Living with the “Akha”
A NEW Village Based Home Stay Project in Northern Laos
6 Days: Muang Khua – The Akha Village – Muang Khua
Tiger Trail Outdoor Adventures has created an innovative and new interaction program that gives travellers the opportunity to experience traditional life in a beautiful minority village in Northern Laos while actively taking part in daily activities in a non-intrusive way.
Living with the Akha…Your stay at the village will give you the rare opportunity to be a visitor with a purpose as you will partake in day-to-day activities and immerse yourself in ethnic Akha life. During the day you will be busy supporting the villagers’ day-to-day works on the fields and at home which may include collecting forest products, carrying water, planting rice, harvesting, feeding chicken, as well as housing chores such as preparing daily food supplies, cooking or looking after kids. You may teach English to the villagers, and in return learn Lao and Akha language, and the ethnic weaving and basket making. All depends on the specific needs and circumstances.
A local, experienced guide/interpreter will be with you throughout your stay to facilitate communication and interaction and to provide support at all times. S/he also can help adjust the activities to fit your preferences.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Luang Prabang – Muang Khua (L/D)
Transfer from Luang Prabang to the Project destination in Muang Khua by minivan (7-8 hrs+), orientation session, briefing, overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Muang Khua – the Akha village (B/L/D)
Transfer from Muang Khua to the drop-off point by minivan/TukTuk (1½ hr). Then trekking to the village (2-3 hrs) through mountainous hill country, introduction to the village, have lunch, and start your activities. Dinner in the village.
Day 3 to 4: Daily life activities in the village (B/L/D)
Daily life activities in the Akha ethnic minority village, such as basket making, gardening, field work, cooking, handicraft processing, house fixing, etc. Ridge walk trekking, forest “food hunting” and collect your own food. All activities depend on availability in each season and time allowance. The day ends with farewell dinner in the host community. All meals are served in the village.
Day 5: The Akha village – Muang Khua (B/L/D)
Spend the morning with the Akha villagers, and say Good Bye to them before hike to the road (2-3hrs) to transfer back to Muang Khua. Overynight at Hotel.
Day 6: Muang Khua – Luang Prabang (B/L)
Take public bus at 8am back to Luang Prabang (7-8hrs).
Living with the “Akha”program includes:
- All transfers indicated in the itinerary
- English-speaking guide, certified for the “Akha project”
- Accommodation in a Homestay or a separate hut.
- All meals indicated in the itinerary
- Village fees taxes and fund payments
- Local village activity guide services
- An Akha massage to relax…
- An orientation session, intro walks
- Daily village activities as per season
- A trekking and “food hunting day”
- Handicraft activities and introduction into local products
- A ridge walk to view points and an evening ceremony
- A special farewell dinner and cooking together
- The trek to and back from the village
- Certainly rich & memorable experiences to take home…
YOU can be more than a normal tourist and visitor!
YOU can directly bring more income to the poorest communities in Laos!
YOU…then…actually make a difference!
