Northern Laos

Luang Prabang, with its plethora of gilded temples, is undoubtedly Northern Laos' greatest attraction. But there is more to this region besides the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, particularly for those visitors who want to really learn about Laos' rich history, its people and landscape. This is the most scenically beautiful region of Laos, dominated by mountains thick with forest and covered in a seemingly permanent blanket of fog.

For those with a sense of adventure, the north of Laos has so much to offer. Share the treetops with gibbons at the Gibbon Experience, where you sleep in jungle treehouses accessible only by zip-line; go kayaking, cycling or trekking in Luang Namtha and Muang Sing, growing ecotourism hotspots; discover the ethnic tribes that inhabit the remote hills of Northern Laos; or join a short walking expedition from a tented camp in the northern highlands.

In the north-east, Xieng Khouang is a town that has seen its share of tragedy, having been bombed almost to oblivion by the American forces during the Vietnam War. The nearby Plain of Jars, however, survived the bombings. The purpose and symbolism of this enigmatic site still has archaeologists scratching their heads to this day, and remains the subject of much debate.

In and around Northern Laos
A truly atmospheric way to enter the country is by boat along the Mekong from the border crossing with Thailand at Houexay. The journey to Luang Prabang takes two days, with an overnight stay in a beautiful lodge in the village of Pakbeng, overlooking the Mekong. Make sure you visit Pakbeng’s morning market before you leave and get a taste for the local food! A highlight of the cruise is a stop at the Pak Ou devotional caves, or Buddha Caves, home to thousands of discarded Buddha statues.

Luang Prabang is popular for its wonderful blend of traditional and colonial architecture, interspersed with beautifully decorated temples. Though small, there’s much to see. The town is simply brimming with temples, and while it’s difficult to experience them all, do make time for Wat Xieng Thong, set in gorgeous gardens on the banks of the Mekong River. For a memorable experience, rise early to view the saffron-robed monks quietly collecting alms from the locals. In the evening, climb Mount Phousi with its temple overlooking the town, where locals and tourists gather to watch the sun as its sets over the river.

For something a bit different, spend a night at the Gibbon Experience in search of the elusive Black Gibbon. Follow jungle trails and have a ball as you whizz along the zip-lines. This is a great option for families.

The very north of Laos, an area of rugged mountains and tropical forests, is a centre for ecotourism. Home to an array of hill tribes, here you will meet members of the Akha, Tai Lue, Hmong and Ikhos tribes and have the chance to learn about their traditional way of life. Luang Namtha, Muang Sing and Muang La are good bases for exploring the region’s countryside, where you can trek along virgin trails or travel by river boat through stunning landscapes.