Vientiane to Phou Khao Khouay Challenge Tour - The National Protected Area of Phou Khao Khouay is the nearest National Park to Vientiane, the nearest point just over an hour away. Besides some great scenery and beautiful waterfalls, the NPA offers trails through dry evergreen and mixed deciduous forests, numerous waterfalls, and rivers. Wildlife is abundant but elusive. Tropical butterflies and orchids line the way through forests that are home to rare large mammals such as Sun Bear, Tiger, and elephants. The friendly village of Ban Hatkhai is a good place to learn more about the genuine lifestyle of the lowland Lao…

Day 1: Vientiane – Ban Hatkhai
We will be transferred from Vientiane to Ban Hatkhai, where we start cycling to Tad Xay Waterfall. The ride offers some great views over Nam Mang and Mekong Rivers.

After a picnic lunch at Tad Xai, we have time for swimming. We then trek under an evergreen canopy.

*In the wet season, the trek continues down along the Houay Xai stream. We then start kayaking to and on the Nam Mang River until we arrive at Ban Hatkhai.
*In the dry season, the trek continues until we meet Nam Mang River more upstream. We then start kayaking to Ban Hatkhai.

From Ban Hatkhai we return to Vientiane.

Approximately: 2 ½ hours transfer/ 2 hours cycling/ 2 hours trekking/ 2 hours kayaking

End for 1 day tour (no home-stay + 2 ½ hours transfer to Vientiane)

For those who opt to stay for a second day: We spend the night at Ban Hatkhai (home-stay).

Day 2: Ban Hatkhai – Tad Leuk – Vientiane
After an early breakfast, we cycle to the Tad Leuk Waterfall.
The Tad Leuk is a local tourist attraction amidst the mixed deciduous forest. A permanent exhibit at the Visitor Center gives some good information on the flora and fauna of the NPA. The Tad Leuk Nature Trail points out some interesting botanic details. We will have lunch at Tad Leuk.

In the afternoon, the trek follows a path along the Nam Leuk to the Tad Sang waterfall, another idyllic place for bathing and relaxation. Along the way, a large number of orchids can be seen, especially in the wet season. From here hike back to tad leuk and return to Vientiane by songthaew.