We will travel 17 km north of Pakbeng along a red-soil road to visit Khmu villages. Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular views of jungle-covered mountains, small rivers feeding the mighty Mekong, bamboo forests, and rice fields, where hardworking locals go about their daily routines.
In the first village, Ban Lai, you'll experience rural life where buffalos, pigs, chickens, and dogs roam freely. Your guide will introduce you to the customs of the Khmu people and explain the differences among Laos' three largest ethnic groups. You'll have the opportunity to visit a cattle farm, explore small vegetable gardens, and interact with the curious locals as you capture photos of village life.
Next, you'll visit Ban Kham, the last village along the red-soil road. This village is known for its traditional bamboo houses built on stilts. Families live on the upper floors, while the space underneath is used for animals and tools, including large wooden mortars and pestles for processing food—a tradition passed down for generations. Here, you can participate in hands-on activities like gold panning or rice peeling with the villagers.
In the afternoon, you'll return to Pakbeng town for lunch. Afterward, you'll visit Wat Sichomjeng, a beautifully decorated temple adorned with colorful artifacts, ancient murals, and sculptures. Next, you'll explore Wat Kokkor, a 400-year-old temple offering both historic artifacts and stunning views of Pakbeng town.
You'll stop by the local market, where residents from across the district come to shop. You'll find an array of local foods and products, including dried buffalo skin, local tea, saltpeter, fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, and poultry—everything essential to daily life in Laos.