Day Hike: Longhut Trail

Challenge yourself and experience a different world off-the-beaten-path, high in the mountains and surrounded by jungle on this full day hike.

Begin with a morning drive to Ban Xieng Lom, a rural Nam Khan riverside village located at the base of a huge mountain. We'll cross the Nam Khan on a small boat to begin the hike and then head through the jungle up to a mid-mountain Lao Theung village (Khmu).

Taking care not to disrupt the serenity of this isolated area, we can observe locals as they engage in daily tasks. You'll have the chance to ask questions and wander around in the small village. Your guide will be happy to translate your questions.

Waving our goodbyes, we enter a different world dominated by jungle, soaring limestone rock faces and flourishing ferns. Edge forward along a steep, narrow, rocky track and ascend to our final destination, sharing the trail with passing villagers on their day's pilgrimage to market.

After a short but steep walk, we finally arrive at the Lao Sung village (Hmong), an isolated and quaint village high in the mountains, overrun by roaming livestock. The local kids are likely to give you a warm welcome with laughter and smiles. Here we'll enjoy lunch in a local, humble home. Listen to the stories about the various cultures, play with the children or ask questions about the ways of life up here.

After this tranquil pause, we start our descent back through other small villages along the way. You will follow a little stream and see villagers on their way back from the market or fields until you reach the Nam Khan river. After a short boat ride, we'll be back to our starting point.

The total distance is 17 km (11 mi).
Difficulty level: medium to difficult.
The hike usually takes 6-8 hours, depending on conditions.