Secret Eden: 1 days or 2 days trekking and kayaking, all seasons

These one or two days of trekking and caving take us across the 1500 m high ridge of Vang Vieng to remote places that even locals do not know much about. The beauty of the Limestone Mountains must be seen to be believed.

Destination

•  Vang Vieng – Pathao – Tham Nam
• Vang Vieng – Pathao – Phathang
• Pathang – Tham Non – Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalows

Highlight

•  a climb leads to heights with spectacular panoramic views
• descent down the far side of the mountain, 'Secret Eden'
• the most impressive stalactites and stalagmites to be found in Vang Vieng

One day program

Day 1: Vang Vieng – Pathao – Tham Nam

We depart to Vang Vieng. After a transfer, the trek starts from the village of Phathao some 12 km north of Vang Vieng. After reaching the mountain range, a climb leads to heights with spectacular panoramic views. Near the top of the ridge lies the Tham Hok Cave. It contains some of the most impressive stalactites and stalagmites to be found in Vang Vieng. After the descent down the far side of the mountain, 'Secret Eden' is reached. There is time for a swim in cool pools nearby rapids. Return to Vang Vieng.

Approximately: 15 minutes transfer/ 5 hours trekking / 30 minutes caving

Two day program

Day 1: Vang Vieng – Pathao – Phathang

We depart from Green Discovery Laos Office in Vang Vieng. After a transfer, the trek starts from the village of Phathao some 12 km north of Vang Vieng (in the wet season; in the dry season start from Tham Sang). After reaching the mountain range, a climb leads to heights with spectacular panoramic views. Near the top of the ridge lies the Tham Hok Cave. It contains some of the most impressive stalactites and stalagmites to be found in Vang Vieng. After the descent down the far side of the mountain, 'Secret Eden' is reached. There is time for a swim in cool pools nearby rapids.

The final leg of the loop passes through an unusual palm forest. We then arrive to Pathang Resort the night (wet season; in the dry we sleep in Ban Vieng Samay Eco-lodge instead, because of low water in Pathang).

Approximately: 15 minutes transfer/ 5 hours trekking / 30 minutes caving

Day 2: Pathang – Tham Non – Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalows

After breakfast, a songthaew transfers us to the starting point of kayaking on the Nam Song.

The Nam Song proves exciting but manageable for most guests. For anyone having difficulties, an experienced guide will be on call. There are stops at Tham Nam Thaem and Tham None along the way. Both caves are filled with water and are traversed swimming. Paddling the last leg brings you back to Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalows just on time to enjoy the sunset.

Approximately: 4 hours kayaking/ 2 hours caving, jumping

Note: for two day program, second day:

• In the wet season, due to the high currents, we will start from Pathang village instead, which is 8 km further than Vieng Samay village. Lunch will be served at Vieng Samay village. Two caves will be visited, Tham Xang (Elephant cave), and Tham Non (Sleeping cave), as well as the Organc Farm.

Approximately: 25 minutes transfer/ 4 hours kayaking / 1 hour caving