Full Day Cave and View of Nong Khiaw Valley
Get fascinating insights into history and explore idyllic locations during this engaging excursion. The exploration starts with an average 30-minute trek to Somnang Viewpoint on Pha Daeng mountain. This is known as the country’s most spectacular lookout. Next, we head to Ban Man Da Museum. This community-based museum showcases local life and the nation’s resilience during US bombing raids. From 1964 to 1973, the US dropped more than two-and-a-half million tons of ordnance on the country during 580,000 bombing sorties – making Laos the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. The museum’s architecture creatively incorporates bomb shells, providing a unique visual experience. We then visit a cave behind the museum where locals once sought refuge from bombing raids. A walk through this, now peaceful, sanctuary reveals how people lived during the turmoil. We then board a boat to enjoy a relaxing one-hour journey to Muang Ngoi, with beautiful ever-changing views of a rural riverscape along the way. On arrival in our picturesque destination, we enjoy an authentic lunch in a local restaurant and then engage with the locals during a guided village walk. Our perfect day of discovery concludes with our return journey to Nong Khiaw by boat.
Route
- Duration: 8 hours, with departure at 8 am;
- Phatok cave is accessible only during dry season, from November to July;
- We recommend you to bring a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent as well as an outfit adapted to the proposed activities.
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this;
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion/tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Tours and excursions often include obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility;
- The protection of the country’s flora, fauna and its historical and cultural treasures is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles;
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap, non-slip shoes like sturdy sandals or trainers, camera, loose comfortable clothes, swim wear, personal toiletries, extra clothes and towel, sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us. Even when it is cloudy, the sun still has an immense power;
- All mentioned times, durations and stops are based on approximations and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather and traffic conditions beyond our control.
- Drinking water;
- English speaking guide;
- Contribution to the Village Fund;
- Transportation;
- All entry fees and government taxes.
This is one of our Sustainable Trails, an excursion that maximises positive impacts on local communities and minimises negative impacts on the environment in the following ways:
- Eat locally – Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Muang Ngoi made using delicious local ingredients;
- Transport alternatively – Hike to a viewpoint and walk through a cave for a unique perspective of the Nong Khiaw Valley region.
