Trekking around Ban Khiet Ngong

All treks out of Ban Khiet Ngong are legally required to be conducted by a licensed guide -- you can't do them independently.

Elephant Trekking is the main event in Ban Khiet Ngong. You should really only expect to trek here from November through April: May through October it may be too hot for the elephants to go out, though they may try to take them out anyway, and that's not good for the elephants.

The treks here are quite well-organised and well-conducted -- the basic tour is a ride up to the top of Phao Asa mountain, which takes about 2 hours -- US$12. A walking trek along the same route takes 3 to 5 hours and costs US$15, including guide and water. There's also a two-day trek available to the local village of Ta Ong, including a boat ride to another neighbouring village, priced on a sliding scale: US$180 to do it alone, US$60 per person for groups of 7 or more. One day forest treks cost US$45 for one person, US$16 per person for 7 or more, and moutainbike treks are also available: US$55 for one person, US$27 per person from groups of 4 or more.

You can arrange tours on arrival if you like, but it makes sense to book in advance through the Visitor Information Centre either in Pakse (T:(031) 212 021) or in Champasak. More information available at www.ecotourismlaos.com.