Kayaking Nam Ha Protected Area: 3-day trek & paddle

Three days paddling rapids, hiking rainforest, and camping in the jungle

A 3-day multi-adventure in Nam Ha National Protected Area pairing a 4–5 hour trek on day one with nights in a jungle camp and a Khmu village homestay, then a full day kayaking the Nam Ha River with rapids and village stops. You hike and paddle yourself with an English-speaking guide, camp in a banana leaf shelter you help build, and learn traditional fishing, frog hunting and cooking methods from local people. Moderate fitness required. Children welcome from age 6.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Hike to jungle camp

• Meet at 9:00 AM
• Gather supplies at local market
• Hike 4-5 hours through rainforest
• Picnic lunch in the jungle
• Continue hiking to campsite
• Set up banana leaf shelter
• Swim and collect firewood
• Dinner and sleep in camp

Day 2: Hike to Nalan Village

• Breakfast at jungle camp
• Cross Nam Ha River
• Hike to Nalan Village (3-6 hours)
• Traditional lunch in village
• Learn about Khmu culture
• Enjoy local dinner and activities
• Stay in Khmu homestay

Day 3: Kayak from Nalan to Houylued

• Breakfast in village
• Receive kayaking instructions
• Paddle down river, tackle rapids
• Visit Nalan Tai village for lunch
• Continue kayaking to Nam Koy village
• Learn about traditional crafts
• End kayak at Houy Leuat village
• Return to office by tuk-tuk

The experience

The trip starts with a 9:00 AM meet and a 4–5 hour hike through dense rainforest and cultivated land, breaking for a picnic lunch in the jungle before arriving at the campsite around 4:00 PM. That first evening you set up a banana leaf shelter, swim in the river, collect bamboo and firewood, and cook dinner together. Day two offers a choice: a 3-hour hike crossing the Nam Ha River to Nalan Village, or a longer 5–6 hour route back through the protected area, both ending at a Khmu homestay where you stay overnight and join in village activities. The kayaking happens on day three: after breakfast and paddling instructions, you paddle down the Nam Ha River tackling rapids, stop at Nalan Tai village for lunch, then continue past Nam Koy village to Houy Leuat, where a tuk-tuk returns you to the office.

Nam Ha National Protected Area entry, accommodation in both the jungle camp and the homestay, all meals and water, transportation to and from the trailhead, and an English-speaking guide are included. The guide is local or trained in forest knowledge, so the stops at villages and the activities (fishing, frog hunting, traditional cooking) come with real context rather than a script. Bring sandals or flip-flops for the river sections and any personal medicine you need. The operator recommends snacks and a personal water bottle as well.

What’s included

• Nam Ha National Protected Area entry.
• accommodation in a jungle camp with a banana leaf shelter and a Khmu homestay.
• all meals and drinking water.
• transport to the trailhead and return by tuk-tuk.
• an English-speaking guide for the full three days.
• village activities including fishing, frog hunting and traditional cooking instruction.

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 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Phou Iu Travel & Ecotourism

Is this one for you?You paddle and hike yourself with a guide rather than watching from a vehicle, which is what makes the rapids, the jungle camp setup and the village stays feel like real participation instead of a tour stop. Shared group format keeps the cost down and builds the experience around the people you meet (both the guide and the other travelers), so it suits anyone who wants immersion over comfort.

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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 kayaking like on day three of the Nam Ha trip?

Day three is a full day paddling the Nam Ha River, starting with instruction before you launch. You tackle rapids, visit Nalan Tai village for lunch, continue past Nam Koy village to see traditional crafts, and finish at Houy Leuat village: roughly a morning and afternoon of paddling through jungle-covered hills with village stops built in.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle the Nam Ha River?

No prior kayaking experience is required. The guide gives paddling instruction before you start, and the river includes rapids but is designed for the group's ability level.

Where do I sleep on the first night of the Nam Ha trek?

The first night you sleep in a banana leaf shelter that you help build at the jungle camp. The second night is in a Khmu homestay in Nalan Village, where you stay with local people.

How fit do I need to be for three days of trekking and kayaking in Nam Ha?

The operator asks for at least moderate physical fitness. Day one is a 4–5 hour hike, day two offers a choice between 3 and 5–6 hours of hiking, and day three is a full day of kayaking with rapids.

What's included in the Nam Ha package?

The price covers the Nam Ha National Protected Area entry fee, accommodation in the jungle camp and Khmu homestay, all meals and drinking water, transport to and from the trailhead, and an English-speaking guide for the full three days.