6 Days Volunteering in an Akha Village

Location:

The village is based in Muang Khua in Phongsali Province, the northernmost, remotest and poorest region in Laos. You will live in an Akha ethnic minority village, a quiet, peaceful hillside location, reachable only on foot on two to three hours scenic walking trail through stunning landscapes.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1 Transfer from Luang Prabang to the Project destination in Muang Khua by local public bus  (7 hours+), orientation session, briefing, overnight at Hotel

Day 2 Trek to your village (2-3 hours) introduction to the village, start of your activities.

Day 3 Daily life activities in Akha ethnic minority village (field work, cooking, handicraft ).

Day 4 Ridge walk trekking, forest "food hunting  collect your own food evening ceremony.

Day 5 Basket making, gardening, local cultural activities, farewell dinner in host community.

Day 6 Hiking to the road (2 hrs), transfer back to Luang Prabang in local bus (5-6 hrs).

Need to know:
The program has been established as a pioneer project in Dec. 2009 and is still, and will remain, a novelty and very experimental experience for all involved. The community is restricted to a max. number of visitors to protect them from mass tourism. Changes from the sample itinerary might be possible at any time in order to enhance the experience for the traveler and to maximize the positive impact on the village. Your Tiger Trail guide and interpreter will be informing you and give regular briefings about any program details or possible changes.

Accommodation and Food:
You will be sleeping at a Family Home or at the simple, but beautiful  Akha Nature Lodge  with amazing views over the lush surrounding mountains. At night you will be eating traditional Akha meals prepared in local fashion. A small personal bathroom was established to guarantee basic hygiene needs. The equipment, mattresses, blankets and others are 100% natural and hand made in another project target village helping to preserve the culture of weaving and embroidery.

The Akha Village Programme:
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 community life. During the day you will be busy supporting villagers within their work 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, teaching English while learning Lao and Akha language, but also learning traditional ethnic handicraft like waving or 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 any time.

For cancellations 31 days or more before check in, a full refund shall be issued.

For cancellations 30 days or less before check in, no refund can be issued.