Poupadeang Spirit Bamboo Trek (1 day)
A great way to learn about the culture of ethnic minorities living in the vicinity of Vieng Phouka, and to learn about the wildlife and geology of the Nam Ha Protected Area.
On this trek you will explore the numerous limestone caves that dot the landscape around Vieng Phouka, visit the communities of ethnic minorities and learn about their history, culture and traditions. Finally you will experience the sights and sounds of the numerous wild animals of the Nam Ha Protected Areas and explore the Bamboo Spirit Forest.
The tour will depart from the Vieng Phouka Eco-Guide Trekking Office at 9:00am. You will then be taken by minivan to the KmuKuean ethnic minority village of Nam Eng where your guide for the day will join you. Your guide will teach you about the Nam Eng village and the KmuKeuan people, their history, traditions and culture.
Next on the Itinerary are Nampung Cave or Honey Cave in English and Krangyiem Cave, they are just a short walk away over the Eng River and in to the Nam Ha Protected Area. On the way you will be taught about the wildlife and the important plants and trees in the jungle.
After about 3 hours of walking you will stop on the top of the mountains to eat lunch in the Lao tradition, you will have time to have a rest and to admire the beautiful views. After lunch and a rest your trek will continue down in to the Bamboo Spirit Forest where you will have a chance to explore and see monkeys, deer and silver peacocks.
Your minivan will then be close by and you will be taken to KaoRao cave to do your final exploring for the day, before being delivered safe and sound back to your original starting place in Vieng Phouka.
Participant Guidelines
Included in price is;
All transportation as stated, local English speaking guide, limited personal liability insurance, personal drinking water, local Vieng Phouka taxes, village guide, all accommodation stated, a contribution to the village and tourism development funds
You need to remember to take a few things with you. Most of these are not really necessary but will make your day more comfortable;
good hiking shoes, cap or hat and a good camera, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a rain jacket in the rainy season (June - September), a warm coat in the cold season (October - April), torch, toilet paper, money to buy handicrafts, extra water, snacks, medical Kit
There are a one or two things that you should do to make the trek more memorable for you and the communities you visit;
Please respect local culture by dressing politely at all times, removing your shoes before entering a Lao house and asking before you take a picture. Also please help the local trekking agents improve the service they give to tourists by helping your guide speak English better and help them to improve the treks.
There also things that you should really NOT do when on a trek to local ethnic minorities and these are;
Please do not hug or kiss each other in public, eat wildlife, use illegal drugs of any kind or drink too much of the local rice alcohol, distribute religious or political propaganda in the villages and finally respect a villagers home by not entering a villagers bedroom.
Other Disclosures
1 Day treks are only open to groups of 3 people and above but not more than 20 people.
All participants undertaking this trek must meet at the trekking agents office and 8:45am.
At the time of booking please indicate whether you are vegetarian and a special meal will be prepared for you. Also on the trek please let your guide know how you would like your food prepared, for example if you like your food not to be spicy or you prefer normal rice to sticky rice.
