Full Day Hiking Along the Orchids’ Path
Full Day Hiking Along the Orchids’ Path
Described as Laos’ largest natural depository of wild orchids, hiking Phou Khao Khouay is a sheer pleasure
for all senses. Within reach of Vientiane, and guided by local villagers with
the aim to sustain, this full day hike is pure, floral pleasure.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Away from city life in the Laotian capital, nature still rules with a green fist. Protected by locals who have called this part of the world their home for generations, the Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area is a rustic region, filled with nature and eco-friendly initiatives to keep it that way.
Officially labelled as a Biodiversity Conservation Area by the Laotian government, the unique flora and fauna of Phou Khao Khouay is that juxtaposition compared to the Vientiane way of living that drives visitors out of the city and into the untouched wild life side of Laos. Orchid lovers will certainly get their money’s worth as the Phou Khao Khouay is known nation for contributing close to 50% of all the wild orchids in Laos.
TRAIL ITINERARY
07:30 - 17:30
The 1:30 hour journey from your Vientiane hotel to the main entrance of Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area commences when your English-speaking guide and driver accompany you in north-eastern direction of the city. As part of an eco-tourism initiative, local hiking experts of the region will take over the guiding baton once you reach Ban Hatkhay. The full day eco-trek is an initiative set up by the villagers of this settlement to educate, protect and create awareness of the fragile state of the orchid species and its means to show it to the world.
The hike starts along well-chosen paths through the jungle to the Pha Say waterfall. Carefully following in the footsteps of your native guide, the landscape changes with almost every corner you take. Pointing out the orchids left and right, from species that feel right at home on rocks to floral examples clinging to tree trunks, the overflow of information assures that the morning passes by before one knows it. This Biodiversity Conservation Area also is home of some medicinal plants which will, too, be pointed out by your guide towards your picnic lunch spot. Depending on the season, various species of orchids may not bloom to capacity yet still make the hike as memorable until the very end.
The morning ends with a simple picnic lunch along the banks of a local stream (subject to water levels) before continuing on the journey towards another waterfall of impressive proportions; the Tad Say Waterfall. Its location and more gentle flow of water from its source to the pool makes it an ideal place to swim and cool down after hiking through the pristine natural side of Laos.
Our journey ends with a final hike back to Ban Hatkhay from where you will be brought back to Vientiane.
