This lake is one of the most remote parts of Laos sitting on top of mountains and straddling the Vietnamese border. It is said to be a sacred place in Laos in the heart of the National Park. It is believed to have been formed by a volcanic eruption many thousands of years ago.

 

There are two ways to reach this lake. This is the difficult trek over 5 days. Sleeping in local villages heading east from the village of Pa-am through old parts of the Ho Chi Minh trail through some of the most remote villages in Laos giving you an authentic village experience you will nevr forget.

 

Day 1: Attapeu

The first day will be spent as an orientation day to Attapeu where we will check gear, meet the local guides and arrange food supplies for the trip. We will give you a safety briefing and explain the local culture and how to conduct yourself in the local villages. Then we will have a big dinner at a local barbecue restaurant and stock up on energy for our trip. The group will stay at Attapeu Palace Hotel.

 

Day 2: Attepeu - Ban Chilinxay

We depart Attapeu at 6am for Pa-am, and you will start trekking about 10km pas Pa-am. The day involves a 20km trek so it is essential we leave early to stay on schedule. The trek is uphill and we head north through beautiful scenery with a picnic lunch on the way before arriving at Pa-am Muang Kao. This used to be an old Lao Army trek and forms part of the Ho Chi Minh trail. You will arrive at Ban Chilinxay early evening for a genuine homestay including a shower in the river!

 

Day 3: Ban Chilinxay - Dak Singh

Breakfast is at 6am and after a hearty meal we continue on foot to the next village having lunch along the way. Our goal is the village of Dak singh around 23km away. Very few westerners ever come to this village. The local guide will arrange the homestays and a meal of barbecue chicken and steamed rice.

 

Day 4: Dak Singh - Dak Mo

7am, again up early for it is another 23km trek to the village of Dak Mo but the trail is quite flat and easier than the previous two days. You will pass more parts of the Ho Chi Minh trail today and have lunch en-route before arriving at a local village around 2pm. You will have time here to just relax while the village prepares dinner.

 

Day 5: Dak Cha - Nong Fa Lake

The day begins with a hearty breakfast and then we cross valleys and hills to Vanegtat. This is a stunningly beautiful forest and valleys sitting at the top of the mountain range. We have lunch en-route and we pass Vanegtat before we embark on the last two hours up the hill to the legendary Nong Fa Lake. We will camp at the lake and enjoy a great meal here.

 

Day 6: Nong Fa Lake - Attapeu - Pakse

After a leisurely swim and breakfast we will head down the mountain to Vanegtat where our 4-wheel drive will be waiting to take us back down to the main road, crossing streams and rough terrain. Once we get back we will have lunch and then it is another 100km to Attapeu and we can relax and eat before arriving back in Pakse early evening.