3-Day Nam Ha Jungle Trek: Wildlife Camp & Khmu Homestay in Luang Namtha

You'll cook dinner using only what the jungle provides.

A 3-day trek through Nam Ha National Protected Area in Luang Namtha, Laos, combining deep jungle walks with stays in a traditional hunter's camp and a Khmu family homestay. The trek includes learning about medicinal plants, fishing, frog hunting, and preparing meals with jungle resources under the guidance of a local forest expert. Nam Ha NPA entry, accommodation, all meals, village activities and transport are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Nam Ha Village to Jungle Camp

• Meet at office and travel by Tuk-Tuk
• Stop at local market for supplies
• Begin trek from Nam Ha village
• Trek through jungle and picnic lunch
• Learn about medicinal plants and cooking
• Set up camp and prepare Khmu dinner

Day 2: Campsite to Nalan Village

• Enjoy morning wildlife sounds
• Have breakfast at camp
• Option 1: Cross river and hike to Nalan village
• Option 2: Longer hike through Nam Ha valley
• Explore Nalan village and local activities
• Enjoy traditional lunch and dinner

Day 3: Nalan to Chalernsouk or Nahome Village

• Visit village and try Lao coffee or tea
• Practice crossbow shooting and rice pounding
• Have breakfast
• Option 1: Hike to Chalernsouk village for Tuk-Tuk pickup
• Option 2: Hike to Nahome and Namlue villages
• Return to Luang Namtha by Tuk-Tuk

The experience

The trek starts at 9:00 AM from the Nam Ha village office, where you'll travel by tuk-tuk to a local market to buy supplies before heading into the forest with your guide. The first day is a jungle walk ending at a banana leaf camp where you'll learn traditional cooking methods and prepare a Khmu dinner. That night you sleep in the camp itself, waking to the sounds of the forest.

Day two splits into two routes depending on your pace: a 3-hour hike crossing the Nam Ha River to Nalan village, or a longer 5-6 hour trek through the NPA valley arriving at sunset. Either way you reach a Khmu family homestay where you'll stay the night and experience their daily life. Day three starts with village time (trying local coffee, practicing crossbow shooting, pounding rice) before a final hike out. You can choose a shorter 3-4 hour uphill route to Chalernsouk village or a longer 5-6 hour walk following the Nam Ha River through Khmu and Lanten areas to Namlue village. A tuk-tuk returns you to Luang Namtha by afternoon.

Your guide speaks English and knows the forest in detail, pointing out medicinal plants and explaining how the Khmu people live off the land. Food and water are provided throughout, and children from age 6 can join. The trek assumes moderate fitness. The terrain is uneven and some days run long, but the pace is set by the group.

What’s included

• Nam Ha NPA entry fee.
• accommodation in a jungle camp and Khmu homestay.
• all meals and water.
• village activities including crossbow shooting and rice pounding.
• fishing and frog hunting.
• transport by tuk-tuk to and from the trailhead.
• English-speaking local guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Youth (11 to 15 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Phou Iu Travel & Ecotourism

Is this one for you?The three days commit you to a full immersion in jungle life and Khmu culture with no time for town-based activities, but that intensity is what makes the fishing, cooking and homestay nights possible. You're not rushing back to Luang Namtha each evening.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 15 years); Child (6 to 10 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between the two route options on days two and three?

Day two offers a 3-hour river crossing to Nalan village or a 5-6 hour trek through the Nam Ha valley. Day three gives you a 3-4 hour uphill hike to Chalernsouk or a 5-6 hour walk along the Nam Ha River through Khmu and Lanten areas to Namlue. Both routes end at the same villages but the longer ones take more time and cover different terrain.

What do you actually cook and eat during the trek?

On the first night you prepare a Khmu jungle dinner using traditional methods and forest resources your guide teaches you. The rest of the meals are cooked by guides and homestay families using local ingredients. All food and water are included in the price.

Where do you sleep on each night of the trek?

Night one is in a jungle camp made with banana leaves. Night two is in a Khmu family homestay in Nalan village. Both are basic but authentic to how local people live in the area.

Do I need special gear or equipment to bring?

Bring personal medicine, sandals or flip-flops, and a personal water bottle if you prefer your own. Snacks and fruit are optional depending on the option you choose. The trek provides all other necessities including meals, water and camping setup.