Northern Laos

Overview Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang resides by the sacred confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers. Temples and monasteries dominate any visitor’s itinerary here, with its 33 gilded wats and numerous saffron clad monks. Having received a rush of investment since the 1990’s, once dilapidated French villas have been reimagined as stunning but affordable boutique

Overview Mountains, rivers, forests and small villages cover the landscape of Northern Udomxai and Luang Namtha provinces. Home to over 40 ethnic minorities, the area is extremely diverse and offers travellers with a lot to do, both in the main towns of Udomxai and Luang Namtha, as well as in the smaller villages inhabited by various ethnic groups. Luang Namtha province also contains the country’s only border

Overview While mountains clad in green forest is not an unusual sight in northern Laos, in Muang Ngoi, specifically at Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi Neua it moves into the extraordinary. Towering karst peaks and cliffs rise out of the Ou River in spectacular fashion, making for some truly astounding views. Due to the areas vicinity to Luang Prabang, it makes for an excellent gateway to the mountainous rural terrain of

Overview While it may be South East Asia’s smallest capital, Vientiane lacks nothing in terms of character and atmosphere. Sporting an obvious French influence and a smattering of later Soviet style buildings, the city is organized in a simple grid pattern and all its attractions are easily reached on foot or by bicycle. Nearby Phou Khao Khouay National Park offers a reprieve from the big city for the more

Overview The region surrounding the middle stretch of the Mekong River is usually only seen by foreigners from the river itself, as they travel through on slow boats between Thailand and Luang Prabang, but should you decide to stop here, there is plenty to see and do. The area consists of two provinces. Bokeo (meaning “Gem Mine”, so named for its sapphire deposits), is sparsely populated but even so is

Overview Xieng Khuang and Hua Phan lie in north-eastern Laos along the border with Vietnam. These sparsely populated provinces are home to meandering roads, the mysterious Plain of Jars and the stunningly beautiful Vieng Xai Caves. Featuring the least visited provincial capital in Laos (Sam Neua); these two north-easterly provinces are truly off the beaten track and can provide you with an authentic view into

Overview Existing in a space between Lao and Chinese culture, Phongsali is a rugged province home to traditional hill tribes and stunning mountain views. Muang Khua is the most visited and easily accessible town in the province, and serves as a great gateway to the less reachable areas further north. Only one asphalt road runs from Muang Khua north to Phongsali and further to China. However, don’t plan any