Located along the Nam Ha River in Luang Namtha Province, Ban Nalan (Nalan Village) represents Lao PDR’s successful implementation of sustainable tourism through the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) model.
In fact, Ban Nalan all but pioneered CBT in Lao PDR, originating from tours established in the area in the early 2000s. Today, over 40 families from the Khmu community call Ban Nalan home – and serve as hosts to the trekkers who come to their doorstep after a day’s trekking through Nam Ha.
Hospitality at the end of the Nalan Trail
Visitors reach the village via the Nalan Trail, which cuts through the Nam Ha National Protected Area, an ASEAN Heritage Park known for its rich biodiversity.
Starting from Doiluckkham, a town some 20 km from Luang Namtha town, trekkers are led by guides through the Nam Ha rainforest, making their way through the Park’s old-growth canopy until reaching Ban Nalan in the afternoon.
At Ban Nalan, Khmu families provide homestays in traditional-style homes built from bamboo and wood, and provide an authentic experience for weary visitors. Each homestay offers essential amenities, including mattresses, mosquito nets, and clean outdoor toilets; and welcomes visitors to share in home-cooked meals of sticky rice, papaya salad, and laap.
While in Ban Nalan, guests can explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about Khmu culture and traditions. After dinner, cultural performances, storytelling sessions with village elders, and tasting “lao-lao” (traditional rice whiskey) round out the evening’s activities.
In the morning, travelers start the day with Lao coffee while preparing to take on the rest of the trail to the endpoint at Ban Namlue. Apart from trekking, visitors can also go kayaking on the Nam Ha River to round out the local adventure experience.
Every villager wins with CBT
By participating in Ban Nalan village activities, visitors can gain a deeper insight into Khmu life while directly benefiting the community.
Ban Nalan villagers actively participate in the local tourism industry, serving as guides, drivers, and boatmen for visitors and ensuring their ownership of the tourism process.
The CBT model ensures that 50% of the fees earned by the community go to the villagers, supporting homestays, meals, and activities. Additional funds contribute to a Village Fund, which helps maintain trails, attractions, and infrastructure.
Ban Nalan’s CBT initiative has set a benchmark for sustainable tourism, even earning international awards for its high quality. As a positive example for CBT practice throughout the Mekong Sub-Region, Ban Nalan helps ensures a win-win outcome with impacts far beyond Nam Ha: creating unforgettable experiences for travelers and sustainable development for the village that inspire other village communities to follow in their footsteps.