Trailblazers' Fact Sheet

Trailblazers' Fact Sheet

If you're willing to be persistent and patient -- and bust your budget on guides and transport -- there are some tantalising treks on offer that are barely established and seldom-undertaken. A scrappy little website like Travelfish doesn't have the means to send a researcher out to unravel the logistics of every single trek available in Southeast Asia, which makes us a little sad, because this is what we love to do most. Still, Sekong offers our users a chance to beat their own path, if they are so inclined. And, as always, if you undertake one of these treks, please let us know all about it!

Sekong province is divided into four districts -- Lamam, where the capital city of Sekong is located (known locally as Muang Lammam). Then there are Kaleum, Tha Teng, and Darkcheung districts.

As of 2000, there were reportedly 273 tribal villages in the province, comprising a total population of about 82,000. There are 14 tribes: the Taliang, Ngai, Alack, Katou, Chatong, Lavenh, Lavy, Gnae, Dark Kang, Taliew, Ta Oy, Katang, Souay and Lao Lum.

Tha Teng and Darkchueng districts are colder throughout the year -- with temperatures descending as low as 3 degrees in some areas in the rainy season, and rising to as much as 35 degrees in the high season. and an average yearly rainfall of about 2,500 mm.

Lamam and Kaleum are hotter and drier, with 1,500 mm of rainfall yearly.

Kaleum district
Seventy-four km from Sekong, Kaleum offers a chance to visit the Ngae, Hathvy, Hanong, Packtrai, and HathPae tribal villages. Tham Daeng Cave can also be visited as well as Nang Lao mountain. Local transport over land to the village by tuk-tuk or songtheaw should be available at the Sekong central market and the bus station.

Boats to Kaleum leave from the Kaeng Luang rapids 15km from Sekong. You can catch a tuk-tuk from the central market for about 15,000 kip per person. From the pier, a boat should cost about US$5 per person -- assuming the boat is full -- if you're the only passenger expect to pay considerably more. Arrive early if you're doing this on your own -- the whole process isn't exactly a well-oiled machine. We have heard reports that this river is prone to flash floods, making it very dangerous. Ask around in Sekong for more details, as the danger may depend on the time of year.

Dark Cheung district
This district, 105 km from Sekong, is best visited in dry season when the roads are at their best, during March, April and May. Sites to visit include Thong Neum, Thong Lek and Pak mountain. The Thalieng tribe also has three villages here -- Darklang, Darkseng, and Darkturb.