge so that you also have an English-speaking guide to translate for the village guide.

The guides take turns providing guide services to tourists in order to fairly share the benefits from tourism. The fee that you pay for your guide goes directly to the guide, with a small portion being put into the guide association fund for management of the trails. Tipping is appreciated.

What to Bring
At least 1 liter of drinking water, snacks, hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat & mosquito repellant

Booking
You can go directly to the village to book the tour at the village information centre. If you book on your own, it is recommended that you also purchase a copy of "A Guide to Trekking around Phou Asa Mountain" available at the village information centre, as the village guides do not speak English.You can book in advance with a tour company or with the Kingfisher Ecolodge.