Highlights of Northern Laos
No tour of Laos would be complete without a few days to soak up the magical atmosphere of Luang Prabang, but for those looking to venture a little further the northern provinces are also home to the largest number of hill tribes in the region, sleepy villages only accessible by boat, the mysterious Plain of Jars, and some of the most stunning scenery in Southeast Asia.
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Luang Nam Tha province, in the northwest of the country, is home to a multitude of hill tribes and some spectacular landscapes. It is one of the most beautiful provinces in Laos and offers plenty of opportunities to engage with the local folk.
Perched on the banks of the Mekong at a cooling altitude of 300m, Luang Prabang is the oldest and most picturesque town in Laos. For centuries the city was the seat of kings and its past importance is reflected in the wonderful array of ancient temples dotted around its charming streets.
The small village of Muang La is located 200km north of Luang Prabang on the confluence of the Nam La and Nam Phak, in a picturesque area rich in hill tribe settlements and traditional farmland.
The sleepy village of Nong Khiaw sits on the bank of the Nam Ou River in northern Luang Prabang province. The area has wonderful opportunities for walking & boat trips to remote villages, all surrounded by some of the best scenery in Laos.
Pak Beng is a rustic town with wooden houses on stilts along a steep hillside, located half way between Houei Say and Luang Prabang. People often have an overnight stop here on a cruise from or to northern Thailand.
Northeast of Vientiane and 9km southeast of Phonsavan, lies the mysterious Plain of Jars. Scattered over the plain are hundreds of enormous clay jars, the legacy of an ancient civilisation and allegedly over 2000 years old.
On the road between Vientiane and Luang Prabang is the enchanting landscape of Vang Vieng. The karst mountains here are reminiscent of Guilin, Southern China, and there is plenty on offer for those looking for relaxation and activity alike!
Located in the remote province of Hua Phan close to the Vietnamese border, the Vieng Xai caves were the makeshift headquarters of the Pathet Lao during the "secret war” when the US bombed Laos between 1964 and 1973.