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2 days or more
Walk through jungles and fields from Palai village, whose knowledgeable guides will teach you about medicinal plants and wildlife spotting. Stay overnight with families in Ban Ta Ong, a Brau village known for its traditional way of life. Journey by canoe down the Ta Euang River from Nong Ping village and see many colorful birds and, if lucky, long-tailed Macaques.
Day 1
Depart Pakse and arrive mid-morning at the remote village of Ban Phalaibok. Hike through forests with local guides, learning about medicinal plants and non-timber forest products along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon in Ban Ta Ong, an ethic Lavae (also known as Brau) village where you will stay overnight with local families or in the community-guesthouse. In the evening, enjoy a local meal hosted by the villagers. Upon request see a traditional Brau gong performance.
Day 2
Wake up early and walk to a nearby forest to listen to birds and the sounds of the forest. If lucky hear the songlike calls of White-cheeked gibbons. After returning to the village from the morning walk and having breakfast, depart on a 3-hour walk through forests to a nearby cave and salt lick. Arrive in Ban Nong Ping by noon and take lunch in with the villagers. From Ban Nong Ping, paddle down the Ta Euang River (about 1.5-hour) in wooden canoes, excellent for bird watching. And for the lucky traveler, one can occasionally see long-tailed Macaques in trees along the river's edge.
Elephant Riding
This trip can be extended to include a stopover at Pha Pho or Kiet Ngong villages for elephant rides.
What to Bring
Be prepared to walk through bushes and streams. It is recommended to wear long pants and a shirt that covers your shoulders, preferably dark colors preferable. 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 pair of shorts and a t-shirt for public bathing. Blankets, mosquito nets, food and boiled water are provided in the village.
Level of Difficulty & Trail Condition
This trek involves approximately three to five hours of moderate walking per day. Although the trail is mostly flat with only a few short climbs, it can be difficult as the jungle is thick and wild. It is recommended that trekkers be in good physical condition and be prepared for adventure. It is also advised that trekkers be prepared for walking through small streams and be extra careful on river crossings, which can be dangerous. This trek may not be possible during rainy months (June - September) due to poor access. Please check ahead for availability.
How This Trek Benefits Villages
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. A portion of the fees are used by the village tourism service groups to manage trails and the community lodge.
Booking and Prices
The villages ask that all guests do the trek with an English-speaking guide. The villages will not accept visitors who come alone without an English-speaking guide. To book a tour please contact a local tour company, the Kingfisher Ecolodge, or the Provincial Tourism Office in Pakse (Tel +856(0)31-254202. Prices are all-inclusive of village guides, boats, accommodation and food.
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