Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see
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Laos
The combination of fun and educational activities
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Vietnam
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Cambodia
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Myanmar
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Laos
Unique experience combined with top-notch services
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Vietnam
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Laos
Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories
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Laos
Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups
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Vietnam
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Myanmar
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Laos
Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot
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Vietnam
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Thailand
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Cambodia
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Myanmar
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Laos
Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels
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Vietnam
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Thailand
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Cambodia
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Myanmar
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Laos
Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break
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Vietnam
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Thailand
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Cambodia
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Myanmar
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Laos
The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers
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Vietnam
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Thailand
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Cambodia
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Myanmar
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Laos
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Vietnam
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Thailand
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Cambodia
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Myanmar
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Laos
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Vietnam
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Thailand
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Cambodia
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Myanmar
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Laos
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Vietnam
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Thailand
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Cambodia
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Myanmar
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Laos
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Vietnam
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Thailand
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Cambodia
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Myanmar
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Laos
Visit Laos in about 4 weeks
This 4 weeks Laos itinerary takes you through all of the best places in Laos, including some really off the beaten path Laos attractions and the more touristy places. So buckle in, grab a mug of ginger and lemongrass tea and read about the very best places to spend up to one month in Laos!
Laos TOUR PLANS IN About 4 weeks
Exploring the magical northern Laos on feet. Meeting plenty of colorful hill tribe villages. Immerging into the evergreen nature of Laos. Finding yourself in the most remote areas. Fulfilling your...
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Laos Grand Tour is part of our Laos Family tour collection. The journey throughout Laos from the North to the South, from river to river, from mountain to mountain. The journey of culture experienc...
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29-day Southeast Asia Spiritual Path
Discover a land that is inherently spiritual and deeply traditional. Visit Southeast Asia’s religious centres, from Chiang Mai to Yangon, Luang Prabang to Siem Reap. Participate in time-honou...
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Mekong River Tour: 28-Day Following the Mighty Mother River
See why the Mekong River is known as Asia’s lifeblood with this epic adventure. Trace the mighty River as it meanders through big cities and countryside towns through five countries. From the...
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Active Indochina Honeymoon Vacation: 4-Week Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam Holiday
If you fancy a honeymoon where you can explore the best of three countries, with lots of memorable off-the-beaten-track adventures thrown in along the way – look no further. On this action-pa...
MoreRECOMMENDED ROUTES TO VISIT Laos IN
About 4 weeks
Laos from North to South
This route is part of our Laos Adventure tour collection. The journey throughout Laos, from river to river, from mountain to mountain. The journey of culture experience, nature exploration, and happiness of Laos from North to South.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang awakens your imagination with its combination of world-class comfort and spiritual nourishment. Sitting at the sacred confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan (Khan River), nowhere else can lay claim to this Unesco-protected gem's romance of 33 gilded wats, saffron-clad monks, faded Indochinese villas and exquisite fusion cuisine. Beyond the evident history and heritage of the old French town are aquamarine waterfalls, top trekking opportunities, meandering mountain-bike trails, kayaking trips, river cruises and outstanding natural beauty, the whole ensemble encircled by hazy green mountains.
Here is our Luang Prabang travel guide
Pakbeng
Pakbeng is a very small town upriver of Luang Prabang at the junction of the Mekong and its smaller tributary the Beng River. It is a good place for an overnight stop on the boat trip from Luang Phabang to Houei Xai. It also offers eco- tours to the nearby tribal villages.
Oudomxay
Oudomxay in the northwest of Laos has a provincial capital called Muang Xai. It is a mountainous province with borders into China and some peaks as high as 1,800 metres. Oudomxay is noted for its birds including terns, lapwings, cormorants and swan geese. Those who enjoy trekking are not put off by an underdeveloped infrastructure so the number of tourists after adventure on a holiday in Laos is expected to increase.
Muang Khua
Pretty little Muang Khua is an inevitable stop when transiting between Laos and Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam, or taking the brown Nam Ou (Ou River) by boat to Nong Khiaw. While not as scenically spectacular nor as developed for the traveller as the latter, Muang Khua, with its pastel-coloured houses, still has oodles of small-town charm, set amid starburst palms where the Nam Ou and Nam Phak (Phak River) meet. The heart of the place is its wet and dry market.
Muang Ngoi
Muang Ngoi, also known as Muang Ngoi Neua, is located on the Nam Ou (Ou River), just an hour upriver from gateway town Nong Kiaow. While Nong Kiaow tries to please the masses with a mix of low to higher end accommodation, Muang Ngoi attracts backpackers with its bungalows and hammocks set along a stunning mountainous stretch of the Nam Ou. Relaxation and appreciating the view is the chief concern and once you bore of swinging in the hammock, there’s hikes to rural villages, lovely pastoral scenes, caves...
Nong Khiaw
Resting at the foot of a striking red-faced cliff, amid towering blue-green limestone escarpments, the dusty town of NONG KHIAW on the banks of the Nam Ou River lies smack in the middle of some of the most dramatic scenery in Indochina. The relatively slow advent of tourism here has allowed it to retain its village-like charm; it’s a great place to lose a few days, preferably watching the river from your own private balcony.
Xieng Khuang
Xieng Khouang is home to the Plain of Jars, the prehistoric stone megaliths which attracts thousands of tourists to the province each year. The area is of significant archaeological importance on account also of the standing stones in nearby Houaphanh Province.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is now a calm oasis for enjoying nature, jungle hikes, and lazy days cooling off in the river. If you’re seeking outdoor adventure, explore the area’s cave system, kayaking Nam Song’s rapids, climb Pha Poak Mountain at sunset, or drive an ATV on the backcountry roads. When it’s time to cool off, take a refreshing plunge in the Blue Lagoon.
Vientiane
From its sleepy tuk-tuk drivers to its location on the right bank of the lumbering, lazy Mekong, this former French trading post is languid to say the least. For the traveller happy with a couple of low-key sights and lots of contemplative river watching while sipping on Beerlao, or hopping from cafe to cafe, Vientiane excels. And best of all, these pleasures are available to all budgets, be it via the city's low-cost digs and street markets, or its upscale boutique accommodation and foreign restaurants.
Thakhek
Thakhek, capital of Khammouane province, is gradually gaining popularity as the best base to explore the nearby Mahaxai Caves and karst formations, and the massive Khammouane Limestone NBCA. It is also an entry point into Laos from Nakhon Phanom in Thailand, as well as being a good place to break the long journey down Route 13 to Savannakhet.
Savannakhet
Savannakhet is Laos’s third-largest city after Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and the surrounding area that makes up Savannakhet province, stretching from the Mekong River to the Annamite Mountains, is Laos’s most populous region. The city is also southern Laos’s most visited provincial capital, its popularity with travellers due in part to its central location on the overland route between Vientiane and Pakse and between Thailand and Vietnam, the two countries linked to each other by a 240km-long road carved by the French. Aside from being an important junction, Savannakhet also possesses very impressive architecture, and is a major staging post for jungle treks and cycling tours.
Pakse
Pakse, or Pakxe, is a city in Southern Laos. It’s the capital of the province Champasak and Laos’ second most populous city. Pakse is the perfect hub for your Southern Laos travels. It’s a charming and peaceful city surrounded by beautiful nature. Pakse means mouth of the river, and its located next to the Mekong and Sedone rivers. We recommend staying at least two days in Pakse, to enjoy everything it has to offer and to enjoy the laid-back Lao culture.
Bolaven
Located in the crater of an ancient volcano, the Bolaven Plateau in Southern Laos rises to heights of over 1300 meters. Famous for excellent coffee and amazing waterfalls, the plateau makes a great day-trip from Pakse. Given the cooler temperatures on the plateau, spending a night or two there might not be such a bad idea either.
Champasak
These days Champasak is a somnolent place. Scattered French colonial-era buildings share space with traditional Lao wooden stilt houses, and the few vehicles that venture down the narrow main street share it with chickens and cows. With a surprisingly good range of accommodation and several attractions in the vicinity – most notably the Angkor-period ruins of Wat Phu Champasak – it's easy to see why many visitors to the region prefer staying in Champasak. Just about everything in Champasak is spread along the riverside road, both sides of the fountain circle.
4000 Islands
Don't merely think about 4000 Islands as a collection of 'islands' - in fact, some aren't even islands as we might think of them. Instead, think of it as a riverine network that carries you on a journey - a journey taking in extreme natural beauty, deeply embedded traditions, vibrant cultures, opportunities for some exhilarating activities and hidden corners in which you can simply kick-back and pause - even fleetingly - the pace of Western life.
Northern Laos Adventure
Exploring the magical northern Laos on feet. Meeting plenty of colorful hill tribe villages. Immerging into the evergreen nature of Laos. Finding yourself in the most remote areas. Fulfilling your life of adventure. Love trekking Laos? this tour is for you!
Huay Xay
Huay Xai is a small city located in the north of Laos, which lies on the East of the Mekong River, overlooking Thailand on the West. Huay Xai is the beautiful city here you can do trekking, kayaking, city tour, biking. One of the most popular Thing to do in Huay Xai is the Tree House Experience a zip-lining adventure in the canopies of the Nam Kan National Park. It is also very common to take the slow boat to Luang Prabang from here.
Luang Namtha
Welcoming travellers like no other town in northern Laos, Luang Namtha packs a powerful green hit with with many activities like trekking to ethnically diverse villages, and cycling, kayaking and rafting in and around the stunning Nam Ha NPA. Locally there's bags to do before you set out into the surrounding countryside, such as exploring the exotic night market, or grabbing a rental bike and tootling around the gently undulating rice-bowl valleys to waterfalls and temples.
Muang Sing
Bordering Myanmar and within grasp of the green hills of China, Muang Sing is a rural backwater in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Formerly on the once infamous opium trail, it's a sleepy town of wilting, Tai Lü-style houses where trekking has overtaken smuggling contraband. Hmong, Tai Lü, Akha and Tai Dam are all seen here in traditional dress at the old market (arrive at dawn), giving the town a frontier feel.
Oudomxay
Oudomxay in the northwest of Laos has a provincial capital called Muang Xai. It is a mountainous province with borders into China and some peaks as high as 1,800 metres. Oudomxay is noted for its birds including terns, lapwings, cormorants and swan geese. Those who enjoy trekking are not put off by an underdeveloped infrastructure so the number of tourists after adventure on a holiday in Laos is expected to increase.
Phongsaly
No longer Laos, not yet China, Phongsali is a visual feast and is home to some of the nation's most traditional hill tribes. Trekkers might feel that they've walked onto the pages of National Geographic. The lack of other tourists, cool mountain air and stunning surrounding countryside will work their charm on you. With the trekking scene still fairly low-key here, the town is a great place to do an overnight trip to the province’s fascinating hill-tribe villages.
Muang Khua
Pretty little Muang Khua is an inevitable stop when transiting between Laos and Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam, or taking the brown Nam Ou (Ou River) by boat to Nong Khiaw. While not as scenically spectacular nor as developed for the traveller as the latter, Muang Khua, with its pastel-coloured houses, still has oodles of small-town charm, set amid starburst palms where the Nam Ou and Nam Phak (Phak River) meet. The heart of the place is its wet and dry market.
Muang Ngoi
Muang Ngoi, also known as Muang Ngoi Neua, is located on the Nam Ou (Ou River), just an hour upriver from gateway town Nong Kiaow. While Nong Kiaow tries to please the masses with a mix of low to higher end accommodation, Muang Ngoi attracts backpackers with its bungalows and hammocks set along a stunning mountainous stretch of the Nam Ou. Relaxation and appreciating the view is the chief concern and once you bore of swinging in the hammock, there’s hikes to rural villages, lovely pastoral scenes, caves...
Nong Khiaw
Resting at the foot of a striking red-faced cliff, amid towering blue-green limestone escarpments, the dusty town of NONG KHIAW on the banks of the Nam Ou River lies smack in the middle of some of the most dramatic scenery in Indochina. The relatively slow advent of tourism here has allowed it to retain its village-like charm; it’s a great place to lose a few days, preferably watching the river from your own private balcony.
Nam Et-Phou Louey NP
Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park (NP) is located in the north-east of Lao PDR. With an area of 410,720 ha, it is the largest of Laos’ NPs, covering seven districts and three provinces (Houaphan, Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang provinces). Mostly hilly or mountainous, it is the source of many rivers. It is named after its two main features, the Nern and Et Rivers and Phou Louey Mountain (“Forever Mountain”). The area has primary forest remaining in many areas, a high level of biodiversity, and a number of endangered species including tiger, gaur, Sambar deer, and white-cheeked gibbon.
Xieng Khuang.
Xieng Khouang is home to the Plain of Jars, the prehistoric stone megaliths which attracts thousands of tourists to the province each year. The area is of significant archaeological importance on account also of the standing stones in nearby Houaphanh Province.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang awakens your imagination with its combination of world-class comfort and spiritual nourishment. Sitting at the sacred confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan (Khan River), nowhere else can lay claim to this Unesco-protected gem's romance of 33 gilded wats, saffron-clad monks, faded Indochinese villas and exquisite fusion cuisine. Beyond the evident history and heritage of the old French town are aquamarine waterfalls, top trekking opportunities, meandering mountain-bike trails, kayaking trips, river cruises and outstanding natural beauty, the whole ensemble encircled by hazy green mountains.
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Check below our detailed tips & guide for every places to visit in Laos, recommendation regarding the inclusion in each theme you prefer, and what you can do based on the time frame you have.
Either are you wondering about best time to visit, visa policy, or how to get the cheapest flight, we have your back!
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Cruising the Mekong River: A Journey of Scenic Beauty and Cultural Delights
Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River.
Xe Champhone Loop - the hidden beauty of central Laos
Despite being open to tourism for the past two decades, Laos remains a destination brimming with hidden treasures and unexplored gems, awaiting the arrival of curious adventurers.
Among these remarkable places is the Xe Champhone Loop, an enchanting location that captures the essence of Laos.
In early September 2022, we had the privilege of embarking on an Educational Tour organized by the esteemed Tetraktys Organization. Our objective was to delve into the wonders of this loop and promote its allure to international tourists.
During our expedition, we were awe-struck by the captivating sights and valuable insights we gained. The area boasts an abundance of captivating natural landscapes, rich traditional culture, and warm-hearted hosts.
We have compiled comprehensive information about this captivating region below.
Stay connected to discover more about this hidden gem!
All aboard! High-speed train offers compelling new way to travel through Laos
The romance of train travel is alive and well in Laos. The recently-completed high-speed railway that stretches from Vientiane, through Laos, and into southern China is operating ‘full steam’ ahead.
Luang Prabang Holds First Boat Racing Festival After Years of Covid-19
Luang Prabang will celebrate the boat racing festival (Boun Souang Heua) in Namkhan River during Buddhist Lent Period, on August 26th, 2022.
A notice issued by Luang Prabang provincial office says that Luang Prabang will arrange Boun Hor Khaopadapdin, an annual festival held to feed spirits with home-made parcels of food, and the boat racing activities along Namkhan River.
The province intends to promote the traditional festival and practices in hopes of attracting more domestic and foreign tourists, generating revenue for locals.
Traditional racing boats are made of a single tree and can accommodate up to fifty rowers.
The boats are considered sacred, are cleaned, and are given offerings which are believed to bring victory to the team.
In the downtown heart of Luang Prabang, there will also be gatherings and markets.
The festival will be held on August 26th, 2022, the same day with Boun Khao Padapdine.
Covid-19 put a stop to traditional customs and festivals for almost three years, but now that the measurements have been relaxed, tourist destinations in Laos expect to recommence festivities and offer hope for travelers.
How many days do you need and how to plan the best itinerary in Laos?
How long to spend in Laos may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out.
How long can you stay in Laos?
Well, as long as you like! From 7 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Laos and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Laos is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Laos with its neighbor countries.
Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Laos.
Boun Bang Fai - Rocket Festival in Thailand and Laos
The Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai) is a merit-making ceremony traditionally practiced by ethnic Lao people near the beginning of the wet season in numerous villages and municipalities, in the regions of Northeastern Thailand and Laos. Celebrations typically include preliminary music and dance performances, competitive processions of floats, dancers and musicians on the second day, and culminating on the third day in competitive firings of home-made rockets. Local participants and sponsors use the occasion to enhance their social prestige, as is customary in traditional Buddhist folk festivals throughout Southeast Asia.
The festival in Thailand also includes special programs and specific local patterns like Bung Fai (Parade dance) and a Beautiful Bung Fai float such as Yasothon the third weekend of May, and continues Suwannaphum District, Roi Et on the first weekend of June, Phanom Phrai District Roi Et during the full moon of the seventh month in Lunar year's calendar each year. The Bung Fai festival is not only found in Isan or Northeasthern Thailand and North Thailand and Laos, but also in Amphoe Sukhirin, Narathiwat.
This route is part of our Laos Adventure tour collection. The journey throughout Laos, from river to river, from mountain to mountain. The journey of culture experience, nature exploration, and happiness of Laos from North to South.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang awakens your imagination with its combination of world-class comfort and spiritual nourishment. Sitting at the sacred confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan (Khan River), nowhere else can lay claim to this Unesco-protected gem's romance of 33 gilded wats, saffron-clad monks, faded Indochinese villas and exquisite fusion cuisine. Beyond the evident history and heritage of the old French town are aquamarine waterfalls, top trekking opportunities, meandering mountain-bike trails, kayaking trips, river cruises and outstanding natural beauty, the whole ensemble encircled by hazy green mountains.
Here is our Luang Prabang travel guide
Pakbeng
Pakbeng is a very small town upriver of Luang Prabang at the junction of the Mekong and its smaller tributary the Beng River. It is a good place for an overnight stop on the boat trip from Luang Phabang to Houei Xai. It also offers eco- tours to the nearby tribal villages.
Oudomxay
Oudomxay in the northwest of Laos has a provincial capital called Muang Xai. It is a mountainous province with borders into China and some peaks as high as 1,800 metres. Oudomxay is noted for its birds including terns, lapwings, cormorants and swan geese. Those who enjoy trekking are not put off by an underdeveloped infrastructure so the number of tourists after adventure on a holiday in Laos is expected to increase.
Muang Khua
Pretty little Muang Khua is an inevitable stop when transiting between Laos and Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam, or taking the brown Nam Ou (Ou River) by boat to Nong Khiaw. While not as scenically spectacular nor as developed for the traveller as the latter, Muang Khua, with its pastel-coloured houses, still has oodles of small-town charm, set amid starburst palms where the Nam Ou and Nam Phak (Phak River) meet. The heart of the place is its wet and dry market.
Muang Ngoi
Muang Ngoi, also known as Muang Ngoi Neua, is located on the Nam Ou (Ou River), just an hour upriver from gateway town Nong Kiaow. While Nong Kiaow tries to please the masses with a mix of low to higher end accommodation, Muang Ngoi attracts backpackers with its bungalows and hammocks set along a stunning mountainous stretch of the Nam Ou. Relaxation and appreciating the view is the chief concern and once you bore of swinging in the hammock, there’s hikes to rural villages, lovely pastoral scenes, caves...
Nong Khiaw
Resting at the foot of a striking red-faced cliff, amid towering blue-green limestone escarpments, the dusty town of NONG KHIAW on the banks of the Nam Ou River lies smack in the middle of some of the most dramatic scenery in Indochina. The relatively slow advent of tourism here has allowed it to retain its village-like charm; it’s a great place to lose a few days, preferably watching the river from your own private balcony.
Xieng Khuang
Xieng Khouang is home to the Plain of Jars, the prehistoric stone megaliths which attracts thousands of tourists to the province each year. The area is of significant archaeological importance on account also of the standing stones in nearby Houaphanh Province.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is now a calm oasis for enjoying nature, jungle hikes, and lazy days cooling off in the river. If you’re seeking outdoor adventure, explore the area’s cave system, kayaking Nam Song’s rapids, climb Pha Poak Mountain at sunset, or drive an ATV on the backcountry roads. When it’s time to cool off, take a refreshing plunge in the Blue Lagoon.
Vientiane
From its sleepy tuk-tuk drivers to its location on the right bank of the lumbering, lazy Mekong, this former French trading post is languid to say the least. For the traveller happy with a couple of low-key sights and lots of contemplative river watching while sipping on Beerlao, or hopping from cafe to cafe, Vientiane excels. And best of all, these pleasures are available to all budgets, be it via the city's low-cost digs and street markets, or its upscale boutique accommodation and foreign restaurants.
Thakhek
Thakhek, capital of Khammouane province, is gradually gaining popularity as the best base to explore the nearby Mahaxai Caves and karst formations, and the massive Khammouane Limestone NBCA. It is also an entry point into Laos from Nakhon Phanom in Thailand, as well as being a good place to break the long journey down Route 13 to Savannakhet.
Savannakhet
Savannakhet is Laos’s third-largest city after Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and the surrounding area that makes up Savannakhet province, stretching from the Mekong River to the Annamite Mountains, is Laos’s most populous region. The city is also southern Laos’s most visited provincial capital, its popularity with travellers due in part to its central location on the overland route between Vientiane and Pakse and between Thailand and Vietnam, the two countries linked to each other by a 240km-long road carved by the French. Aside from being an important junction, Savannakhet also possesses very impressive architecture, and is a major staging post for jungle treks and cycling tours.
Pakse
Pakse, or Pakxe, is a city in Southern Laos. It’s the capital of the province Champasak and Laos’ second most populous city. Pakse is the perfect hub for your Southern Laos travels. It’s a charming and peaceful city surrounded by beautiful nature. Pakse means mouth of the river, and its located next to the Mekong and Sedone rivers. We recommend staying at least two days in Pakse, to enjoy everything it has to offer and to enjoy the laid-back Lao culture.
Bolaven
Located in the crater of an ancient volcano, the Bolaven Plateau in Southern Laos rises to heights of over 1300 meters. Famous for excellent coffee and amazing waterfalls, the plateau makes a great day-trip from Pakse. Given the cooler temperatures on the plateau, spending a night or two there might not be such a bad idea either.
Champasak
These days Champasak is a somnolent place. Scattered French colonial-era buildings share space with traditional Lao wooden stilt houses, and the few vehicles that venture down the narrow main street share it with chickens and cows. With a surprisingly good range of accommodation and several attractions in the vicinity – most notably the Angkor-period ruins of Wat Phu Champasak – it's easy to see why many visitors to the region prefer staying in Champasak. Just about everything in Champasak is spread along the riverside road, both sides of the fountain circle.
4000 Islands
Don't merely think about 4000 Islands as a collection of 'islands' - in fact, some aren't even islands as we might think of them. Instead, think of it as a riverine network that carries you on a journey - a journey taking in extreme natural beauty, deeply embedded traditions, vibrant cultures, opportunities for some exhilarating activities and hidden corners in which you can simply kick-back and pause - even fleetingly - the pace of Western life.
Exploring the magical northern Laos on feet. Meeting plenty of colorful hill tribe villages. Immerging into the evergreen nature of Laos. Finding yourself in the most remote areas. Fulfilling your life of adventure. Love trekking Laos? this tour is for you!
Huay Xay
Huay Xai is a small city located in the north of Laos, which lies on the East of the Mekong River, overlooking Thailand on the West. Huay Xai is the beautiful city here you can do trekking, kayaking, city tour, biking. One of the most popular Thing to do in Huay Xai is the Tree House Experience a zip-lining adventure in the canopies of the Nam Kan National Park. It is also very common to take the slow boat to Luang Prabang from here.
Luang Namtha
Welcoming travellers like no other town in northern Laos, Luang Namtha packs a powerful green hit with with many activities like trekking to ethnically diverse villages, and cycling, kayaking and rafting in and around the stunning Nam Ha NPA. Locally there's bags to do before you set out into the surrounding countryside, such as exploring the exotic night market, or grabbing a rental bike and tootling around the gently undulating rice-bowl valleys to waterfalls and temples.
Muang Sing
Bordering Myanmar and within grasp of the green hills of China, Muang Sing is a rural backwater in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Formerly on the once infamous opium trail, it's a sleepy town of wilting, Tai Lü-style houses where trekking has overtaken smuggling contraband. Hmong, Tai Lü, Akha and Tai Dam are all seen here in traditional dress at the old market (arrive at dawn), giving the town a frontier feel.
Oudomxay
Oudomxay in the northwest of Laos has a provincial capital called Muang Xai. It is a mountainous province with borders into China and some peaks as high as 1,800 metres. Oudomxay is noted for its birds including terns, lapwings, cormorants and swan geese. Those who enjoy trekking are not put off by an underdeveloped infrastructure so the number of tourists after adventure on a holiday in Laos is expected to increase.
Phongsaly
No longer Laos, not yet China, Phongsali is a visual feast and is home to some of the nation's most traditional hill tribes. Trekkers might feel that they've walked onto the pages of National Geographic. The lack of other tourists, cool mountain air and stunning surrounding countryside will work their charm on you. With the trekking scene still fairly low-key here, the town is a great place to do an overnight trip to the province’s fascinating hill-tribe villages.
Muang Khua
Pretty little Muang Khua is an inevitable stop when transiting between Laos and Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam, or taking the brown Nam Ou (Ou River) by boat to Nong Khiaw. While not as scenically spectacular nor as developed for the traveller as the latter, Muang Khua, with its pastel-coloured houses, still has oodles of small-town charm, set amid starburst palms where the Nam Ou and Nam Phak (Phak River) meet. The heart of the place is its wet and dry market.
Muang Ngoi
Muang Ngoi, also known as Muang Ngoi Neua, is located on the Nam Ou (Ou River), just an hour upriver from gateway town Nong Kiaow. While Nong Kiaow tries to please the masses with a mix of low to higher end accommodation, Muang Ngoi attracts backpackers with its bungalows and hammocks set along a stunning mountainous stretch of the Nam Ou. Relaxation and appreciating the view is the chief concern and once you bore of swinging in the hammock, there’s hikes to rural villages, lovely pastoral scenes, caves...
Nong Khiaw
Resting at the foot of a striking red-faced cliff, amid towering blue-green limestone escarpments, the dusty town of NONG KHIAW on the banks of the Nam Ou River lies smack in the middle of some of the most dramatic scenery in Indochina. The relatively slow advent of tourism here has allowed it to retain its village-like charm; it’s a great place to lose a few days, preferably watching the river from your own private balcony.
Nam Et-Phou Louey NP
Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park (NP) is located in the north-east of Lao PDR. With an area of 410,720 ha, it is the largest of Laos’ NPs, covering seven districts and three provinces (Houaphan, Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang provinces). Mostly hilly or mountainous, it is the source of many rivers. It is named after its two main features, the Nern and Et Rivers and Phou Louey Mountain (“Forever Mountain”). The area has primary forest remaining in many areas, a high level of biodiversity, and a number of endangered species including tiger, gaur, Sambar deer, and white-cheeked gibbon.
Xieng Khuang.
Xieng Khouang is home to the Plain of Jars, the prehistoric stone megaliths which attracts thousands of tourists to the province each year. The area is of significant archaeological importance on account also of the standing stones in nearby Houaphanh Province.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang awakens your imagination with its combination of world-class comfort and spiritual nourishment. Sitting at the sacred confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan (Khan River), nowhere else can lay claim to this Unesco-protected gem's romance of 33 gilded wats, saffron-clad monks, faded Indochinese villas and exquisite fusion cuisine. Beyond the evident history and heritage of the old French town are aquamarine waterfalls, top trekking opportunities, meandering mountain-bike trails, kayaking trips, river cruises and outstanding natural beauty, the whole ensemble encircled by hazy green mountains.
