What is the Soum Son Trail?
Back in February 2025, with the help of the local team, we launched a new village-to-village trail in Northern Laos.
Soum Son means ‘Community Walk’ and that’s exactly what it feels like. Mr Salee, one of our amazing guides who knows every bend in the path, helped map out a route that links three villages. One day you might watch rice being threshed by hand and the next you’ll see indigo-dyed cloth drying in the sun. Most importantly, every step you take supports the people who call these hills home.
The trail that didn’t exist until we built it. And we’ve already taken more than 30 hikers there.
Now it’s your turn.
Why did we create it – and why in Laos?
At Leatherback Travel, we take travellers where they’re actually wanted.
Ever since launching our hiking brand, Camino Women, we knew we’d soon want to make something special happen. Little by little, the team landed on making a trail in a remote, non-touristy spot.
It was our Trip Designer Lisa O’Donnell, and her love for Laos, that we have to thank for this beautiful choice. Everyone at our team soon started to share her love for this country and its people.
In Laos, mornings start slow. You might see a fisherman untangling his nets by the river or a grandmother weaving baskets on her porch. When you cross the Mekong to begin the trail, you’ll notice right away that this place isn’t built for tourists. People wave, kids run past and no one’s in a hurry to sell you anything.
Who is this for?
If you’re the kind of traveller who wants more than just a workout, you’ll fit right in. Bring your curiosity and a willingness to trade creature comforts for real connection. The groups are small and most women leave with stories over sticky rice and new friends.
Built on genuine relationships, this route offers meaningful exchanges beyond typical trekking experiences. The first Camino Women group hiked the trail in February 2025, supporting local families at each stop and offering insights into everyday life along the route.
Watch the Trail Come to Life
Stories from the Trail
Here are three stories from the Soum Son Trail: how the idea took shape, what it was like to walk it for the very first time and what one traveller noticed with every step. Dip in wherever you like, as each one gives you a different window onto the trail.
From the Camino Women Who Walked It First
I travelled to Laos on my first ever tour and met 4 other lovely ladies in the same boat. We’d all mostly travelled independently or with partners. Camino were nothing but on point in every aspect of the trip from that first phone call to the last feedback call. The trip was so thoughtfully put together, accomodation amazing, food incredible and our guide Mr Salee was fun and so knowledgeable. Just all over it. I love that all of us are still in touch. We had a hurdle but Camino were professional and organised alternate trails in what seemed like a heartbeat. We still got to experience the best of Laos- You should too! It’s simply amazing. I’ll definitely be booking my next adventure real soon! 'The locals greeted us warmly, celebrated with us, and welcomed us into their lives.'
Photos from the launch, February 2025
The greenery in Laos is otherworldly
Photos from our trips in October and November 2025
Northern Laos Through One Camino Woman's Eyes
Photos by Karen Springstub, Camino Woman and talented photographer, February 2026
The Trail in the News
If this trail has been on your mind, we’d love to show you the beauty of Laos.
The Soum Son Trail only heads out with a handful of folks at a time and spots don’t come up often. If you’re still deciding whether to join, poke around and ask anything you like. Our doors are always open to you.
